Wednesday, September 11, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

The Better Way

James 1:14-15  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

There have been times when I have had to tell my "particular" husband that his way is not the ONLY way to do certain things. I must begrudgingly admit that my husband's way IS generally the better way ... Just don't ever tell him that I am finally admitting to this after almost 40 years of marriage LOL!

Realistically though, no human on this earth responds or performs perfectly each and every day. However, Psalm 18:30 reveals the identity of the One Who can be COMPLETELY trusted to do things the right way at ALL times  - " God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true...."

Regrettably, Judas, one of the disciples, did not believe that Jesus was doing things the right way. Judas believed that his way was far better. When Jesus did not fulfill Judas' expectations, Judas became disheartened...making him an easy target for Satan's ploys.

Judas was convinced that Jesus was Israel's Deliverer. Sadly, upon discovering that Jesus' time on Earth was running out and that Jesus was not going to defeat the Romans in order to establish His earthly kingdom, many commentators agree that Judas allowed his disappointment to lead him to commit the most tragic betrayal of all time. He delivered Jesus into the hands of His enemies to be crucified.

I believe that Judas opened the door to temptation (as today's verse reveals) and allowed that temptation to drag him away from his love for Jesus. He failed to understand that Jesus was obedient in doing things God's way.

I challenge you to always follow God's direction for your life EVEN when things don't go as you planned within YOUR timeframe. Proverbs 3:5-6 provides guidance on how to stay focused on Him "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your assurance of provision for me found in Isaiah 48:17 ".... I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow".  Help me to always see YOUR WAY...the BETTER WAY...of doing things. I am so grateful to You for loving me enough to provide the needed direction to fulfill my destiny in You!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.