Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Paul Email -7August2013- Pass the Test

How you doin? God has fired me up to pass the test I face through my day. Bill Johnson and Graham Cooke (separately) spoke of test in our lives recently. Bill gave an analogy of 2 men that were sat at a table for dinner. Both men were in equally heavy financial dire straights. 1 of the 2 men immediately went to the bathroom. During that time the other man saw a $100 bill in between the salt and pepper shakers. The man struggled with the decision to give the generous tip to it's rightful owner. He was tempted to keep the money. He battled with himself internally. He finally passed the test and left the money where it was. The other man returned from the bathroom, saw the $100 bill and immediately called the server over and gave the money over to the rightful owner. He did not battle internally. He was not tempted. They both passed the test, but one of them had to fight against his natural reaction or temptation. Bill went on to talk about James 1:13-15, "When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
I face test all the time. I don't pass nearly enough. Yesterday, I stayed conscientious of the test. I was very much like the 1st man. I battled tremendously with my natural answer to these test. I was tempted. The solution to this problem is staying awake and keeping watch. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) The 1st man passed the test, but was severally tempted. The 2nd man passed the test without temptation. I don't want to be, "dragged away". Yesterday, I was tempted to fail the test. Today, I'm trying to, "watch and pray". COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pass test today.  

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