STATE MISSIONS: Temptation — Gen. 39:1-12 (Part 1 of 3)
The Conditions
May we learn to recognize the conditions of a developing storm of temptation and then know how to run for cover. Temptation is a worldwide problem that affects all races, religions and ages. We need to remember that being tempted is not a sin, but giving in to temptation is a sin.
A thought is not a sin unless you spend time fantasizing about it; then, it is a sin. Joseph offers a strategy for those facing the attack of temptation. To have success, we must recognize what the conditions of temptation are.
For starters, temptation will often come when one is growing spiritually. One of the things Satan hates is seeing the people of God growing spiritually. Why? Because you become an influence on others. Satan never wants you to accept Christ, and when you do, he does not want you to influence anyone to do the same.
Potiphar saw honesty and faith that motivated Joseph and, even though Joseph was a slave, he could be trusted. Here was a man making an impact for God and Satan did not like it. It is sad how many of God’s people have succumbed to temptation. That is why I want to warn you that when you get serious about serving God, Satan and his demons are not far away. If you are truly growing spiritually, be alert to the storms of temptation.
Temptation can also come when one is enjoying success. We see that Joseph was enjoying a good measure of success. After all, he had been raised to overseer of all his master’s possessions and Satan did not like it one bit. Whenever a child of God becomes successful and respected in the church and the community, look out for the storms of temptation.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “This has been a week of school promotions, with children going from kindergarten to primary school, from primary school to middle school, from middle school to high school and the seniors graduating from high school.
Each senior received a cord from the church. Each promoted student came forward, we applauded them, we prayed for them. Special mention was made to Marlon Hernandez for having served in the church for more than six years.
“Sayra is still in Honduras, and her father’s health situation continues to be delicate. We continue to pray for his profession of faith.
“The last gutters were installed on the building this weekend. We still need the facia on the south side of the building.
“We are praying that marriages will be strengthened in the Lord, and some men are making changes in their lives and responding to God’s call. Please join me in praying their wives will also be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, support their husbands and commit to God.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Throughout the week, I was visiting the Traveler’s coach, to encourage him and connect with him. The first time I visited him, he was very discouraged, but thank God, we have been working on spiritual strengthening, and now he is much better.
We studied the Bible and sowed the seed of the gospel. Pray with me that it will bear fruit in due time. On Monday, June 3, he left for the Dominican Republic to meet with his wife and recover a little more.
“We had a good service on Sunday. As we do every first Sunday, we had the Lord’s Supper. I also received the good news that one of our members, who has been having difficulty attending because of his work, will now be able to attend more regularly.
“After our service, I went to the stadium for my chaplaincy time with the baseball players. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your support and prayers. We are part of the same team playing in different positions, but we have one captain and one Lord. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! Most of our folks were back. We had a great number and a wonderful time of worship. We still have several members and faithful visitors out, either injured or sick, and we pray that the Lord will enable them to return soon.
Not having services last week sure did make us appreciate the good number this week. It was so good to be able to get together again. We dearly miss it when we can’t. And everyone agreed that it makes the week harder when we can’t meet, I told them that I didn’t feel overwhelmed, but I’m sure a little bit ‘whelmed.’ (Yes, I think that is a word.)
“The building was a little slow this week due to some members helping others who had some storm damage, but we did get some doors installed and some siding put on. We should finish the siding soon and get back to finishing the work inside. It is coming together very nicely, and we will sure be glad to get in there, especially the classrooms because we really need them!
“Thank you all again for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without both of those things from each of you, and we thank God for you! We pray that you will be blessed to know that souls came to Christ in the missions and ministries you support and pray for. You have a great part in it, too.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “For the last few weeks, we have been focusing on prayer. We have discussed how often we should pray, what to pray about and who to pray for. This week, we shifted our focus to hearing from God. We shared the different ways God speaks to us, and the times we feel God speaking to us the most. Listening to one another’s testimonies on how the Lord has spoken into each situation was such a blessing. We can see God’s hand at work through the stories of others.
“Throughout the summer, I hope to be able to reach out and schedule speaking engagements with our BMA churches. We would be so grateful to come and share about Faith Journey mission and what God is doing in the lives of her people. We also would be happy to fill in whenever needed for a pastor or at a Vacation Bible School that may need a speaker. Please contact me at faithjourneybaptist@gmail.com or (501) 522-0079. Have a blessed week!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “On Saturday, May 25, we had the first picnic for the Women of Sovereign Grace on the lawn of the church, where 19 women shared the love and faithfulness of God.
“On Sunday, May 26, we suspended the service due to the tornado. Although it did not affect the area where the Springdale church is located, it did affect Rogers, and four families had to sleep in the church on Sunday night.
“In our Sunday service, we can already feel that the holidays began since several families were absent. Despite that, we had a glorious time. We had three visitors and were able to end with a prayer for the country of Mexico since, during June, we will pray for this country.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “It always has seemed to be the case in ministry, but it is especially true with the model we’re using in Pea Ridge, the weeks you seem the most underprepared and assume it will be terrible are the weeks God shows up. Our Woodbridge Group had a huge night this week. We had 19 packed in our house!
This group is not typically at our house, but the day before, the hosts asked if we could host. We missed that call and text because we had worked all evening redoing a Facebook Marketplace find patio table set. We felt like we were throwing the night together at the last minute, but a huge crowd showed up. A family of three that hadn’t been in a year came back! Two of our students also brought a friend. We had some regulars out, or we would have been completely packed.
“My wife and I talked afterward about how cool the scene was. I had to take a phone call right when people were arriving, and she was out taking painter’s tape off the project furniture. It was so cool to see our friends walking in by themselves. Someone came walking in with the pizza because they walked in at the same time as the delivery man. We loved to see how comfortable everyone was!”
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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