Paul says - BE CAREFUL and BE THANKFUL!! “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” — 1 Cor 10:12-13

Aren’t you THANKFUL that God IS ACTIVELY working in your life?  I am!  Paul says that God WILL NOT ALLOW you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle!!  Satan, the “tempter” (Matthew 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:5) IS CURRENTLY ACTIVE in tempting (1 Corinthians 10:13) according to Paul and would love to tempt you with more than you are able to handle.  He would love to consume you with temptation. Peter shares that satan is ACTIVE in this world and long’s to consume us the way a lion consumes his prey (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Paul affirms GOD’S ACTIVITY in the affairs of our life by ACTIVELY PROVIDING a way of escaping the “tempter’s” tempting.  We must ACTIVELY PRAY to God for strength and deliverance from the evil one (Matthew 6:13) a concept that our Lord personally taught.

God’s power is amazing because He constantly uses it to provide a way for us when we are tempted by satan!

I’m thankful that Our God is a WAY-MAKER!! “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - The Apostle Paul

When we love someone, that relationship helps define who we are. As we reciprocate God’s love for us, for instance, we gain an identity as His people. Furthermore, our love for God enables us to love others. 

The Song of Solomon celebrates both our ability to love our spouse and the beautiful gift from God that is marital love. After all, God designed man and woman to enjoy a divinely created dimension of intimacy. When we experience romantic love as God intended, we find joy. 

Love, for spouse, children, or God is meant to be given completely as well as thoroughly enjoyed. The speakers in these songs are celebrating each other’s love. We see in their song that love is not passive but active and vigorous. 

Love is characterized by action more than affection.  Love also sees others in the best possible way.

How precious it is to be viewed by another through eyes of love! That is how we ought to view our spouse, and that is how God sees us. He looks upon us through forgiving eyes of unfailing love. We too can say, “He is mine, and I am His!”  Song of Solomon 2:16

It’s hard to believe that we are finishing up our 5th month of ministry with Westpark Church of Christ.  We have experienced 5 beautiful months of life, love, and service together with you.  Many of you have shared your table, time, and family with us and for that we are grateful.  You have helped us to feel welcomed here during a difficult but rewarding transition in life.  You have encouraged me personally in preaching, teaching, and ministering.  You have given your support and expressed your appreciation for our desire bless the lives of children through adoption. Thank you for your prayers, partnership and support for us in this passionate pursuit of redeeming love!!

Here’s what I/we have learned about you so far….

1. You have a deep and abiding love for the Lord and His Word.
2. You have expressed love toward those who have visited.
3. You have accepted those who have placed membership with us.
4. You are committed to building a strong church family in Fulshear. And a physical church building!
5. You love to fellowship with one another.
6. You love to have fun together!!

These experiences will become stronger and ultimately help us grow as we move forward to meet our coming Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Early one morning while reading and drinking coffee, the verse Matthew 26: 75 reminded me about "seeing one's true self". “Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.” 

When Jesus his apostles walked to the Mount of Olives, Jesus told them that was the night the Shepherd would be struck down. He also spoke of meeting them in Galilee after the resurrection, but that comment seems muffled by Peter's bold assertion.  With great confidence, Peter announced, “I will never be made to stumble” (Matt 26:33). Jesus calmly reassured his well-intentioned friend that, as a matter of fact, before morning Peter would deny knowing Him, and would do so three times. With even greater conviction, Peter proclaimed, “Even if I have to die with you,  I will not deny you!” (vs 35).

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He understands our natural weakness but also recognizes where we can find strength: in Him and Him alone.  Self-reliance will always get us into trouble, for we simply don’t always have the ability to do what we should. As a result, our limitations are revealed so we must learn to find our strength in God and God alone. As long as our confidence is based on ourselves, we will inevitably fail. Therefore, Our boldness must come from Christ!

Here are 3 Life-Changing Words that could help TRANSFORM our life and the lives of people around us (Titus 2:11-15)!

1.   EXPECTATION (Living above what people expect of us as Christians.)  Living with EXPECTATION is important because God expects us to live self-controlled and spiritual lives. It also helps our family and friends know that we live with a Biblical standards of morality, serve with compassion like Jesus, and exist with a heavenly purpose.  We must live above others’ expectations. 

2.   AMBITION (Choosing to dream big and achieve great things in God's Kingdom).  AMBITION transforms us and our world.  It  is a hope or desire of achievement that requires hard work.  Henry Ward Beecher said, “A man without ambition is like a beautiful worm--it can creep, but it cannot fly.”  From a Spiritual perspective, the apostle Paul says that we need to be “zealous for good works!” He wants us to fly and goes on to say that we need to encourage one another to live lives with healthy ambition.  Living with ambition helps others understand that we have purpose in our lives and that there is more to life than what we experience in this world.  It helps others know that this world is not our home.

3.   ANTICIPATION (Preparing for the life to come with earnest expectation.)  With ANTICIPATION we know there is something more meaningful awaiting us than this life.... A home with God!  We hope for a life better than this sin-sick world filled with death, sickness, disease, brokenness, heartache and separation. We anticipate the day our faith and hope become a reality.  We live in anticipation of the second coming of our Lord when He comes back and calls us home.

Putting these 3 words into action changes us (personality and collectively) for the better!