Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Spiritual Disciplines II is Coming
Just a little something to hold you guys over until the next Spiritual Disciplines posting. I say you guys, because well, I hope someone reads what I am writing. If not, it is OK. I am able to use this time to focus on God's word and try to better understand what God has planned for me in my life, but as usual, I digress (darn stream of consciousness).
My wife is working with me on writing this next posting, but she got sick after we went tubing, so we have not been able to work on it very much. Until then, something to think about.
Facing Temptation
We are all tempted at some time or another in our walks with Christ. For some of us, the temptation comes from the opposite sex. For others, it is past drug or alcohol problem that continues to haunt us (I know they are the same thing...semantics, semantics). Sometimes, it is uncontrollable anger. When facing these challenges, turn to the Word for comfort. Hebrews 4:15-16 states:
"For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (NIV)
Christ went through all the we go through, yet he asked His father for strength to overcome the temptation of sin, and with his Father's strength, He never gave in. Do not forget that the Lord God will provide you strength, if you ask.
Also understand this (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)
The Lord will always provide us with a way out of any temptation that we may face. The challenge is hearing and letting God's small, still voice guide us.
Prayer
Lord, we are all tempted, but You have promised a way out, we just need to look for it and pray. Lord help me discern Your message for me in times of temptation. Let me hear Your voice calling, and not Satan's. Let me fully grasp Your help and understand that You are always here for me, even when I do not think that I need you. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
My wife is working with me on writing this next posting, but she got sick after we went tubing, so we have not been able to work on it very much. Until then, something to think about.
Facing Temptation
We are all tempted at some time or another in our walks with Christ. For some of us, the temptation comes from the opposite sex. For others, it is past drug or alcohol problem that continues to haunt us (I know they are the same thing...semantics, semantics). Sometimes, it is uncontrollable anger. When facing these challenges, turn to the Word for comfort. Hebrews 4:15-16 states:
"For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (NIV)
Christ went through all the we go through, yet he asked His father for strength to overcome the temptation of sin, and with his Father's strength, He never gave in. Do not forget that the Lord God will provide you strength, if you ask.
Also understand this (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)
The Lord will always provide us with a way out of any temptation that we may face. The challenge is hearing and letting God's small, still voice guide us.
Prayer
Lord, we are all tempted, but You have promised a way out, we just need to look for it and pray. Lord help me discern Your message for me in times of temptation. Let me hear Your voice calling, and not Satan's. Let me fully grasp Your help and understand that You are always here for me, even when I do not think that I need you. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
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