TURN TEMPTATION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“I didn’t see it coming.” “I thought I had a handle on it this time.” “I know, I entertained it and before I knew it I was hooked.” “I didn’t mean to give it my attention, it just kind of happened.”

What is IT you ask?

Temptation.

That is right. Tricky, sneaky, cunning, crafty, and tantalizing temptation.

It hides out and waits for us to be a little vulnerable. Waits until we are seemingly alone even though we are never alone. Looks for when we are out of our element or feeling sorry for ourselves. Or perhaps when we think our flesh needs a little attention.

In recovery and in our Christian walk temptation is everywhere and it intensifies when we are hungry, alone, lonely or tired. That is why when we are in those states of mind we must be ready to HALT temptation; not give it a foothold or any traction.

But sadly sometimes we do let IT get our attention don't we? Kind of like a cat with a shiny object on a string.

We get fixated.

At least I know I do. Those tired and alone times are especially troublesome for me.

So what are we to do in order to triumph over temptation?

Recognize it and turn it away!

Ephesians 6:13-18

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long…Keep your eyes open.

The enemy knows our weak spots and our exposure points. Therefore as the temptation surfaces; be it anger, a selfish desire, a lustful indulgence, inkling to “use”; put up your defense and then resist!

Galatians 5:16

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Then give the temptation to GOD. Measure it against His truth. Consider the consequence before you indulge. Seek some accountability. Take a break. Walk away. Fight back (You can you know! Remember that TRUTH is sharper than any sword!)

But always try to reset and remember this...

Romans 8:9

…you are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you.

So you have what it takes to turn temptation back!

And if temptation should get the upper hand, pull back and pull it back together. Go to GOD quickly and receive His grace.

1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

And then commit to turn from IT the next time!

Psalm 119:11

(store) up (the) word in your heart, that (we) might not sin against (GOD).

Have a blessed day!

I love you all…

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney