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- Apr 25, 2006
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TEMPTATION (1)
''...We will receive...grace to help us when we need it...' ' Hebrews 4:16
'You deserve this. In fact, you've earned it ... No one has to know. It's not harming anyone is it? Just this once will make everything feel so much better... the release! It's just a bit of fun. All work and no play makes you dull ... Come on, if God's good, he'll want you to enjoy yourself ... And besides, other people do it, don't they?'
These are the kind of things satan will whisper to you. Whether it's porn, alcohol, an eating disorder, your brain will seduce you with a logical argument then invite you to have a taste of the forbidden fruit.
Whether you're fourteen or forty, temptation can strike at any time. 'But it's hard isn't it, that's why it's called temptation! I don't know what to do!'
Well, first off, be honest with yourself. When exactly are you most likely to be tempted? Are stress levels rising? Feeling hurt, angry, bored, worried, alone, think you deserve 'a reward'? Work out what the patterns are of your temptation.
'God's people ... protect themselves by watching where they go' (Proverbs 16:17 CEV). Secondly, go to God in prayer: 'Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you...' (Psalm 50:15NLT). God's not given up on you, '...So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.' (Hebrews 4:16 TM)
What now? When is it that you're tempted and are there any patterns you notice? Is there someone more spiritually mature that you know and trust who you could be accountable to?
written by Bob Gass
''...We will receive...grace to help us when we need it...' ' Hebrews 4:16
'You deserve this. In fact, you've earned it ... No one has to know. It's not harming anyone is it? Just this once will make everything feel so much better... the release! It's just a bit of fun. All work and no play makes you dull ... Come on, if God's good, he'll want you to enjoy yourself ... And besides, other people do it, don't they?'
These are the kind of things satan will whisper to you. Whether it's porn, alcohol, an eating disorder, your brain will seduce you with a logical argument then invite you to have a taste of the forbidden fruit.
Whether you're fourteen or forty, temptation can strike at any time. 'But it's hard isn't it, that's why it's called temptation! I don't know what to do!'
Well, first off, be honest with yourself. When exactly are you most likely to be tempted? Are stress levels rising? Feeling hurt, angry, bored, worried, alone, think you deserve 'a reward'? Work out what the patterns are of your temptation.
'God's people ... protect themselves by watching where they go' (Proverbs 16:17 CEV). Secondly, go to God in prayer: 'Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you...' (Psalm 50:15NLT). God's not given up on you, '...So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.' (Hebrews 4:16 TM)
What now? When is it that you're tempted and are there any patterns you notice? Is there someone more spiritually mature that you know and trust who you could be accountable to?
written by Bob Gass
