“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13; KJV). The word temptation in the Greek has the broad meaning of temptation, trial or test. Isn’t it good to know that all of the tests, trials and temptations that come against us are no different from what every other Christian experiences.

So often we can feel that we are the only ones who have a particular problem, but our verse above says that is not so. Our verse goes on to show us that God is faithful and will not allow us to face something we just can’t handle. God says he will provide us with a way out so that we can deal with the things that come against us.

God is faithful, he will always provide the answer. God never changes (Mal 3:6), nothing can ever separate us from his love (Rom 8:38-39). He is always there for us. If we still ourselves before him and get into his word, he will show us the way out. He will speak to us through his word (John 16:13-14) and in that peaceable still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

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When you ask people how they are doing these days they often say they are busy, and consequently tired. It's a common problem. Well, the Bible tells us many times that God is our strength. and if you are feeling tired and weary today let me encourage you with these verses from Isaiah 40:29 and 31 (KJV). "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” I think the key to tapping into these promises is: "waiting on the Lord" and this involves patient waiting in trust and faith (Heb 6:12).

So often we find ourselves caught up in the material goal’s and expectations of the world and we are run ragged trying to attain and keep up in our own strength. Verses 28-30 of chapter 11 in Matthews gospel are very pertinent to the present discussion: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.

Jesus is saying here, humble yourselves, be teachable, do things my way and enjoy my rest, instead of your wearying, frustrating labors. Rest in him, quiet yourself, wait on him, get his plan and run in his strength. Strength is multiplied and goes so much further, when you let God run your show.

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It’s good to read Psalms on a regular basis. Psalm 1 is a good place to start. In Psalm 1 we are told that the man (woman) who is blessed by God is like a tree, prospering, fruitful and with leaves that never fade. In verse 6 it says that: “For Lord knoweth the ways of the righteous” (KJV). Now that all sounds good to me.

Our Psalm 1 contrasts the Godly, blessed man to the ungodly. The contrast is a blunt one. Those who don’t know God: “shall not stand in the judgment” (V5), in fact they will perish (V6). They are not part of the true church of God but will be blown away like chaff (V4-5).

So, what are the characteristics of a Godly man (woman)? The Godly do not walk with the sinner, listen to their advice or associate with them (V1). Now hear is the secret of the righteous person, he delights in God’s word and meditates it (V2; mulls it over in his mind and speaks it) at all times.

If you want all God has for you, to be that tree, there is a work we have to do, that is to delight in and believe God’s word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate therein day a night” (Josh 1:8).   

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God has placed clear order and authority in our lives and it is for our benefit. In the Old Testament there were judges, prophets and kings. Through Moses father in law, Jethro, God created a whole hierarchy of leadership to judge and govern Israel (Ex 18:13-26).

We are commanded to submit to governing authorities and to pray for them (1Tim 2:1) that: “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1Tim 2:2; KJV). This would involve obeying the laws of the land, including traffic speed limits; ouch! Within the church we are also to submit to and obey those who exercise pastoral care in our lives (Heb 13:17); in fact, we are to honor these leaders and make their work easy as they represent God (1Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17).

In the marriage relationship, although there is to be mutual submission (Eph 5:21), the godly husband is to be the head as Christ is head of the church (Eph 5:22-33). Children are to obey their parents: “Children obey your parents……that it may be well with thee” (Eph 6: 1-3).

Order, discipline and submission were not put in place by God to limit us but to ensure our freedom, prosperity and peace. When we do things God’s way, we can enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Try it, I guarantee that it works.

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Try reading Colossians 1:3-11 today. Paul prays for the saints or Christians in the Colossian church. Notice how his first words are positive and full of praise; thanking God for the Colossians, their faith and love. He encourages their focus on their eventual eternal heavenly reward (V.5) (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Paul gives us a glimpse of his approach to and priority for his praying for the Colossians: “praying always for you” (V.3) and: “do not cease to pray for you” (V.9) (KJV).

The crux of the prayer for me is the emphasis on God’s word. In verse 5 he reminds them that their heavenly hope comes from: “the word the truth of the gospel”. He pursues this thought in verse 9 when he prays that the Colossians would be filled with all knowledge, understanding and wisdom of God’s will. This he links to being fruitful in good works (V.10), being strengthened by God’s Holy Spirit power and authority and growing in the good fruit of the Spirit (long suffering, joy) (V. 10-11). (Gal. 5:22-23).

Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would reveal God’s word to us (John 14:26), would enable us to walk in all God’s promises and would flow through us to impact our world (John 7:38). Make Paul’s prayer yours today, allow the Holy Spirit to bring you revelation of God’s word and walk in it by faith.

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Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.