Sand Mountain Sermonette 26
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Grady and a Lesson on Temptation
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Up until my early twenties, I used to enjoy watching a local North Alabama TV legend by the name of Grady Reeves on his weekday show from WHNT TV out of Huntsville entitled, “Morning Folks.” Grady’s style was down home and personal. Everyone loved him whether he was visiting a fishing spot, a ballgame, a school, a nursing home, or talking about the delicious pot roast he had eaten at a local restaurant. He was a kind man and loved not only his weekday morning television audience but those he would meet when visiting a particular spot in the state. But I believe what I enjoyed most of all was the way he logged off his show each time. He would gaze into the camera and with a big smile, he would say, “You know there’s always something going on at Morning Folks, and so am I.”
I am sure it is no surprise to you that temptation comes knocking daily at the door of every Christian. It is something we all face whether pastor or not, because as Paul tells us in the Book of Romans, the lusts of the flesh still wars with the Spirit man and woman seeking to influence the Christian’s attitude and actions away from God while we live on this planet. Yes! The Devil attempts to camouflage God’s goodness by promising his way will offer us a hearty “good morning” and the rest of our day, but there is a very important question to always ask when standing at temptation’s corner. When led to tune in to something less than wholesome after all is said and done, the question to ask is, “Can I thank God for it?” Can you thank Him for it? Remember Paul’s words to the Christians living in Thessalonica, ‘Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Let us praise God, spend quality time with Him, and give thanks in everything thus experiencing the blessings of joy, freedom, and victory we have daily in Christ! I am so thankful today for Grady Reeve’s commitment to good wholesome programming that encouraged others and reminded me of a valuable spiritual lesson from the Lord!
A grateful Pastor Louie