OUT OF THE BOX

  “Desire” is a morally neutral and innocent term. However, a desire that is strong, ungodly, and evil is called “lust.” Most people associate lust with sex, but it can refer to strong desire for anything. This post is written to encourage Christians to be alert and aware of the enemy’s schemes, especially in the area of temptation. Ephesians 4: 22.  Lusts are deceitful. They lie to you. Whenever you face temptation, you must remember that you are being lied to. The alluring and attractive bait hides a trap or noose that will seize and destroy you. The photo is not of some science fiction Hollywood creation but is an actual angler fish. The anglerfish is a deep-sea fish. It lures its prey with a glowing appendage that looks and wiggles like a worm. A passing fish will be enticed by the lure, thinking he is about to have dinner, but soon finds he is the dinner. The victim wants what he sees, but steps into something he did not see…and did not want. The writer of Proverbs warns ...

  “To Esau I gave the mountains of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt.” Joshua 24 : 4 If you were Esau you might think God loved you more since you were moving “up” the mountain (to your inheritance). If you were Jacob you might question why God was sending you “down” to Egypt (suffering, waiting, and hardship) rather than directly to your inheritance. The truth is the Lord was not pleased with Esau, and the Lord had a special plan for Jacob (Israel) and his descendants. That special plan required special attention and preparation. We often misinterpret God’s special attention and preparation in our lives. I was observing a roofing crew at work on a phone company facility that houses equipment that runs the phone system for the surrounding region. Because of the crucial nature of the equipment in this facility and the absolute need to insure no interruption of the phone service to customers, the contractor was required to have a man (the “spotter”) stand...

Dear Friends There are two principles that help the believer walk in faith and show mercy during relational difficulties. The first principle is that God has appointed delegated authorities (both in church and in civil government) to deal with offences . It's easier for a person to forgive an offender when the ecclesiastical or civil authorities are functioning in order and meting out judgment properly. The second principle is that God is the Righteous Judge. Ultimately no one gets by with anything, and everyone must give an account to God both in this life and when they die. This article should encourage those of you who are impatient with God’s timing in how He deals with people and who feel the delegated authorities (whether civil or ecclesiastical) have failed to do their job. ---Billy Long   God is the Righteous Judge. Christians often have difficulty with the fact that God seems to delay in punishing those who hurt and offend us. We are glad for Him to be patient and merciful...