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How to Avoid Temptation



 
I now realize that when God is speaking something into my life I will hear it in several places. That happened yesterday at church listening to a sermon from the Book of James.  My pastor shared his own prayer life realizing how vital it is to pray not to be lead into temptation at the beginning of each new day.

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else.  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.   James 1: 13-15

I’m like the Christian our pastor described who comes before the Lord telling Him all the same things but usually doesn’t ask help with temptation.  Yesterday afternoon I attended a prayer meeting in a friend’s home.  The teacher made some wonderful Biblical points and one of them was “to fight the temptation to want more and more things” quoting from 1Timothy 6: 7-9:

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

There it was again…temptation. Obviously God is showing me how to avoid it every day!   I close with these words of Jesus: 

Jesus said: “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
Luke 11: 2-4

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 15, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    We don't often think of temptation as not being grateful for having all the neccessities of life. I am guilty of this one and need His forgiveness and grace to overcome and see everything I have as a gracious gift from His hand. I have all I need and so much more. Thank you for this timely reminder! Visiting via Michelle's.
    Much love XX
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  2. DeeApril 15, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    You are so right...God does not tempt us...I can relate to you about God when speaks something into your life and hearing it again in several places...When this happens to me I always feel he wants to make sure I have the message. I jotted down the prayer and will use it each morning in my time of worship...Thank You. Dee

    ReplyDelete
  3. RCUBEsApril 16, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    And how much they abound...Like sweets tempting us to take a bite, until those little nibbles become big bites until we realize we ate the whole thing...Thank you sister for reminding me about the importance of asking for His strength and helping us see the way out that He gives when we are tempted. May we be strong in the Lord's mighty power! Have a great week ahead sister Mary!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SharonApril 16, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    Sometimes the temptation is so subtle we can miss it. Lately I see how I am being tempted to have an impatient attitude, or a frustrated voice. How we need the Lord for all those moments when the enemy goes after us!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete

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