When reading theStory yesterday, I asked you to take a moment and savour it. I hope you did because in the vast canon of scripture from Genesis to Revelation, it is only in these two readings that the story exists free from blemish. Genesis 1 concludes with “… it was very good” (v 31). Genesis 2 wraps up with “… they felt no shame” (v 25).
Read More devil, sin, temptation
Jesus faces hunger, thirst, loneliness, torment, and temptation as a sign of the Father’s love, as a result of the Spirit’s leading, as a consequence of his humble obedience to the Father’s will. The wilderness is God’s idea.
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Regret can be a devastating and damaging thing to live with. The writer of these verses in Proverbs 5 is trying to keep his son from ending up in a place where he will be overwhelmed and ruined by it. The warning is clear — stay away!
Read More temptationThe story of Joseph’s life seemed to revolve around the fact that he was frequently in the middle of a storm or another one was lurking on the horizon. Again, his coat would be the launch of another storm. This time it would catapult him from the palace to the prison.
It is clear that Joseph depended on God every step of the way.
Read More temptation, trouble, God’s presenceWalking through a forest in the dead of night on a narrow path requires a good flashlight shining out in front. Pointing the light behind me is useless. I liken this picture to heeding the instruction of godly parents.
Read More temptation, adultery, enticementI wish the peril was down the street or around the corner from our homes. Those days are long gone. Now, it is as close as the computer you are sitting at or the phone in your son’s or daughter’s pocket.
It is deeply disturbing to see the growing trend in our society.
Read More sex, temptation, parentingIt must have been a temptation to Gideon when the people asked him to be their king. But Gideon faced that temptation and refused it. He rightly told the people that they could only follow God, not any person. It seems strange then that Gideon turns around and runs right into the arms of temptation! And one of the greatest temptations is bright, shiny objects. At the very moment when Gideon turns his back on the temptation of kingship, he asks for gold that he makes into an ephod. An ephod was an item of ceremonial clothing generally worn by priests.
Read More temptation, faithfulness, egoDavid had learned through years of experience that when he was desperate for God, he could overcome great obstacles. But now, he’s getting older and more settled. The kingdom is running well and David is feeling entitled to the perks of kingship.
What happens next serves to remind us that success in earthly affairs can sap spiritual awareness and vitality. When David became self-satisfied, he acted thoughtlessly and caused great pain.
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life circumstances and wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” Recent events have shocked you. Chronic conditions are not resolved. Stress and tension have pressed in on you. The circumstances of life afford us unparalleled opportunities to trust God.
Read More temptation, wisdom, testing, trialWhen reading this section of James we are often captured by the instruction to ‘resist the devil’ yet the verse begins by reminding us first to submit ourselves to God.
The only way that you and I have a chance of resisting the temptations and attacks of the Evil One is through the strength that comes from God.
Read More temptation, prayer, strength, wisdom, the devil