What does sinful temptation consist of? James reveals two vital ingredients: first, it is being drawn away from God. Second, it is being enticed by one’s own lust.
No matter what we may tell ourselves, any action, any person, any thing that draws our attention and affections away from God is wrong. It does not matter whether it is a romance or rock star, a family member or a football team — it is wrong to allow anything to come between us and our single-minded pursuit of God’s glory.
This does not mean that we cease to care for or serve others; but it does mean that even our closest relationships and most committed labors must all be grounded in, and flowing out of, our love for Christ. Any other basis for a relationship or commitment is changeable, insecure, and idolatrous.
Notice that is our own lust that draws us away from God. Not every lust (strong passion or desire) is wrong. Jesus and Paul both used this same word to describe their desire for Christian communion and to be with Christ, respectively (Luke 22:15; Philippians 1:23).
Whether the lust is good or bad depends entirely on its adjectives or qualifiers. Is it the lust of men, of the world, of the flesh? Are they our own desires/passions, or did they come from God and issue toward His glory? If they are self-motivated or self-originated then we can rest assured that they are sinful.
Every person is tempted when they are drawn away from God by their own passions or selfish pursuits. Do not be enticed; do not give into temptation.
Gospel musicians Steve and Christie Bradford will be leading the services with Steve Bradford as evangelist.
The Bradfords have been involved with gospel music for over 30 years. They are members of the Southern Gospel Music Guild and the Southern Gospel Music Association. In 2012, they were presented the James Blackwood Lifetime Achievement Award.
The couple lives in Portageville, Missouri where Steve is pastor and minister of music and youth at the First Baptist Church. He was ordained into the gospel ministry by the church. Christie serves as part-time ministerial assistant.
Everyone is welcome to attend these services. The Friendship Baptist Church is located on the North Outer Road in Dexter just west of the Crowley Ridge Nursing Home. For more information call 573-624-6525.
Dexter, Missouri - Westbow Press, a division of Thomas E. Nelson and Zondervan has released local author Betty Lowrey’s book, Forgiven.
Lowrey will be on hand for a book signing at The Loft on East Stoddard St. in downtown Dexter on Sunday, November 23rd from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Her book Forgiven is a Christian fiction book. It is a story of four women, struggling in today’s world. When the winter storm hits, Bitty, Anne, Ellen, and Harriet set out on an adventure. Bitty is the sitter and Anne is Ellen’s friend from class. Harriet is the rich lady next door who has denied their friendship, but sets up residence in Ellen’s home. They find a mix of misunderstandings, hurts of life that all have buried within their heart. It is Ellen’s faith that opens the door of hope. When Ellen’s three year-old is kidnapped the women come together praying to find Ruthie.
Books are available thru Barnes and Noble and Amazon or by calling 573-431-5466. The cost is only $15.00 per book if locally purchased. Please call 573-614-5138.
Follow her on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Dexter, Missouri – “Sweet Slices & Songs” fundraising event will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 24th at 300 p.m. for Dana Lovins.
Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few months ago.
Music will be in the sanctuary with dessert to follow in Wesley Hall. All donations will help to cover medical and travel expenses during her treatment.
First United Methodist Church is located at 501 South Walnut Street in Dexter. Please join her many friends and family as we celebrate and raise money for a wonderful friend.
There costs not covered by insurance are great and every penny counts! Please join us and help our friend!
Dexter, Missouri – The Second Annual Prayer Walk for Dexter Schools was a complete success. Last year Roxanne McGhee believed there was a need to pray for Dexter Public Schools, students, teachers, and administrators.
Her husband, Greg, serves as the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Dexter; however the Prayer Walk is open to anyone and is completely independent of any one church. It’s about community and our faith in God.
People from the area stood together at Southwest Elementary School and Christians bowed their heads in prayer. Then people broke into small groups and walked to each of the schools, administrative office, and even the football field.
Roxanne McGhee passed out a paper for all individuals participating. Though the event is only in its second year, it is hoped that this will become an annual event with more participants including the students.The handout stated, “Prayer is priority when it comes to reaching our schools for Christ. Students, youth leaders, parents, everyone can get involved. A team of praying people may have a significant influence at your school. Below are specific ways to pray.”
Pray for the Students: Pray that Christian students will be strengthened in their faith and confidence in Christ, and serve as campus missionaries. Pray that the Christians at school will minister to students who have emotional, physical or family needs. Pray that everyone on campus would have a chance to hear the gospel and clearly understand how it relates to him or her personally. Pray that students will come to know Christ personally. Pray for God’s blessing on ministries and clubs at the school and Christ will be glorified. Pray for the safety of the students and faculty at the school.
Pray for Educators: Pray that educators at each school will experience the love and concern of Christians. Pray that educators would come to know Christ personally. Pray that God would give wisdom to the administrators, teachers, counselors, school board members and superintendent of the school district. Pray that all staff, teacher assistants, cooks, bus drivers, and maintenance personnel would be encouraged in their work.
Pray for Christian Youth Leaders and Parents: Pray that youth leaders and parents from churches and organizations will be encouraged and empowered by God’s Spirit to reach out to schools and students. Pray that students and school educators will experience the concern of Christian youth leaders, and parents. Pray that students and educators will come to know Christ personally through the witness of youth leaders and parents. Pray that youth leaders will be effective and fruitful in all the good work they do with youth. Pray that you leaders, churches and organizations will unite and support one another as they reach students.
Pray for Teachers: We thank you for the women and men you have instilled to become educators. You have called them to work in education. Christ came to live with us as a teacher. He encouraged us to use His wisdom, His truth, and His endurance. Thank you for Jesus teaching us and may we use it to teach others.
Season our teachers with Your patience, kindness, and goodness. Fill their minds with Your truth and love. When they meet with an angry parent, let them see a child of God, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“Lord, we pray that you will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society. Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift you You have blessed to each and every one of us.”
