Jesus Dealt with Temptation... Like Me =)

How many times a day are you tempted? Just this morning as my alarm went off I was tempted to sleep just a bit more. I kept telling myself that five more minutes wouldn't hurt. When I finally got up, I thought, Maybe I need two cups of coffee versus one this time. Again, another temptation for what I don't need.

The phone rang and, of course, I was easily distracted by a long conversation, knowing I had a lot of work to do today. Then came time to eat my wheat bran cereal. I really wanted a big plate of bacon and eggs with syrup. Hmmm. But I know it isn't good for me. As the day progressed I made choice after choice, resisting multiple temptations to choose poorly. I wish I could say I was tempted with good things. I never hear anyone say they were tempted to eat a big salad with no dressing or they were tempted to go walking versus sitting on the couch or they were tempted to tithe twice the amount this month.

So what is temptation? Webster's says it the acting of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil. Also, a cause or occasion of enticement. Synonyms are allurement, enticement, and seduction. Wow, depending on how you look at it, it can be something really bad or something really good.

Temptation: When It's Bad

We all experience temptation daily. Sometimes the temptation is to eat something we don't need or to say something about someone that isn't truthful or to put off cleaning our homes, etc. And sometimes the temptation is far worse, such as doing drugs, having sex outside of marriage, stealing, looking at porn, etc.

God's Word is full of scripture talking about temptation. From the beginning Adam and Eve were tempted to eat the fruit that God told them not to eat. They fell into temptation because this fruit was advertised as something more than just food. They were tempted with something they wanted or felt they needed beyond God. Something that could give them perceived power. Temptation isn't always just about that minute of control or satisfaction. The enemy uses anything he can to tempt us into changing our lives to serve him versus God.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9).

The fact that we are tempted is in itself not a sin. Temptation is a part of our lives. It's, of course, what we do when we are tempted. It's having a plan and being ready to deal with it. Jesus knew about temptation. And because he was fully human and single, too, he dealt with all kinds of temptation.

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. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him (Matt. 4:1-11).

Here's Jesus, a single man, being tempted to have things that perhaps you only thought you could have when you are old, married or financially successful. Jesus was hungry and the enemy enticed him with food. As a single adult, what are you hungry for? Are you craving friends, a spouse, a better job, a better place to live, and/or solutions to your problems? The enemy also tempted Jesus to throw his life away for surely as the Son of God, angels would protect him from death. Jesus knew what it felt like to be tempted, to be encouraged to throw his life away. As a single, do you sometime think you are all alone? That nothing matters? That you should either give up God or give up life? Do you realize when the devil is tempting you it is because the devil is scared? The devil knows the power that lives in you as a believer. He knows the power that can be used to stop him.

Again, the enemy tried to tempt Jesus with possessions and power by showing him all he could have if he bowed down to him. Personally, I have often desired more than what I have. I have wanted to be married, have a bigger home, travel to wonderful places, have servants, have a pedicure each week, etc. Remember, Jesus had nothing. I am sure he was tempted all the time with bigger and better things. Wouldn't you have preferred a variety of food versus fish and bread every day? Maybe a nice soft bed versus the cold, dirty ground? Air conditioning? Someone to wait on you? Someone to drive you from city to city versus having to walk? Jesus knows the enemy. He knows what he tempts us with day after day. He knows the enemy watches us and is preparing an attack.

Hmmm, maybe I will wait ‘til Kris is sad about something and I will tempt her with comfort food ... that always makes her happy, even if it's temporary. Or maybe I will wait till she is tired … she will not want to exercise. I will tempt her and say she needs a break today cause she deserves it. The heavier she gets the closer to death she gets AND the less time she is on this earth to witness, the better. Or maybe I will wait ‘til she is discouraged and feels like quitting to whisper in her ear that no one cares and they never will. The more I can get her focused only on herself, the less she is focused on others and I win. Yes, that is what I will do to her today.

So the enemy knows our weaknesses, our fears and our struggles. He wants us defeated because he knows the power that is within us. So if this is true, then can temptation, meant by the enemy to destroy, actually build us up in Christ? Can it make us stronger? Yes!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us … (Eph. 3:20).

Temptation: When It's Good (Being Tested)

So can temptation be a good thing? Yes. Often when I am tempted, I wonder sometimes is it temptation by the enemy or testing by God. God himself does not tempt us, but he does test us.

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone … (James 1:13).

Sometimes, just like with Jesus, temptation can be a good thing. It can draw us closer to God. With Jesus, the fact that he was able to quote back scripture (the truth) to put the devil in his place was a good thing.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2).

