Tuesday, November 7, 2017

BENJI
 In the late 1730’s, small bands of men and women were gathering to encourage and counsel one another, and John Wesley noted this about them: “They wanted to pour out their hearts without reserve, particularly with regard to the sin which still easily beset them, and the temptations that were most apt to prevail over them.” We may throw around that we are tempted by this or that, but I fear we miss the gravity of it, and to paraphrase the words of Inigo Montoya, I don’t think that means what WE think it means. It is more than just an impulse, it is our selfish desire to do wrong, but 1 Cor 10:13 offers encouragement, it says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” So, seek strength in God’s word, find freedom in God’s presence, and rest in God’s peace.