WFA.org

Every Christian will experience occasional moments of doubt. Perhaps you've prayed about a problem, but the solution falls through. Maybe you've obeyed God, but your situation worsens. Or a criticism might make you question your ability to carry out His plan.

However, when doubts linger, they can affect your relationship with God in a variety of ways:

Doubt affects our peace with God. Believers are to live by faith, which is the only way to please God. Doubt short-circuits faith and causes insecurity.

Doubt affects our prayer life with God. Our prayers become ineffective when we fail to trust God. The impossible becomes possible only for those who believe God and don't doubt.

Doubt affects our programs for God. The Lord asks Christians to do God-sized tasks. But He doesn't leave us to our own devices. He promises the Holy Spirit will empower us to fulfill His plan. When we doubt, we'll either fail to answer God's call or stop halfway through.

Doubt affects our provisions from God. It produces discouragement, which crowds out our confidence and hope in the Lord. James 1:6-8 says, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Doubts come from a variety of sources. These include unconfessed sin, lingering guilt, continued disobedience, misplaced focus or ignorance of the truths of Scripture.

When doubts surface follow these simple steps:

First, realize which part of your thinking is causing you not to trust God!

Second, recall a time when He faithfully carried you through a trial!

Third, remember God's promises or attributes that point the way back to faith!

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 10.31. Live for God, on purpose, trusting Him all the days of your life.

Tricked, Trapped and Taken

If you are a mouse, then a piece of cheese is a very tempting thing! It may be due to its smell or its taste, but cheese is so attractive that a mouse will venture outside its safety zone just to nibble at it. Although cheese would normally be a mouse's tasty treat, in this situation its purpose is to make the mouse vulnerable and ready to be taken captive.

Of course, we are far more intelligent and savvy than a common mouse. Or, are we?

It may not be cheese for you – but there are certainly many things that would be quite tempting for you. And, the enemy of your soul is only too willing to provide that "cheese" for you! And, if you take him up on the offer, you will find yourself taken by his deadly schemes.

Jesus warns us about this very thing. In Luke 21:34-36 (NLT), He tells us, "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap... Keep alert at all times."

In order to be alert, you need to be aware of the things that can disarm and ensnare you. This Sunday at WFA, our message will help you identify what those things are, and discover how you can avoid being "Tricked, Trapped and Taken!" Don't miss this life-changing message!

Slowly, But Surely, Submerged

by Ron Hutchcraft

There's this one restaurant in our area that offers more than food – it offers some unique live entertainment – at this one table. See, it's pretty much in the center of the restaurant where everyone can see. Several unsuspecting diners are sitting at this round table, just minding their own business, eating their meal – as the table starts to rise very, very slowly. So slowly that no one seems to even notice that their food is getting closer to their mouth and that their fork is making a shorter and shorter trip each time. The last time we were there, the diners were chattering and eating away as the table rose nearly to eye level. And then, and only then, did someone begin to realize that they were having to lower their fork to get the food in their mouth!

It's amazing but true – when a change is gradual, you hardly even notice. Until it's up to your eyes! Satan, who is God's enemy and your enemy, is counting on that being true in your life. He knows you won't fall for a blatant temptation to do something obviously sinful. Well, that's OK with him. For now, he'll settle for just a small, seemingly harmless, step in that direction. Because he knows that step will lead to another, and another – and ultimately to spiritual disaster you can't even imagine now. He'll destroy you by erosion, not explosion.

I love the way the Bible includes real-life stories that help us picture a concept we might otherwise miss. When it comes to the slow but sure takeover of sin and its consequences, the story of Samson just about says it all. Here is a man specially called and gifted by God with personal magnetism, supernatural strength, and spiritual leadership. This man feared by the Jews‘ bitter enemies, the Philistines, ends up as their blind and helpless slave, pushing a grinding wheel in prison. Did this happen suddenly? Well, of course not. Samson wouldn't have fallen for that. It happened one little compromise at a time. Just like the devil is planning to have it happen to you.

According to the Book of Judges, Samson's weakness was women. So, he sees a pagan Philistine woman who looks good to him and he proceeds to marry her – out of God's bounds. When the Philistines want information from Samson, they convince his wife to coax him into telling. The Bible says, "She threw herself on him, sobbing" and he "finally told her." Well, Samson's next woman is a prostitute, and he's almost trapped by the Philistines while he's with her. Then along comes another Philistine woman named Delilah. They bribe her to find out what the secret of Samson's strength is, which is his hair. Three attempts fail, but the Bible says, "With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death" (Judges 16:16). He tells her his secret, he loses his source of strength, and the Philistines have him.

Now our word for today from the Word of God in James 1:15 – "After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." Sin will always kill, so stop when it's small. Maybe you've been falling for Satan's slow but sure seduction. "Just a little"..."just this once"..."everybody else is"..."it's not that bad"..."you deserve it"..."you need it"..."no one will know." One little compromise – to start taking you where you think you will never end up.

