Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Stepping Stones: Run! Don’t Walk

Transformational Tip
Temptation is everywhere. Our world is filled with moral depravity and sin-induced pressures. It ranges from things we should not hear, images we should not see, people we shouldn’t touch, substances we should not take…to food we should not eat. It’s everywhere.
The bible teaches us so much about temptation. It tells us that:
  • Wrong desires and temptation happen to everyone, so don’t feel you’ve been singled out
  • Others have resisted temptation and so can you
  • Any temptation can be resisted because God is there to help you
Here are some tips to help with resisting temptation;
  1. Be aware that the closer you get to temptation, the better it seems to look. So don’t try and get closer for a better look. Don’t test your ability to resist…at some point it will just suck you in.
  2. Seek to have the “mind of Christ”, this will help you always do what is right.
  3. Pray for God’s help in resisting temptation.
  4. Say the word’s Jesus said to satan; "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
  5. Seek friends who love God and will help you when you are tempted.
Today, or whenever you are tempted next, Run, don’t walk away from the temptation. Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to Victory. Click here to share with the stepping stone community your thoughts on dealing with or triumphing over temptation.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am becoming increasingly aware of the ever-present temptation swirling around me. Satan tempted Jesus by offering Him the whole world if Jesus would only bow down to him. Today the devil constantly temps me by offering me the world by trying to entice me with materialism and power. Help me Father. When I find myself craving something that I know is not of You, help me quote Jesus’ words to satan; “, "Away from me, satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
I pray with hope and confidence in the name of my teacher and savior Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!

The Truth
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
Matthew 4:10
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 Corinthians 10:13
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 Timothy 2:22
I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
Jeremiah 15:21