Also, to be able to experience making the right choices when tempted is a good thing. We can remind the devil (and even others) of why we are on this earth and what God is doing in our lives (of course you need to know why you are on this earth). That what the devil meant for harm, God can turn for good. The more we are tempted and make the right choices, the more we are giving the glory to God in those choices. We have shown that we are growing. Of course, if we do fail (fall into temptation) and sin, we still have to deal with the consequences. We must quickly ask forgiveness and turn from the sin. We need to make every effort to learn from those consequences.

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 (1 Cor. 10:13).

Action Steps :

PRAY: That you will not fall into temptation. You know yourself and you know the areas in which you struggle. Pray and ask God for his help.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matt. 26:41).

BE IN GOD'S WORD: Simple and easy solution to temptation: be in God's Word more to help battle what's coming—not only to know the truth but also to speak it back to the enemy. Use God's Word to bind the enemy for he does not have any power except what you give him.

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph. 6:12-13).

FLEE: When we are tempted, the Word says to flee. Don't mess with it. I mean, if you struggle with donuts, run. Just run!

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22).

PLAN AHEAD: If you know you struggle with certain things, plan ahead to avoid the temptation altogether. If you struggle with sexual thoughts, what are you watching on TV that could be tempting you? Maybe it's time to stop watching TV or movies. Personally, I don't own a TV-—not because TV is bad, but I had a hard time with watching too much of it. Also, a lot of it is very sexual or has bad language, violence, etc. If you know you struggle with buying things you don't need at the store, pray about everything you put in your buggy to see if God says you can have it. I have been known to put everything back that was in my cart. Have a group of friends who hold you accountable.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted (Gal. 6:1).

TAKE TIME: If you are not able to flee, take the time to ask God to help you make the right choice. I know we can't always flee a big buffet dinner or something the boss wants us to watch or being caught in the middle of a bad joke, etc., but we do have a choice on how we react to it.

And remember, HE WILL BE BACK, SO BE READY. The enemy will continue to find ways to tempt you. That is who he is, so be ready.

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13).

Because Jesus was single like me, he was tempted. He suffered just like we do. He knows what we are going through, and he encourages us each day to stay the course, choosing what is best versus what is now—to learn from our mistakes and to help others in their journey.

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Heb. 2:17-18).

Questions for Discussion or Personal Exploration:

1. Think about your day today and all the choices you had to make. Were you tempted in any of those circumstances to choose poorly?

2. What are some areas of temptation you struggle in?

3. How have you dwelt with temptation in the past?

4. Where has God brought you in areas of temptation?

5. Re-read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How have you lived this out?

6. How can you help others in their walk with resisting temptation?

Application: Start today to pray and ask to reveal his truth to you. What is God telling you about yourself in regards to temptation? Are there areas of temptation that you continue to fall into that you need to surrender to God? Do you need to seek counseling and a support group to help you stay accountable? What is your next step?

Don't compromise your Christian values...set healthy boundaries.

healthy relationships...

• Are safe -- emotionally, physically
  
  
• Have boundaries that are respected
  
  
• Draw you closer to God -- helping Christian singles to grow spiritually.
  
  
• Do not compromise your Christian values

In healthy relationships you will feel:

• Built up -- the relationship helps you become who God wants you to be.
  
  
• Drawn closer to others in a healthy way
  
  
• Mutual trust, respect, vulnerability, and balanced sense of give and take.
  

Christian singles, you will experience healthy and satisfying relationships by looking for a mate based on Christian principles and choosing to be a person of godly character.

It is common even for Christian singles to be attracted to the outside of a person: their looks, their status, their achievements, and their intelligence. But it is the inside of a person that we experience in relationships.

The time to evaluate character in others is before you get too deeply involved. As Cloud and Townsend say, "When the attachment deepens, the reasoning weakens." The scriptures warn us to "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23.

Christian singles tip:
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23.

What kind of character traits should Christian singles look for?

Ruth and Boaz, two singles from the Bible, exemplify the kind of character traits to look for in a potential mate.

Ruth's character traits were: devotion to God and to family -- the evidence of her character was in her actions. She was humble and teachable. She was focused on her responsibilities. Her faith was in God to provide for her -- she trusted Him for a future spouse. She was a woman of her word. She did what she said she would do.

Boaz was devoted to God and to his farming responsibilities. He did not let his heart become entangled and he was not distracted from his priorities. He was a man of his word. He did what he said he would do. He was a Christ-type -- he exemplified the character and work of Christ - especially in his act of redemption for Ruth.

Christian singles Ruth and Boaz both...