You've got to stop that killer strategy with the first look, the first date, the first lie, the first flirtation, the first thoughts of divorce, the first detour from God's Word. This is going to take you where you don't want to go – unless you stop it now. Before today's compromise gives birth to tomorrow's tragedy, run from it.

Neither Poverty Nor Riches

Linda was on vacation, playing the slot machines. It was her first time in a casino, and she wasn't sure how the machines operated.

"Excuse me," she said to a casino employee. "How does this work?" The worker showed her how to insert a bill, hit the spin button, and operate the release handle.

"And where does the money come out?" she asked.

He smiled and motioned to a far wall before saying, "Usually at the ATM [Automatic Teller Machine]."

That's the trouble with gambling and other "get rich quick" schemes. There's only one person getting rich, and it's not you! The lure is strong, though. The temptation to come away with that big jackpot, to go home with your pockets full without putting forth much effort. It's easy to see that Paul was right when he said, "Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare" (1 Timothy 6:9a).

Considering the constant temptation of money, it's not surprising that Jesus had much to say about the subject. It is significant, though, that Jesus didn't talk as much about what to do with our money as he talked about the right kind of attitude we ought to have toward it.

Solomon, in his pearls of wisdom contained in Proverbs, also had much to say about our attitude toward wealth. One of my favorite verses on the subject is this one:

"Give me neither poverty nor riches – Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:8b-9).

May you be sufficiently blessed. But may your riches (or your desire for them) never diminish your sense of need for God.

The Twenty Cans of Success

Christian author Neil Anderson wrote a list he called The Twenty Cans of Success. These are based on what the NT says is true of Christians. These are promises, claimed by believers through the centuries. Allow God to speak to you through these assurances.

1. Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?

2. Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?

3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?

4. Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that God as allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?

5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?

6. Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

8. Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?

9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?

10. Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?

13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?

14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)?

15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

16. Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

17. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?

18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?

19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

Slowing Down for a Moment

Did you know that a study was presented to the USA Congress back in the 1960s that said we would become so technologically sophisticated before the year 2000 that we would have to work only 5 to 6 hours a day. The "experts" said that the big problem of the 21st century would be what to do with the extra leisure time. Right! Technology has served to speed up our pace of living. Today, most of us are busier than ever!

When was the last time you cherished a moment? When was the last time – you had the time – to simply focus on how you were going to be obedient and responsive to the will and heart of your God? When was the last time you spent time with God as a natural response to the moment – without any outside encouragement or guilt to motivate you?

Right now, I encourage you to tell the Lord your God that you so desire the fullness of His presence in these moments. Here is a guide to help you fill these moments with His presence and the enjoyment of your relationship with Him:

Say, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Thank your Lord that He knows you by name and wants to spend these moments with you. Talk to Him about cultivating an ever-increasing intimacy with Him.

Say, "In Him, I shall lack nothing. The Lord is my provider." Thank your God that He provides all your needs. Ask Him to carry your worries, burdens, and cares.

Say, "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. The Lord is my peace." Thank your God for His attention to the details of life. Tell Him you want to see Him more clearly in the details of your life. Ask your Lord to give you His peace.

Say, "He restores my soul. The Lord is my healer." Thank your God that He understands everything you are experiencing in life. Thank Him for being your healer and restorer. Recall in these moments the times where His restoration gave you life.

Say, "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. The Lord is my righteousness." Thank your Lord for His guidance in your life. Thank Him for the complete acceptance that He has given you as a gift of His mercy and grace. Ask Him for His righteousness to be revealed in your life.

Say, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. You are God who is here." Thank the Lord for His presence that calms every fear. As the book of Hebrews reads, "I will never leave you or forsake you".

Say, "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Thank the Lord for His authority in your life to discipline and correct your. Thank your God that you can never mess up so bad that you would fear punishment by Him.

Say, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The Lord is my banner of victory." Thank the Lord for His strength and protection in your life!

Say, "You anoint me head with oil. My cup overflows." Thank your God for His grace, mercy and favor. Ask Him for the enjoyment of His presence during these moments of quiet.

Why?

I don't know why my brain thinks this way... but there are just certain questions I have. For example:

• Can you cry under water?

• How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

• Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going?

• Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

• Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

• What disease did cured ham actually have?

• How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

• Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

• Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

• Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

• Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

• Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

• Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

• If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

• Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

• If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

• Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

• If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn't he just buy dinner?

• If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

• If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

• Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

• Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

• Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

• Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

The Last Impression

One Sunday morning when I was doing my weekly "children's sermon," I brought a smoke alarm to use during my object lesson. During the message, I asked the children if anyone knew what it meant when an alarm sounded from the smoke detector.

One child immediately raised his hand and said, "It means Daddy's cooking dinner."

You never know what the kids are going to say during my children's sermons! So, you won't want to miss this Sunday when the kids gather ‘round for another message! You want to know a little secret? The truth is, even though the children come forward and I talk to them, it's really a message for everyone, and usually a lead-in to my sermon that day. Looking forward to sharing my children's sermon, and my morning message with you this Sunday here at WFA!