Temptation

Temptation is real. To ignore the fact that God allows it is foolish. The wiser thing to do is to prepare for it. It is the wise person who anticipates the moves of the enemy and has counter measures already in place for moments of weakness.

The Lord will scourge and chastise every son He receives. Why? It is because He loves us. Temptation is the same as it has always been. There are three categories of temptation:

1. The lust of the flesh
Your body craves attention. At birth, we desire to be fed and our bodies react violently without it. We do not naturally desire spiritual things and this part of us will die with proper nutrition. If we do not train ourselves to desire truth and not simply yeild to the flesh, it will overtake us.
2. The lust of the eyes
We are all seefood eaters. If we can see it, we can desire and pursue it. Lust is a powerful thing. It does not stop until it gain the object of its affection. Our very motives must be God-led in order not to fall into this trap. Looking up instead of looking around is a spiritual discipline that can keep us from much sin. Whether it is that peach cobbler you shouldn't have or someone's spouse, don't let the enemy catch you walking by sight instead of faith!
3. The pride of life
We can set goals and aspirations for ourselves, but unless they are rooted in God's plans for us, even the good things we accomplish are vain. It is tempting to get "puffed up" over the things we do and over people's acknowledgement of us. The enemy loves to make you feel good about yourself in an attempt to make you think that you really don't need the Lord. We have to remember that we are God-made not Self-made.



Scope: https://www.periscope.tv/anitamckaney/1jMJglEDYoMxL

Prayer: Lord, help us to overcome temptation in Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Action: Read Matthew 4 and examine how Jesus handled temptation. He has endured every temptation that we could face but without sin. He is our perfect example.

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