Tuesday's Truth- The Commonness of Temptation

Today I will elaborate on point one from my top 10 list to help overcome temptation. I will discuss the commonness of temptation. To see the top 10 list click here.
All Scriptures are listed in NIV.

II Corinthians 10:13 tells us that temptation is common. This is comforting for three reasons.

First, other people are going through the same thing even as I write. We can encourage and pray for one another as we go through trials and temptations. We can also offer words of advice on how God helped us personally get through our struggle.

Second, the Bible gives us countless examples of those who faced temptations in order that we may learn. Some fell (such as Samson with Delilah) and others did not (such as Joseph with Potiphar’s wife.) By studying these examples, we remind ourselves of the consequences of sin and the importance of drawing close to Jesus.

The third reason why temptation is common is because Jesus went before us and overcame. Consider the following Scriptures.

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry". (Matthew 4:1-2)

Jesus was hungry and Satan tempted Jesus to eat. Satan also challenged who Jesus was and who Jesus would serve. Does not Satan still tempt us today in the same ways? He whispers to our weak flesh, our wants, our identity, and our belief in God. Satan wants us to question God and bow to the moment’s urge. Aren’t we thankful that Jesus Himself endured and overcame sin? Because of Jesus, we can endure our darkest hour without sinning. (And if we do sin can, we can turn to Him for forgiveness. I John 1:9)

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house". (Hebrews 2:18-3:2) "For we do not have a high priest 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". (Hebrews 4:15)

In wrestling inwardly with greed or discontentment, I remind myself of how temporary life is and of Christ’s sacrifice. These Scriptures comfort me.

"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". (I Timothy 7:8)

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want". (Philippians 4:12) (I don’t think having plenty is wrong, by the way! Being in need or having plenty, we should honor and serve Christ.)

I stand in awe of what Jesus endured and sacrificed for you and me. He had everything, God Himself, and yet He stepped down from heaven into human form. Why? He loved us so much and this love still draws us and keeps us today. He endured his darkest moments and now lives forever in glory, waiting for the sons of God to be revealed. (Galatians 3:26, Romans 8)

Our purpose, our design, and our destiny are far greater than just getting through the day or gaining more for our personal selves. May God mold each of us into His likeness and get even greater glory from our lives.

My prayer for you:
Father, I thank You that you are able to help my sister in her moment of temptation. Help her keep her thoughts fixed on You and not give in to Satan’s lies. May she know of her great worth in Christ, your unfailing love, and submit to You alone as Lord. May she tell of your faithfulness! In Jesus name.

1. for figuring this out (thanks Sonya) It says Wednesday, but it's Thursday, so I don't have it completely figured out. I will get there, he he!

2. That God is Lord of all.

3. For health of mind and body.

4. For my lovely family and friends.

5. For a new start at life each morning.

Tuesday’s Top 10 list to help overcome temptation

Here I will share my most recent struggle with temptation and the truth that has helped me walk victoriously.

Lately I have felt uneasy about my life. My family is in a season of transition with my husband in full-time school and in between jobs. On top of that, I have not been offered the classes that I had hoped to teach this semester. And, the present state of our economy often adds to my unsettled mind.

With this unease, I have fought the urge to overspend. When I say overspend I mean that I am tempted to spend money I don’t have in order to buy things that I don’t need with something that I shouldn’t use (a credit card). In this situation I am tempted to look to something other than God to calm and quiet my heart.

The urge to do something “wrong” is not a sin. The urge to not do what we should is also not a sin. That “urge” is simply temptation. If we follow it and act upon it; it becomes sin.
(Notice that I am not expanding upon right and wrong. God’s Word is clear on many do’s and don’ts and the Holy Spirit brings personal conviction.)

Here is my top 10 list along with my Scripture meditation to help overcome temptation. Each week I will add a post and expand upon these truths one at a time.

1. TEMPTATION IS COMMON!
You and I are not alone in the temptations we face. We all have our weaknesses and struggles.

2. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
God alone quiets the heart. There is no substitute. So, waiting on the Lord becomes important.

3. YOU CAN BEAR IT!
Patience is developed in the midst of our trials and temptations. I know. I know. I don’t like it either.

4. LOOK FOR THE WAY OF ESCAPE!
God wants to build us up so that eventually the things of this world have no hold in us.

5. CALL FOR PRAYER!
Satan loves the dark. Bring your struggle to the light. Confide in someone you can trust and ask for prayer.

