I want to talk with you all about the difference between being tempted and being tested. You know, it’s like what we see in James 1:13, where it tells us plainly, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one." That's a game changer, isn’t it? It shows us clearly that God’s in the business of testing us, not tempting us.

Now, let's break it down. Temptation — that's the enemy's playground. He throws these curveballs at us, hoping we'll swing and miss. It's all about pulling us away from our faith, from the path God has set for us. The devil? He knows where we're weak, and he hits us where it hurts, trying to trip us up, to bring us down. But here's the kicker — we have the power to stand firm against these temptations. God's equipped us with His Word, His Spirit, and a community of faith that has our back.

On the flip side, when God tests us, it's a whole different ball game. He's not out to get us; He's out to grow us. Think of it like spiritual training. Every test is an opportunity to level up in our faith, to come out stronger, more resilient. It's about refining us, making us more like Jesus, ready and equipped for whatever comes our way. These tests, they're a sign of His love, His commitment to making us the best version of ourselves.

So, family, as we face life's challenges, let's keep this in mind: Temptations are the enemy's way of trying to break us down, but God's tests — they're His way of building us up. Let's lean into that; let's embrace the tests with open arms, knowing they're all about making us stronger in Him. And when temptation comes knocking? We stand firm, we fight the good fight, and we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Together, with God on our side, we're unstoppable. Let's do this, Legacy Church!

Just a thought,

PSS

Breaking strongholds to leave one's old life behind and follow God is a transformative journey that requires deep self-reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to change. Strongholds, often manifesting as deeply ingrained habits, thoughts, or behaviors that keep us from fully embracing God's path, can be formidable barriers to spiritual growth. Overcoming these requires not just recognition of their existence but a sincere desire to lay them at God's feet. This process often begins with prayer, asking for divine guidance and strength to break free from the chains of the past. It's about opening one’s heart to God’s transformative power, allowing His grace to renew one’s mind and spirit.

The path to breaking strongholds and following God is also one of community and scripture. Surrounding oneself with a community of faith can provide the support and encouragement needed to navigate this challenging journey. Engaging deeply with scripture offers wisdom and insight, acting as a mirror that reflects both our imperfections and God's perfect love and forgiveness. It is in the context of scripture that people find the strength to confront and dismantle the strongholds in their lives, drawing closer to God with each step. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about striving to align one's life more closely with God's will, acknowledging that we are works in progress, dependent on God's grace.

Ultimately, leaving one's old life behind and following God is an act of surrender and faith. It involves trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when the path is unclear. This journey is marked by moments of vulnerability, where letting go of control and allowing God to lead becomes the source of true strength and freedom. As strongholds break and fall away, what emerges is a life transformed by God's love, a testament to the power of faith to change us from the inside out. This transformation is not instantaneous but a continual process of growth and renewal, where each day offers a new opportunity to live more fully in the light of God's grace.

Ephesians 4:21-24

Just a thought,

PSS

We live in a world where we have so many options.

Choices:

If you want a soda, does that mean Coke, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Sprite, etc.? If you want a restaurant, do you want steak, Italian food, Mexican food, Chinese food, etc.?  It’s the same thing with buying shoes or clothes. We are presented with so many options that at times it is difficult to make a decision.

Indecision:

Indecision means: the inability to make decisions quickly : a wavering between two or more possible courses of action.

Indecision is paralyzing, and our decisions do determine our destiny. So, we had better make the right ones. There is so much pressure that every decision seems to be life or death. It’s just not true. Sure, some decisions are more important than others, and we won’t get them all right. When we blow it, we are to learn from it and grow. But we have to make decisions every day, and the worst place, most frustrating place, to be is in the place of indecision.

Decision:

So, what are we to do? Firstly, let’s realize as Christians we have the word of God to help lead and guide us, to go to for direction. It is our map to lead us to the right path. It will help us make decisions. Secondly, don’t attempt to make a lot of decisions at once. Deal with one thing at a time and begin limiting your options. This will help you make decisions.

Along with the Bible, believing it enough to do it, act on it, will always be the best guide in making sound decisions — decisions that will bless us.

Just a thought,

PSS

In the profound journey of faith, one of the foundational beliefs that deeply enrich our understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life is the biblical assertion that we are made in the image of God. This concept is far more than a mere religious statement; it's a declaration of our inherent value and dignity. Genesis 1:27 tells us, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This passage illuminates the extraordinary worth placed upon us, indicating that our resemblance to God transcends the physical, touching on our capacity for love, moral discernment, creativity, and relationship-building. It's this spiritual likeness to our Creator that distinguishes us within the entirety of creation.

Understanding that we bear God's image is both elevating and challenging. It invites us to live lives that reflect the nobility of this divine attribution. This perspective encourages us to conduct ourselves with integrity, extend unconditional love, and serve others with a spirit of humility. When we grasp the magnitude of our value in God's eyes, it profoundly transforms our self-view and the manner in which we engage with those around us. Every person bears this sacred imprint, compelling us to treat each other with the utmost respect, compassion, and kindness, in acknowledgment of the God-given dignity inherent in every individual.

Moreover, recognizing ourselves as made in God's image has a profound effect on our spiritual journey. A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This insight reveals that understanding our creation in God's likeness should draw us nearer to Him, encouraging a vibrant and personal relationship. It challenges us to reflect God's character through our actions, attitudes, and ambitions. In a world fraught with challenges and distractions, the awareness that we are made in the image of God anchors our identity and purpose. It reminds us that our calling is to be beacons of light in the darkness, mirroring the love and truth of our Creator in all that we do.

Just a thought,

PSS