Firstfruits
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.
Don't
be deceived, my dear brothers. 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
Satan
may play roles in our lives, if we let that happen. Just remember, we can
withstand the test. Jesus did, and so can we.
The
devil does not make us sin, just like God does not send us to hell. We chose to
sin, and we chose to send ourselves to hell. It is all about choices.
We
are tempted when we are drawn away from God by our own desires. Just as a fisherman uses bait to lure his prey, so our own evil, with
unchecked desires lead us to give in to temptation.
When
we disobey God by sinning, let’s not shift the blame or justify our actions
with the faulty theory that someone else made us do it. Take full
responsibility for your actions, confess your sins to a gracious and forgiving
Father, and pursue right living again.
We are the firstfruits of God’s
creation.
Our Daily Bread –