So We Make Make Fewer Mistakes!

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Philosopher George Santayana said, ‘Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.’

I’m thinking that most people have heard and know that quote and agree with it. I know I do. God wants us to learn from our mistakes. I want to learn from my mistakes. But this has led me to reflect on my past, thinking about all the times I’ve been suckered into the same temptation convinced that the outcome would be different—that I could handle the temptation of eating donuts or nachos or whatever carnal thing I’ve been tempted by. And could I? Absolutely not! The cravings would begin again. There are times of been disgusted with myself because after two years of not doing something I knew the Lord wanted me to abstain from, suddenly the thought would come, Oh you’ve got this now! You’ve mastered it. You can manage fine with no temptation. You know… everything is okay in moderation right? And then I eat that donut or those nachos or do that carnal thing I’ve restrained myself. I listened to the lying voice, It’s no problem! You’ve got this! Only to then suffer through the temptation of wanting more until I’ve stayed away from it for a couple of months.

I do learn from my mistakes like I hope we all do. I do eventually learn that this particular thing is not going to have any place in my life. God wants me to leave it alone! I do get there! But too often, not until after I’ve been bitten a few times. And I hate that! And even at my age, I’m determined to remember what the Lord has taught us through the Apostle Paul—we have to be aware of the devil’s schemes. They are always the same. He has no new tricks. Only the same old lies he’s seduced us with again and again. So, learn from them and be aware so that history doesn’t repeat itself. So that we don’t open our lives to disobedience and voices of condemnation. Let’s instead learn from God’s word, what 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) teaches us… “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes”

And on that note, this short inspirational story will help remind us of this truth!

Can I Trust the Snake?
Author Unknown

A man was in his cabin in the middle of a terrible snowstorm when he heard a feeble scratching at his door.

He opened it to see a half-frozen rattlesnake on his doorstep begging to be let in from the bitter cold.

The man said to the snake, “I’m not going to let you in! You’re a rattlesnake and you’re going to bite me!”

“No, I won’t,” hissed the snake. “Just bring me in and get me warm and I’ll be your friend for life.”

Well, the man let the snake come in and even allowed it to rest upon his chest by the fire to get warm.

When the snake was completely comfortable, it bit the man on the neck.

As he was dying, the man said, “But you promised you wouldn’t bite me and would be my friend for life.”

The snake calmly replied, “But you knew I was a snake when you let me in.”

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

If Fresh Manna is a blessing to you, I’d love to know. Click here: FreshMannaFeedback@gmail.com

If your heart has been touched by God’s love through Fresh Manna, would you like to help Pastor Tim reach others also? Please prayerfully consider donating. No gift is too small.