6. STAY ACCOUNTABLE!
Find an accountability partner. Find someone trustworthy who does not struggle with the same thing.

7. LOOK TO THE WORD!
Look into the Bible for answers. Ask God to give you specific Scriptures that will speak to your temptation.

8. SEEK COUNSELING IF NEEDED!
When you feel stuck, seek out a godly counselor.

9. SHUN ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL!
Stay away from what entices you for a season until you are strong enough to be around it. For example, if overspending is your weakness, then get rid of the unnecessary credit cards.

10. EXPECT VICTORY! STAND UP UNDER IT!
Remember the One who has gone before you. Jesus overcame temptation and lived a sinless life. He has given us His Spirit to depend upon daily. Expect that you will overcome!!!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
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.

A prayer for you:
Lord, bless my sister and help her in any temptation she may face. Help her to find you in the midst of her needs. In Jesus name. John 8:32

Laurie's Top 10 for experiencing Abundant Life

I have found the following things help me to seek and find Christ,
the giver of this abundance life.

1. PRAYER
Before my little munchkins get up, I start my day with prayer. Sometimes that may mean 15 minutes, other times longer. But, I find a few minutes alone without interruption.

2. THANKSGIVING
Before my feet hit the floor, I thank God for anything and everything. This really helps get over feeling down or stuck when my day’s routine is the EXACT same as the day before.

3. COMMITMENT
Before I feel overwhelmed at life as usual, I commit every anxious or depressing thought that I have. I literally tell Him what concerns me and tell Him that it now belongs to Him. Then, when I “feel” that way again, I remind myself that God holds it in His hands.

4. EXPECT
Before I get in the mull grubs, I expect God to order my day and bring surprises along the way. GOOD ONES! I also look for where God is opening doors throughout the day. This may mean someone I come into contact with that day who needs encouragement or unexpected encouragement that comes my way.

5. ME TIME
Before I have a breakdown, I think of a time that day that I can have to myself. This may be a simple ten minute bath at the end of a long, exhausting day.

6. DETERMINE
Before I blame some circumstance, I determine that no one and nothing can steal my joyful heart. I decide that I will live through Christ and have his abundant life, no matter what comes my way.

7. MEDITATE
Before I listen to the crazy things happening in the world, I think on things that are good and pure. (And, when I don’t, I ask God to help me get back on track.)

8. PRAISE
Before I get weighted down, I surround myself with praise and worship music throughout the day, since I am at home with my kids.
I magnify God and not my surroundings. (He really IS bigger!)

9. SLEEP and EXERCISE
Before I get grumpy, I try to get enough sleep, because I function much better with it. Recently, I have been exercising regularly and my energy level has tripled!

10. DELIGHT IN THE LORD
Before I try to figure my life out, I spend my energies on knowing and pleasing the Lord in all I do! And, I remind myself that I do not have to be flawless to be loved and accepted by God! The truth is that abundant life comes through Christ alone, because of His sacrifice.

Girlfriend, try some of the above and watch out! BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU WILL FIND THE ABUNDANT LIFE THAT CHRIST PURCHASED FOR YOU!

A PRAYER FOR YOU:
Lord, show your daughter who she is in Christ. Help her to live through Christ each day. May she experience Your abundant, satisfying, sustaining life.
In Jesus Name.

Figuring out life…

John 10:10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I recently worked one day at a middle school as a clinic assistant. From where I sat I saw everyone who came into the office. One man walked in, looked around, stopped, and then, shrugged his shoulders. I laughed and said, “You look like me.” He said, “Yeah, I’m still trying to figure life out.”

Surrounded by an ever uncertain world, we all desperately want to figure out “life”. We want to know how we can live better, fuller, more satisfying and productive lives.
Daily, I desire to do more than just survive. I only know one way to do this; I must live not only in Christ, but through Christ!

Living in Christ began when we became Christians. Whether we feel like it or not, want to or not, we gave ourselves to God. We belong to Christ and are positioned in Him no matter what surrounds us. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Living through Christ requires daily walking with God. We must make a conscious choice to focus our thoughts on God and to draw closer to Him in the midst of the daily grind. Yes, abundant life is possible in the midst of any and every circumstance.

Abundant life is not complicated. Salvation was free and accepted by faith. We can believe God for this abundant life, daily, as we seek to know and love the giver of all life, Jesus Christ. As we follow and yield to Him, we find this life within us and through us- the very life of Christ Himself. 1 Corinthians 8:6

LAURIE’S TOP 10 LIST FOR EXPERIENCING ABUNDANT LIFE…
coming soon