The Bible summarizes the process of temptation as follows, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.† Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:14,15 )†

kirkboote writes on 2001-04-24



I think that there is a connection between sin, temptation and the presence of God´s spirit. If in our desire for forgiveness we are forgiven then our spirit can only be made whole and pure if the desire for sin is extinguished. God who knows our inner desires knows when that process is complete, for He will look into our minds and our hearts and will see only a pure reflection of Himself shining back. We who seek God´s image must be tempted. Temptation is the conflict between our will and the will of God. When we have released ourselves from the conflict there is no temptation, for there is no desire in us to place ourselves at risk. When the day comes that the very taste of temptation is bitter and unappealing then it will be the day that the conflict itself has been released. We become sanctified {set apart for God}, transformed in both mind, heart, body and spirit. God´s image in us will be seen by not only God, but by those who look through us to find God.

Arnet Hales writes on 2001-05-12



Note that all lust is not bad. Jesus "lusted" to eat the last meal with his disciples (Luke 22:15 ); We, as Christians, are to "hunger" after God (AW Tozer says it this way, "We are to pursue after God"). It is when that lusting is after the ungodly stuff of our lives that we are inticed towards sin. God has given us deep desires and a passion and when these are directed at Him they brings us blessedness. Bruce Wilkerson writes on 1 Chron 4:10, "To bless in the biblical sense means to ask for God to impart supernatural favor. When we ask for God´s blessing, we´re not asking for more of what we could get for ourselves. We are crying out for the wonderful, unlimited goodness that only God has the power to know about or give us." Let us "lust" with Jesus to know God at a passionate personal level, for then he will give us the power and protection that was his experience in the desert. Almighty God, keep us from the evil one.

thx

Arnet

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-13



James is very clearly telling us that sin has a cycle (or path if you will). In verse 13 James states that God does not tempt man (that leaves satan and self). And so the cycle begins...for this response we will use self...

Johnny: Gee, I need a snack! But, Mom said to wait until dinner.
Self: Ahhhhh, go ahead....you ARE hungry.
Johnny: But, Mom said no!
Self: What mom don´t know won´t hurt her.
Johnny: Yeah, I´ll get a snack from Grandma.
Self: Great thinking, boy you´re smart.
Johnny: Hi Grandma! Mom said she was too busy to get me a snack and I was just wondering if you might have a spare cookie?
Self: Smooth move Johnny boy, now Grandma will make sure you have a snack every day since ol´ MOM is too busy.

Our friend Johnny has begun a sin cycle that has gone from the desire for a snack to disobedience and lying....he is on the path to a lifetime of going around rules to get self satisfaction and is teaching himself that others do not matter (his Mom´s feelings, his Grandmother´s feelings when Mom finds out, the repercussions of his intimating neglect on his Mom´s part), he is possibly on the path of overeating and facing the consequences (health and social) of that struggle.
Sin has a cycle and James tells us it begins with desire and if not stopped or controlled it ends in death (physical or spiritual). Jesus is the key to disrupting that sin cycle and it is great to know that once the desire is experienced it only takes the name of Jesus to STOP the forward motion.

Savedbygrace writes on 2001-07-13



I pray that i can someday find the strength to have life without allowing myself to fall victim to temptation. but i tell you, i fell hook, line and sinker exactly the way that you described. I thought i had met the man of my dreams. I explained that i had turned my life over to christ and that i was waiting for marriage to have a physical relationship. He said he respected that, but he didn´t feel the same way about religion, moral values, or political views. I think he was challenged and soon i was enticed and soon dragged away with desire. He asked me to marry him and i said yes. I was so happy at the thought of being married and able to recieve gods blessing in a physical relationship.I was easy prey from that point on and found myself compromising my values in many ways. The way that was o.k. for him in the world. I in submission accepted, sin was the result and soon i was a partner in the imminent death of our relationship.
I pray this prayer:
Dear God,
I recognize that i am a sinner. I have been trying to rule my own life. I have failed miserably. I need Jesus Christ in my life. I know that You love me. I invite You to come into my heart right now. Thank You for coming into my life and forgiving me. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen

wmrwright writes on 2001-08-21



"by my own evil desire"

I thought that I had overcome lust, only to find out that it became stronger in my life. The more I try to resist the weaker I feel, I know that God is real. I thought I was mature but I see that I have some growing to do. I solicite the prayers of the righteous to help in this time of struggle. God has been good to me thats the part that hurts the most so I refuse to continue in this manner anymore. He deserves better. He´s Worthy of all Honor Glory and Praise.

Thank you for this site it allows me to Express things that would otherwise be to hard to itching ears.

