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Listen while you read: "At The Name Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
It was such a lovely day, so I decided to take the dogs for a run. I loaded my three-year-old granddaughter into the stroller, gathered up the dogs, and away we went. As we were walking, Ade asked several times if we could go down to the lake. A grizzly had been sighted in that area a few weeks before, but there had been no further reports, so I agreed.
At the beach, I had a good look around but saw nothing, so I gave her the okay to head for the water. The dogs went with her. I sat myself down on a big log to watch. It was then that I looked over to my right and saw the grizzly approximately 200 feet away. It had just come out of some bushes and stood watching us.
It was downwind of us, so it had obviously smelled us, but had gone undetected by the dogs. I immediately told Ade that the grizzly bear was here and that she must come now!
Even though she did not see the bear, Ade responded quickly, though at any other time there would have been crying and an argument. The dogs came, too, even though I did not speak to them. The bear was still standing watching. I moved away at a steady but calm pace until the bear was out of sight, and then, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me!
We will not be heading to that area of the shore again this summer. The bear had obviously staked out its stomping ground, and not to flee would have been nothing short of foolish.
This encounter drew my thoughts to the following Scriptures:
2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV)
When temptation sidles up beside us, if we want to move through the situation safely, we must flee as God instructs, and He will provide a way out. So, look for it, and take it.
Temptation, in whatever form it takes, is not something to trifle with — not if we value the pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
So today, when we encounter the bear of temptation in our lives, may we each calmly but firmly and quickly put the truth of God's Word into action, and flee.
Prayer: Father God, in the face of temptation, thank You that You provide sound advice as to how to proceed the minute that we encounter it. Bless each of us with strength and determination to follow Your advice, that we might be safe from the danger of sin and all the consequences of it. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Wow!! How frightening!!
Many lessons to be learned here. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, great analogy Lynne. So glad you all got away safely. God bless!
Thanks, Lynne. This is a good example to hold in our minds when we are tempted.
Memorable, Lynn and straight to the very useful point. Not soon forgotten. Thank you.
Thank you. A wonderful devotional and like all the ones before it. God bless you and yours.
Thank you so much Lynne. Once more you have made an amazing comparison. I for certain get it!!
Nice one Lynne!
May we receive grace to flee when the time comes in Jesus name.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thanks for sharing your experience and how it mirrors the lessons in scripture. May you have a have a temptation free day.
Great devotional Lynne! I really appreciated how you took us from the ‘encounter’ with the grizzly bear to the ‘bear of temptation in our lives’!
Neither are to be trifled with! Thanks for writing!
Dear Lynne,
I am so delighted when the devotional is written by you! Your real-life stories and your lessons are fabulous.
Thanks again.
Oh, Lynne how scary that must have been. I’m so glad you know how to behave when in the presence of a bear! Ours are black, not Grizzly. Even so they’re nothing to be messed with. Haven’t seen any recently, but that’s no guarantee they’re not around! May we always avoid the bears of temptation! Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Greetings Lynne,
Wow! What an experience to encounter especially with having the little one and the dogs along. God surely was watching over you and as you mention in the prayer, “directs with sound advice”. You did exactly the right moves to get out of the situation safely. Blessings for the special writings you contribute and may you and family stay safe in the coming time.
(B.C.)
Goodness, Lynne. You showed great calmness and courage. The worst threat around here would be a pack of coyotes. Often our English Setter who loves to run, escapes into the night and a pack of coyotes is what we fear.
Your devotionals always leave an impact. Thank you.
It is so hot and dry in our part of Texas that we should consider a plunge in your lake.
Thanks again.
Dear Lynne,
I had an unusual feeling down the front of my chest as you told of the bear.
I praise God that you got out of the danger zone safely with the little girl whom God caused to move more suddenly than was usual.
Thank God for safety, for you and the little one.
May you always be kept safe.
Don’t get too close to possible danger. I pray, for your safety and your granddaughter’s.
I’m always glad to see your name on devotionals. Keep writing for Jesus sake.
You sure live an exciting life Lynne.
It is too bad that bear had never heard of “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Be he provided a great illustration for spiritual truth.
Thanks for your gift of discerning it
Lynne, You and your little Granddaughter are very brave. I thank God for protecting you both, along with your dogs. Your stories are powerful life lessons. Thank you!