Fresh Manna 26 September
MEDITATION SCRIPTURE: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love him.” (Jam.1:12)
READ: JAMES 1:12-15
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The word temptation, as used in the KJV in our focal scripture, is called “TRIAL”: as well as in the AMP Version, and ESV. The MSB Version uses the word Testing. There is a difference between trials and temptation. While temptations are masterminded by Satan to cause you to sin and incur God’s wrath, trials are allowed by God; to test your loyalty to the one you profess to love. In the case of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, it was a trial of his faith (Gen. 22:1). But for king David, staring at the wet, naked body of Bathsheba; it was a temptation. For both temptations and trials, God gives His people grace to overcome and become more than conquerors. Again, from our meditation scripture, you can see that trials are inevitable.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials.” (NIV).
Trials may mean different things to different people. For a widow, trial may mean endeavoring to keep herself pure without defilement; while struggling to raise all her Kids, all by herself. Moses was tried, with the luxuries of remaining in Pharaoh’s house; enjoying all the pleasures of Egypt or to declare his identity as an Israelite, and return to slavery (Heb.11:24-27). For every trial God allows to come your way, there is a greater weight of glory awaiting you, if you overcome. Overcoming your own trials, no matter the shape they take, is your only means of registering your name in God’s record of Heroes of Faith. God said to Abraham, “…. for now I know that thou fearest God…” (Gen.22:12). Every trial you overcome brings joy to Heaven and the cloud of witness, putting Satan to shame.
TURNING POINT: Overcoming your own trials, no matter the shape they take, is your only means of registering your name in God’s record of Heroes of Faith.
PRAYER POINT: LORD, strengthen me to stand and overcome in the hour of trial and temptation.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: SONG 4,5; 2COR. 13
Thank you for studying today’s Fresh Manna (The Christian Pentecostal Mission International Daily Devotional) – Handling Temptation – written by REV. DR. O. EZEKIEL & REV. DR. M. EZEKIEL
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Fresh Manna 26 September 2021
