So it was a Saturday morning, it was the twins’ 13th birthday celebrations and I was feeling… “STOP!!! Stop right there Brother Don. You know better than that. Throughout your years as a Christian (19 and counting), you have told hundereds of fellow pilgrims of Christ that ‘feelings don’t determine your mood!’” – my spirit shouted out.
So let me try this as a starting point.
12 Blessed is the man (or woman) who endures temptation; for when he (or she) has been approved, he (or she) will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (paraphrased).
When thinking about the week that had passed and the issues that invariably accompanied it, I thought it was an opportune time for me to take a self evaluation of the new mindset/position I seemed to find myself in.
I began to think about ‘temptation’ and its similarity in many ways to clothing. After all, temptation comes in all different sizes, styles and colours, just like clothing. Some are single pieces, others come in pairs, some even come with accessories… Some we love, some we hate; some are new, some we’ve had for so long that we wouldn’t know what life would be like without them and can be very reluctant to find out; some we have as keepsakes… Some we thought we had grown out of, only to find out that (surprise, surprise or is that despair, despair) they still fit – damn!!!
It’s interesting how at times, the only thing that seems to fit (at least in my case) are the very things that we least want to wear. However, because we have avoided doing what it would have taken to have had other options, we resign ourselves to putting on the same old thing. OK enough of the clothing analogies.
Sometimes we can go to great lengths, justifications and/or measures to avoid facing the strategies that we need to employ in order to overcome. In that avoidance, we can actually convince ourselves that we have “overcome”, “it’s no longer an issue” or that we’ve “got the victory” in certain areas, only to find that when we face the temptation again the feelings and emotions of old are back – sometimes with friends or family or in different variations that we have not previously encountered.
Life!!! You’ve got to love it, or at least try and laugh about some of the things it throws up.
Well, following a few experiences in the past week including family relationship challenges, I found myself in one of those ill fitting items of clothing and for good measure I also had a Matthew 5:38-42 thrown in:
Admittedly, one of the temptation darts was dealt with better than the other, but it was as I meditated upon James 1:12 that it filled me with hope, faith and determination to keep pressing in and not allow Satan to win a victory in the areas at hand.
12 Blessed is the man (or woman) who endures temptation; for when he (or she) has been approved, he (or she) will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (paraphrased).
James reminded me that there was a crown waiting for those who pressed in and that as we overcame temptations and trials we would be approved. Praise God!
A very Happy Easter to you all as we remember the sacrifce that Jesus made as he, endured the shame and pain of the cross, in order to redeem a sinner like me.
To Jesus alone be the glory – Amen!
God bless you all,
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (New Living Translation)
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
May God bless you all,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)
Note from Brother Don — click to open
I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith.
If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you
have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.
You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible
to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that
case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say.
Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful,
discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share,
I’m grateful you’re here.
Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open
If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus,
you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing
decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.
Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use
if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.
A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:
- God created you for relationship with Him.
- Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
- We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
- He rose again, defeating sin and death.
- Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
- Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
- We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.
A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You.
I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new.
Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You.
Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You
from this day forward.
Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child.
Amen.”
What to Do Next:
1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team
and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you,
pray with you, and help you grow.
2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place
to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new
or simply curious.
Visit the Alpha Course website
3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential
message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is
if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the
appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
