Take Your Inventory - 1 Corinthians 10:11-22

I could relate to yesterday's posting. While I never dropped my cell phone into my coffee, I did drop it in the toilet (don't ask). I too am spoiled; I love my gadgets and drool over the possibility of trying out the next fad in electronic devices. On a positive note, I am spoiled by a God who loves me and wants what is best for me; He spoils me so that I won't want to be spoiled by the world.

A Christian 12-Step program, Celebrate Recovery, shows participants how to live life with peace and joy, overcoming temptation. One of the teachings is step 10 which reads: We continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. The Scripture reference for this step is, "So, if you think that you are standing firm be careful that you don't fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)

I have found this step to be most helpful and it ties in with the scripture for today regarding temptation. I have been reminded that temptation is not sin and enduring temptation brings great rewards, as we read in James 1:12.  The secret to resisting temptation is to recognize Satan as the source and turn to God for an escape hatch.

God has given us a way out of every temptation, two of which are, common sense and Christians friends. The thought for today is to take a personal inventory each night – determine where temptation waited for you – take steps to avoid those pitfalls with common sense and Christian friends who will pray for you.

Read todays text at Biblegateway and 1 Corinthians 10:11-22

You can find the 12-Steps as CR teaches by clicking here.

Be Firm in Your Faith - Isaiah 7:1-9

How do we respond when trouble comes our way? Do problems cause fear and doubt?

In today’s text, we are shown Pekah, king of Israel, aligned with King Rezin in a desire to join forces against Judah, fight against Jerusalem, and harm King Ahaz of Judah.

This threat to Judah’s security brought great fear to King Ahaz and his people. Their doubts and fears for the future shook their hearts.

God sends Isaiah with words of encouragement and reassurance for Ahaz. Isaiah tells Ahaz to be careful, stay calm, and not to be afraid. God wants Ahaz to know He is with him, the two invading kings will not succeed, and, further, their kingdoms will not last long.

No matter what our situation looks like, we have hope because God is always with us. God wants the best for us. The more time we spend with Him in prayer and in His Word, the more His will for our lives becomes clear and our faith becomes firmer.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (v 9b) When life gets complicated, we need to be careful not to operate in our own strength. We are not without hope. Let us remain calm, not be afraid, and stand firm in our faith. God is always at work in ways we don’t understand to protect us and bring us safely through our troubles.

God is with us anytime and anyplace. He brings us peace, comfort, and joy. Celebrate the season!

Read today's text on Biblegateway.