God bless and preserve you until next time.

tptoew writes on 2003-07-26

I believe that temptation is a desire in every person to fill a legitimate need through an illegitimate avenue; sex - marriage/not fornication or adultery; food, shelter, clothing,etc - work for a living/not stealing

tammyingham writes on 0000-00-00

Temptation is always there. Every day our minds try to tell us its ok. We have to keep our thoughts as good as possible and try not let things get to us. When something becomes too much we need to run to God and tell him about it and leave it with him.

ghoffmanpdx writes on 0000-00-00

This is an area I struggle with and struggle with. I must say that when laying it ALL down for Him to handle, it is a lot easier than trying to go on my own strength....

Now, if I can JUST remember to do that right off the bat the next time.....

jive writes on 0000-00-00

Often times if we dwell on our temptations it seems harder to avoid sin. It seems to me anyways, the sooner I turn to God with what I am facing the easier it is to stand strong. But the more I give thought towards the temptation at hand the easier I am lead astray. I have come to realize that it is better for me to put all aspects of my life in the hands of God as soon as I am faced with them, not just temptation, and the God is always just to put his hand on the situation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that YE ARE ABLE; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape."

hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

It is my opinion that even after we become sanctified that we are still faced with desires that tempt us. I think the only thing that changes once we are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost is the way we react to the temptations that confront us. If we do not react like Jesus would then we need to seek God and His will for our life.

mnolfn writes on 0000-00-00

I agree with JIVE.
At the very first we must flee. Our human side wants to see how close we can get to sin without actually sinning. We rationalise our deeds. I learned this about rationalise: it divides into two words, RATIONAL LIES. Uh-oh.

Jan writes on 0000-00-00

Temptation is not a sin. All of us are tempted.Christ was himself tempted in the wilderness. Christ taught us how to handle temptation by his own example. When the tempter tempted Christ, He quoted the word of God to him. We must do the same . We must study the word of God and know it so that we can stand against the enemy when he tempts us. Sin occurs when we yield to the temptation and commit an act against the word of God.

peacehaven_2000 writes on 2002-03-30

We are all tempted at one time or another,this of course can be to test us and sometimes we overcome, and sometimes we fail. The Bible tells us many things regarding temptation and also sin. We have The Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin, and our sincere confession will bring forgivness and cleanse us from unrighteousness and bring us back into fellowship with God our Father.The Lords Prayer tells us to pray that we are not led into temptation but delievered from evil. Jas 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." 1 Peter 5:8 says to "Be Sober,Be vigilant,because your adversary the devil,as a roring lion,walketh about,seeking whom he may devour." and Eph. 4:27 says " Neither give place to the devil" It seems that God has given us the warning that these things do happen, that is why we need to pray unceasingly and really learn our Scriptures. Eph 6:11 says"Put on the whole armour Of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" This is good advise.the more of the Word of God we learn the better we are to overcome. We should all take Peters advise in 1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby."
If we grow in the word we also grow into maturity and as we grow we get stronger,day by day.

D-lite writes on 2002-04-20

Desire is at the heart of the matter. Does desire takes us astray? Is desire a dangerous thing? Does desire leave us vulnerable? Why do we fear ìdesireî? Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4 ). Is desire the enemy of our souls or could it be our friend? Is it not the thing I choose to delight myself in, the very thing that will control me?

God created us with a capacity for great desire in our hearts and souls. Does He not speak to us first in our hearts, the home of our desire? Do we not hear His voice calling to our hearts (John Eldredge, Sacred Romance)? ìGod saw all that he had made, and it was very good (Gen 1:31). Jesus calls to our desire, inviting us, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drinkî (John 7:37 ). Our Creator God is full of zeal and passion. Could it be that we need to learn how to live out of the desire God has created us for?

Anything I give my affection to will enslave me. If I delight myself in materialism, then the god of mammon will control my wishes and actions. I will want more and more, never to be satisfied. If I delight myself in another person, then he or she will become the one I cannot live without (rather than God). I will expect that person to meet all my needs, I will make that person my god. Could it be that we are not delighting ourselves in the LORD and therefore we delight ourselves in other things, things that steal our hearts and replace the LORD? Is this the ìevil desire that gives birth to sin and death,î the things we delight ourselves in? Could our hearts be harden toward God because we not delighted ourselves in Him alone?

By reading and listening to some scholars one would think that oneís desire is something that must be squelched and tightly controlled in order to be spiritual. Do we love and serve God only out of duty or out of desire? Mary and Martha seemed to have this same dilemma (Luke 10:39-42 ). Mary wanted the joy of just being with Jesus, while Martha preferred the job of serving Jesus. ìAs the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps 42:1-2 )î. Desire it at the heart of the matter.

