What's your testimony?

From time to time I find a deeply insightful article like this one from the Christian Post. I had never thought of the effect ones personal testimony would have on a non-believer or a "young" Christian.

 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1Co 10:13 ESV)

Once we give this some thought, how often does anyone ever accept Jesus and then never again feel tempted by sin? Anyone that is honest about their Spiritual condition will admit that temptation never truly ceases. Sometimes we may even experience a greater degree of temptation as Satan attacks us, tempting us to turn our backs on Christ and do things that we know to be wrong. 

Even though some people are not as susceptible to some of their previous sins/addictions such as alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, theft, lying etc. to state that they NEVER feel tempted by anything may not be accurate. If it is the case that they are no longer tempted by their prior addictions, it may be necessary to add a disclaimer... "Although I still battle with other temptations, I no longer crave alcohol etc." Also, others who have overcome addiction through Christ, but still struggle with the temptation of their previous/habitual sins should share their testimony. If a young Christian, or a non-believer that is on the fence thinks that being a Christian is easy, and care free, they will be extremely disappointed. This could lead to backsliding, and or the feeling of being mislead. When witnessing, always be 110% honest, and upfront. Let them know that just because they may fight with the sinful desires of the flesh, their is always an alternative... Jesus Christ! They are not alone, they have the Lord, and other believers to give them strength and comfort.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph 6:13 ESV) (emphasis added by author.)

We are no longer of this World, so we can resist sin through the strength we have in Christ.

Walking with Christ is anything but easy, especially while trying to survive in this depraved world. Often times, we feel as if we are outsiders, that we don't fit in to the "worldly" culture that we are surround by. That's because we don't! As Jesus said:

 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19 ESV)

Censorship on the Web?

First Amendment (Bill of Rights)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Have you ever been the victim of internet censorship? With social media, blogs, and content sites there are a plethora of locations to publish your work. Have you ever fallen victim to a site administrator that finds your content offensive? Did they say that your writing was:

• Offensive to a particular race, lifestyle or religious practice.
• Hate speech.
• A personal attack.
• Vulgar/obscene.
• Inappropriate commercial purposes. 
• Copyright infringement.

Was their complaint justified, or was it simply a lack of humor on their part? Grant it, that copyright infringement and other blatantly illegal activities should be squelched, the outcome is generally determined by the Spirit in which it is performed.  The most dangerous part about censorship is, that once it begins, where does it end? In most oppressive cultures it began gradually, then snowballed into a full blown loss of freedom .  Please leave a comment below. 

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
(2Co 3:17 KJV)

Have you ever wanted to give up?

     Everyone hits rough spots in life. You begin to feel beat down, bummed out and down right bad. Nothing is going right, and not only is it not going right, but it continues to deteriorate. I've been there. It's not pretty, and it's anything but easy. Most of the time it is a case of everything "ganging up" on you. It's not one or two unfortunate situations, but a whole conflagration of trouble from multiple directions.
     Then it hits you, your tired, wore out, and exhausted. You don't have to stay down. Each and everyone of us goes through this from time to time (if your honest with yourself), but we have hope. We have Jesus Christ!
      Now if you ever think that you have it bad, think about the Apostle Paul. He was under stress from being a leader in the church, as well as having suffered numerous persecutions:

  Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
(2Co 11:23-30 ESV)

Yet, Paul did not allow this to discourage him. He repeatedly turned to Christ for focus and comfort. At the end of his life, while awaiting execution in a Roman prison, Paul composed his final epistle. Writing to Timothy, Paul briefly reflected on his hardships, and the fact that he was able to pull through them in order to serve God till the end.  We also have that strength available to us, all we must do is ask in genuine prayer. God has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us, but we must listen, and humble ourselves to the Lord. Often times I find that I thrash around like an animal with my head in a trap, not allowing the God of creation the opportunity to set me free from my agony.

Do you struggle with frustration, fatigue, exhaustion or a feeling of failure? Please leave a comment below, or a prayer request.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(Rom 8:28 ESV)