Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 23:1-12
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Old Testament -
Psalms 84
Judges 6-7
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses:
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 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.
Insight:
The history of Israel recorded in the Old Testament, the history of the Church, and even the history of our own lives should serve as constant reminders of how easy it is to fall if you begin to have a false sense of confidence in self. Complacency leads to carelessness.
We must be on guard against temptation. No temptation is unique, but rather "common" to all people. Temptation can be aggressive--it "seizes" upon people. Yet, in the face of every temptation, God is faithful, protecting us from temptations that are too great for us to face, giving us strength, and providing ways of escape.
Response & Action:
I must recognize and deal with my vulnerability to temptation. Everyone faces temptation, so I must be prepared for it and guard against it. Temptation, however, is not something I need to fear, because God will protect and strengthen me. When I am tempted, I can look to God for strength and make use of the escape he is providing. When I see a way of escape, I must act immediately to take hold of it. I will give thanks God for the protection, strength, and guidance he gives to help me in times of temptation.
Thank you, O God, for your faithfulness to protect me from temptation I cannot endure. Thank you for the strength and deliverance you provide when I face the temptations. Thank you that I can face temptation with your help. Strengthen me to live a life that brings glory to you. I bless you Lord, because you help me with my burdens, through Christ Jesus, who lives are reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 68:19-20
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Resources:
Lies We Tell Ourselves: How to Say No to Temptation and Put an End to Compromise
by Greg Laurie
