February 23, 2002
Receiving the Crown of Life
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James 1:12-18 (NIV)
If you are under trial what should you do? Keep on keeping on in Jesus! If you are tempted, what is one to do? In the name and the power of Jesus, overcome that temptation. To keep on keeping on under trial is to receive the crown of life that has been promised us. To keep on keeping on is to love him. To keep on keeping on is to have counted the cost and chosen to follow him, no matter what the cost is. God does not tempt his people. He is not evil and temptation comes from evil. In fact this passage says it is our own evil desires that lead us astray. Are you enticed by evil? Do not give in! To give in is sin, and sin gives death. We are not of death, but rather of life. In this life, we walk and persevere.
God does not change and he is the one who gives us the ability to walk. He is the one who give us every good and perfect gift. God has given birth to you in Jesus, if you have come to accept the salvation that is offered through Jesus and Jesus alone. He gave birth to each believer through his word of truth. There is no lie in truth. If he says to keep on keeping on, then he will give you every good and perfect gift to continue as the overcomers. The overcomers are those who do not fall away. The overcomers are those who keep on keeping on, no matter what comes. The overcomers are those who love the Lord and who receive that crown of life. Do not let the crown of life be kept from you. Be an overcomer!
Father, this day you send to each of us that spirit of the overcomer. Lord, do not let us fall away with our own evil desires and temptations. Lord, in Jesus name overcome this sin nature that is at work in us. Overcome it with the Holy Spirit. Father, for the sake of the name of Jesus, let us be a testimony of your faithfulness in times of trouble. Let us not be guilty of saying we are tempted by God. In Jesus name, you keep us on the right path that leads to you and that will give us that crown of life, amen!
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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