Overcoming Tailormade Temptations. Part [17] 12/26/2023 Evening thought)

2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

[7 LTMS letter 30A par 15] Satan has a thousand masked batteries which will be opened upon the loyal, commandment-keeping people of God to compel them to violate conscience. The followers of Christ must expect to encounter sneers. They will be reviled; their words and their faith will be misrepresented. Coldness and contempt may be harder to endure than martyrdom. With some persons it would require more courage to encounter a laugh than to be thrust through with a sword.

But we must stand steadfastly for the truth, not returning railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Parents will turn harshly against their children who accept unpopular truth. Those who conscientiously serve God will be accused of rebellion. Property that was willed to children or other relatives who believe the present truth will be given into other hands.

Guardians will rob orphans and widows of their just dues. Men will take to themselves property to which they have no right. The words of the apostle will be verified in the near future: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

Overcoming Tailormade Temptations. Part [16] 12/25/2023 Morning thought)

Psalms 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

In David’s case, he most likely knew more Scriptures than me and you, for he wrote portions of the Bible. Knowledge is good, but knowledge without Christ’s power, will only render us informed victims. Let those who are preparing for what is coming, lay the groundwork for victory by spending quality time with God, the only source of our strength. Instead of wasting precious hours on things that are of little or no consequence, let us set aside time to seek Christ while we can for the days of earth’s final conflict are soon approaching.

During earth’s final crisis devils will open their entire arsenal upon the Christian, and tailormade devices, which had been previously put on the back burner, because of God’s restraining power, will now be let loose upon those who choose to be faithful. Many of us are not expecting this, and others have harbored the view that because they trust in Jesus, they will be insulated.

While God promises to take care of the righteous during that awful time, they will not be immune to tailormade temptations that will be leveled against the commandment keeping people of God. And for this reason, persons should manage their expectations prudently, to say the very least. Here’s a preview of what we are referring to.

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!