Temptations

Temptations

Romans 6:16 "Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."

Sometimes we face temptations which seem good for the moment, but they only lead to harm and destruction afterwards. Sometimes we face frustration which can lead to actions we regret. Does the grass look greener elsewhere? Am I manipulating circumstances for my will instead of waiting on God?

We may be tempted to stumble just as David did (2 Samuel 11:2-5), but we can also choose to ask the Enemy to flee.

James 4:7-10 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor."

He lifts us up when we stop fighting for our way and follow the path that leads to life. How great is our God that He would desire to bring us such goodness while we are still being sanctified (made holy).

Jesus was even tempted and said “Get away from Me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to Me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23

Remember that temptations are not from God, they are from our own desires. These desires can entice us and drag us away from God’s path. If we do not surrender these thoughts, they lead to sinful actions. If these actions grow, they lead to death. (James 1:13-15)

The Enemy wants to strike us where we are weak, when we are emotionally and physically vulnerable. God’s Word will give us strength. True obedience is seen when the opportunity for disobedience is available and we turn towards God. God wants to bless us as we seek to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him. The Enemy would love for us to turn to our own way of thinking so that he can keep us from the peace we have in Christ.

We are to protect our eyes. Matthew 6:22-23 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

We are to guard our heart. Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Our heart is to be devoted to God and to the loved ones He has blessed us with.

We are to avoid impurity, greed & vulgarity. Ephesians 5:2-4 “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”

2 Timothy 4:5 “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”

"Living Above Your Circumstances" by Chip Ingram

"Living Above Your Circumstances." by Chip Ingram was a great study! :) Here is a link to get it Living Above Your Circumstances

Change & Adversity

Sometimes life feels like a roller coaster and we are wearing a blind fold. With every twist and turn the unknowns can cause our heart to drop in despair, wondering when the ride will come to a stop.

The truth is that everything is constantly changing and we are not in control of our circumstances but we can be in control of our way of thinking during hard times. We are to cry out to God because we know He loves us and He is good. It is thru thanking God and having a heart of gratitude that we will stop focusing on what we don't have and see what we do have. If we can go thru suffering with joy, we can be part of directing glory to God and suffering with Christ. We were not promised a comfortable life but we will have the hand of God to hold on to.

God's grace is sufficient and He is unchangeable. In God’s Word He tells us to have strength and know that He loves us deeply.

1 Chronicles 28:20a “Be strong and courageous…. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Mat 6:31-33 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

Matthew 11:28 “Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 68:19 “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day He carries us in His arms.”

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself."

From these verses God gives us encouragement, assurance, rest & speaks of holding us in His arms. God wants us to have peace and loves us with an everlasting love. We have limited vision of temporary things but God sees the future and knows all things.
We can find joy in the Lord.

Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."

Lord I pray that we place our trust in you and rise above circumstances to a place of peace. You are our rock and our salvation. Thank you that you love us so much.