• Depended on God
  
• Followed His commands
• Reflected His character

Becoming a person of character requires that you take ownership

You are the only one that can do it. If you have a pattern of painful relationships take an honest look at your own character traits. To find someone who can connect with you, you must be able to connect. To find someone with good boundaries you must be willing to set Boundaries in Dating

Once you have acknowledged your own negative patterns of behavior in relationships take them to the Lord and confess them for what they are...sin

Once you've identified the problems, make a plan to change. If it's poor boundaries read a book. Set some limits. Develop a support system. Nurture the relationships that you have. Share a little bit more of who you are with safe people. Learn to take risks.

Take care of personal baggage

If you have unresolved issues such as trauma, abuse, abandonment or neglect and you recognize a pattern of painful relationships--find someone who will help you like a pastor or a counselor.

When people have been traumatized by these things as children, they often need to make Changes that Heal in order to function well in close relationships in the future.

Christian singles tip: Develop a plan for spiritual growth...devote yourself to God, His word, and yield to His Holy Spirit.

Finally, Christian singles need a plan for spiritual growth. God's primary work in each of us is to conform us to the image of Christ. As you devote yourself to God and His word, and yield to His Holy Spirit, your character will change.

My final word to Christian singles is make knowing and loving God a priority in your life and look for a potential mate who has committed to the same thing.

feeling used

i'm tired. emotionally exhausted. i don't need this. but why is it so hard to leave? to cut off? i don't feel safe.

i need to reduce my nurturing parent side and to increase my adult ego state. rightly so, i can't always be putting myself out there to protect others, only to hurt myself over and over again.

will have to learn to set emotional boundaries again. i realize how easily it crumbles...

Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled...

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid ~ John 14:27

Dear Lord, I am feeling unsettled. You know what I struggle with. I pray that you would grant me peace of mind and heart. Grant me wisdom to know what to do, and that I would walk in Your Light.

Please guide me through temptations that I may not fall but will be a worthy testimony for you.. please grant me the strength, Lord...

Blessed =)

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Lord,
Thank You for bringing me through the hardships. For helping me persevere and succeed in my CCE. I would not have been able to do it without Your strength, guidance and wisdom.

ALL GLORY TO GOD!

Nothing is Too Hard

"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).

Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.

That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve. The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him

Anyway

Bless the day
This restoration is complete
Dirty dusty something must be underneath
So I scrape and I scuff
Though it's never quite enough
I'm starting to see me finally

A gallery of paintings new and paintings old
I guess it's no surprise that I'm no Michelangelo
Every layer of mine hides a lovely design
It might take a little patience
It might take a little time

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway

You who have begun this work will someday see
A portrait of the holiness you meant for me
So I polish and shine
til it's easier to find even an outline of mine

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway
Anyway
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway

United with Christ

Philippians 2:1-4

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

One thing I do know...

Deciding to come for camp even in the midst of my crazy schedule, preparing for CCE... was the BEST decision I made. Camp is not over yet, but I felt that God has been speaking to me through the talks and through the songs we've been singing.

As i meditated on Psalms 27, i could relate to King David's struggle. but it also reminded me that we need to be remain confident in the Lord, and hope in Him. Be strong and courageous, and wait on the Lord. He is my Light and my Salvation. Whom shall I fear?

I realize in a very personal level now that God has His purpose in allowing me to struggle, to go through pain. He is refining me, to make me beautiful as how He has imagined me to be. He may even be using me, that His Name be glorified!

What certainty the ex-blind man had of his experience with Jesus. He did not know who Jesus was, but one thing he knew - he was blind but now he can see. Even for me, as i struggle at this present time with my condition, it is definitely a test of my faith. I pray that I can stand firm and trust that All is well. God is working out His purpose.

I am uncertain what lies ahead or what is in store, but one thing I do know is that God is in control and He will never forsake me.

To close, I'd like to share this song which became very personal to me tonight as I sing of God's assurance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BECAUSE HE LIVES!

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

Story of the Potter and the Clay

The story is told of a couple who went to England to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and shopped at a beautiful antique store. They both liked antiques and pottery,and especially tea-cups,and so spotting an exceptional cup,they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke... "You don't understand." It said, "I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, Don't do that. I don't like it! "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!!" "Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!" I screamed.

But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'

He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door.

"Help! Get me out of here!" 'Not yet.' When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool.

Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible.. "Oh, please, Stop it! Stop it!" I cried. He only shook his head and said. "Not yet..."

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first time. This time it was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged... I pleaded... I screamed...I cried... I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up and just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said "Look at yourself."

And I did... I said, "That's not me, that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!"

Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember, then," he said, "I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.

"I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life.

"And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

Thoughts:

1. He makes ALL things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

2. Trials/struggles are placed before me to test my faith, that i may develop perseverance... to mold me and shape me, that i will lack nothing. And i will receive a crown of Life if I am able to trust Him and persevere through it all! (James 1: 2 - 4, 12)