“Nothing in the world is certain but death and taxes,” Ben
Franklin said. I would edit that by
adding temptation to the list. It is no joke! Sometimes we experience
temptation in ways that are inconsequential like that extra cookie for dessert.
And then there are those moments when our whole being is seemingly obsessed
with food, drink, sex, ease, comfort, or stuff. (Each of us could add to that
list.) It is a struggle. When temptation
comes we just know that we want what we want now. Take it from a man whose heard a lot of confessions in my
lifetime – you are not unique in your struggle. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to people,”
Paul teaches. You might feel like you are the first and only person to ever
feel the desire in the way you do, but you are not.
The first mistake about temptation is to conclude that failure is inevitable! No, it is not.
God gave us two amazing gifts. When we
trust Jesus Christ as our Savior we are given His transforming Spirit Who lives
in us- counseling, convicting, and empowering. He also gave us the power of
choice. You and I have the power to
choose our response to life today. “So, choose
life!” the Word counsels us. When we fill our minds with truth, when we put
ourselves in the company of those who share our desire for the things of God,
when we choose the disciplines of prayer, serving, forgiveness and such things –
the glitter of temptation dims and the grip of the Tempter loosens.
The second mistake is to focus on the issue of our temptation. Whatever the fight,
acknowledge it to yourself and God (Be honest about it, no excuses.) and then change
the channel. Call a friend. Go somewhere
different. Pray, not just about how much you want whatever is tempting you, but
also thanking God for Who He is and what He’s done. If we simply sit and obsess over our desire,
it will overwhelm us.
Make a positive decision today to build spiritual strength and reserves before the temptation arrives. Let me illustrate from
health practices. Too much of our current healthcare happens only after disease
is diagnosed. We spend billions of dollars on pills and potions to cure our
ills. We are beginning to understand that preventative care needs to be
emphasized. Controlling weight, getting
up and moving, and eating better food does not eliminate every possibility of
disease, but it strengthens our body’s natural systems of health.
Christian, there are choices
for spiritual health that we can make today.
15 minutes of real prayer and
meditation each day is a choice will open pathways for the Spirit’s entry.
Practicing active forgiveness,
refusing to take offense, is a powerful choice we make over the little things
first!
Staying involved with regular
worship with other Christians and creating strong, intimate connections to the
Church has a value beyond calculating.
Reading the Scripture, with the help
of a daily guide, gets God’s Truth into us.
Consistently serving in a way that
dethrones Self and that is done for Jesus is a choice for health.
The Word reminds us that though our sinful nature continues
to whine and look for our attention, Someone greater lives in us. "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the
dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will
give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your
sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die.
But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your
sinful nature, you will live." (Romans 8:11-13, NLT) The struggle is real but our victory is
assured!
Here is a word from the Word. Take time to let your mind and
heart absorb this passage. Learn it, live it, and be an overcomer!
"Blessed is the
man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."
(James 1:12-14, NIV)
he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."
(James 1:12-14, NIV)
_________
(worship at this link)
Let the King of my
heart
Be the mountain where
I run
The fountain I drink
from
Oh He is my song
Let the King of my
heart
Be the shadow where I
hide
The ransom for my life
Oh He is my song
You are good good oh
You are good good oh
Let the King of my
heart
Be the wind inside my
sails
The anchor in the
waves
Oh He is my song
Let the King of my
heart
Be the fire inside my
veins
The echo of my days
Oh He is my song
You're never gonna let
Never gonna let me
down
You're never gonna let
Never gonna let me
down
When the night is
holding on to me
God is holding on
When the night is
holding on to me
God is holding on
John Mark McMillan | Sarah McMillan
© Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Raucous Ruckus Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
McMillan, Sarah (Admin. by Moniker Music Group)
CCLI License # 810055
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