TO BE TEMPTED

I have often thought about temptation. I have often entertained it and invited it in. I have enjoyed its momentary promises to my distraction and self satisfaction. Only to have my senses return in a bang of conviction and realization.
I don’t know about you but sometimes when I am really suffering the pangs of disobedience I can get pretty full of myself. I can get pretty angry at my salvation. I can blame You Lord for not letting me know this was going to happen. Funny how your pride can become allies with the very thing you truly hate and yet crave. I guess that’s why He says we should consider our old self dead.

To be tempted
To give into temptation
To choose wisdom
To choose wrong
To have to repent
To be obedient

Sometimes I wish I were a robot oh yeah when I let myself go that’s when I act like one. Programmed by a fallen nature, reminded by the old man. I wish I had the nerve to just do it, be obedient and stop taking the easy path to a hard ground. Temptation can be a good teacher or it can become a harsh gate into the place of sin.
How can one keep their mind fresh and renewed? Transformed by what you ask, by God’s living word. I can dive deep into what others have discovered and try it on for myself and my set of issues. But I have come to understand it takes first hand knowledge to really become first hand experience. I need to know His word for myself.
A quiet time alone with the word of God can help you when you least think you will need help. The lose of time spent with God colors how you will react when faced with temptation. It can mean the difference between walking through or giving in to the situation you may face.

To be tempted
To be wise
To live connected
To live submitted
To know your Lord
To rest in His peace

Temptation can mean growth in your character depending on your reaction to it. Temptation can strengthen your relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. You just have to pay attention to what He has to say to you. Yes He still speaks. But will I listen?