Temptations can only be thwarted by strong and grounded faith in Jesus Christ

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

Added to the frustration, uncertainty and loss of loved ones during this pandemic, there are those who persist on causing emotional mayhem, family unrest, national distress and financial dilemma by reports conjured and “manufactured in the factory” of lies and distortion. This is not to say that among the threads that make up the fabric, there runs a common thread of truth.

It is said that only 20 percent are performers in most organizations, the other 80 percent are only spectators. They bring nothing to the table or the advancement of the same, but carry what is on the table in their “toter’s” bag.

Biblical history tells us that Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written to the first church that Paul established on European soil, in the Roman province of Macedonia. It was written while the apostle was in prison, and at a time when he was troubled by the opposition of other Christian workers toward himself and was distressed by false teaching in the church at Philippi. Yet, this letter breathes a joy and confidence that can be explained only by Paul’s deep faith in Jesus Christ.

Wow! The temptations that surround us and assail us each and every day can only be thwarted by strong and grounded faith in Jesus Christ. How many of us would be victims instead of victors had it not been for the grace of God; so, it behooves us to walk daily by the savior’s side and be washed in the blood of the lamb.

As I am writing, someone called to tell me of a video of an elderly woman and a wallet someone left in a trolley at one of the local food stores. The temptation to keep the wallet rather than give it to the security man overpowered her, and in her bag it went. How sad. She needs much prayer. May the shame of being exposed be her only punishment.

Our text today calls for a number of whatsoevers – one of which is honesty. We must strive daily to comply. Comply with the virtue of truth, the virtue of honesty, the virtue of justice, the virtue of purity, the virtue of things lovely and godly, and the virtue of good report and reporting. The simplicity and profundity of the word of God.

I share this prayer someone sent me a few years ago – The Knots Prayer. Dear God, Please untie the knots in my mind, my heart and my life. Remove the have nots, the can nots, and do nots that I have in my mind.

Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.

And most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all of the “am nots” that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough. Amen.”

• E-mail haystreet241@gmail.com or rubyanndarling@yahoo.com. Write to P.O. Box 19725 SS Nassau, Bahamas, with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God’s blessings.  

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