D-lite writes on 2002-07-22

When I was a little girl, I used to get into trouble if I did bad things. I suppose this could be considered a common childhood experience with all people. However, I had come to believe that I was bad, because I had done something wrong. I thought doing wrong things made me a bad person. This childish idea carried over to my understanding of sin. I thought that I was a sinner, because I had done some ìbad thingsî (sinned). Then I realized that I wasnít a sinner because I had done something bad. Actually, it was just the opposite. I did bad things (sin) because I was a sinner. The bad things I did were the evidence and result of my sinful state. I couldnít help but do bad things, because I had a sin nature. I think many of us as adults still have confused ideas about this. We think our sin makes us sinful. Actually, our sin nature in us makes us think and act in sinful ways. Our sins simply confirm the truth about us and testify against us that we are sinners, deserving of punishment. Even if we would never commit a sinful act outwardly, this would still be the case. Sin originates inside of us and the outward behavior simply confirms that fact. We can live a private inner life of sin, in our heads and hearts, sometimes without any outward demonstrations for years. Other times it evidences itself quite quickly by some overt act. The process begins within and therefore we are told to, ìÖ demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and Ö take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.î ( 2 Cor 10:5). By taking our inner thoughts captive and subjecting them to the holiness of Christ, we protect ourselves from our own sinful nature and release ourselves to the Spirit of Christ in us. That is why we now have a choice, because the nature of Christ and the sinful nature co-exist in these mortal bodies. Before we accepted Christ¥s atoning sacrifice for our sinfulness, we had no choice, because we didn¥t have His Spirit. Now we do.

Bill writes on 2002-09-23

My daughters mother and I aren´t married and I still love her,I can´t get into all the details but, we love our daugther. Carol, the mom is marring some guy and they have been living together. She refuses to see the effect on Kylie.
The temtation I must resist is to try and control the situation I¥m hurt, angry, sad; more hurt and angry and concerned about Kylie´s moral and emotional well being. My temtation to say things and try to controll this situation can cause more damage than good so, I pray for wisdom and strength and read the Bible, so far things are ok at least there is no yelling and hurtful things being said. Test of my faith? A trial to make me stronger? A trick by the devil to seperate me from my daughter? I dont know. What I do know is that only God can help me cope with the pain and my faith in him will bring this to a happy ending.
Please pray for me and for Carol to do the best for Kylie and input or thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.
God bless all, william

thalteman writes on 2003-11-24

My one desire when I talk to God or Jesus is that I want to be a good person, and I try and I work on it. My sins may not be major, but they are sins never the less. I never try to compromise or deny the sin, But it bothers me still after so many years that I am still capable of sin.

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
(Whole Chapter: Genesis 4 In context: Genesis 4:6-8 )

Rev_Janet writes on 2004-01-13

In Romans 6:13 we are told to give ourselves, our "parts" to God instead of to sin. In my humble opinion, the best way to start to turn ourselves away from sin is to give God our mind, a part of our body that is a leader in mischief. If we keep our minds steeped in scripture, prayer and meditation on things that are beautiful and virtuous, our minds will be too busy to get into too much trouble. If our minds are too busy to wander into sinful thoughts, if we are instead thinking thoughts of charity and love for other souls, thoughts of praise and thanksgiving to God, we will have done well in offering ourselves to God.

taximan writes on 2006-03-10

One point I would like to raise concerning temptation is the danger of trying to justify our sinful desires and actions by the Word of God. History itself is littered with times when some person or other, well versed in Scripture, uses that knowledge from the wrong motive, quite often resulting in horrendous consequences.

When faced with direct personal temptation to past addictions etc., or the things we all know are wrong, to a certain degree it is quite simple to deal with. But what about a delicate scenario where you or someone you love has been ill-treated by another person. What about when everyone around you can testify to your rightful behaviour and their wrongful behaviour. When no person would consider it unjust to behave in a way toward that person that is contrary to the Word of God?

What about a situation where you feel justified turning aside from the needs of those around you for the sake of work, your ministry, or some other such thing you are so committed to?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is a perfect description of the nature of love, and unless our actions are rooted in love, motivated by love, and has an ultimate goal to express the love within us, they are sinful actions and without profit to us. If we can keep the characteristics of love close to our hearts and minds, we will always be on guard against submitting to the type of temptation that is most dangerous. The type that only you and God know about!

Before we react to anything we should FIRST CHECK OUR MOTIVES:

1. Are we reacting because our patience has snapped?
2. Are we in any way jealous or acting in any way unkind?
3. Do we sense that we know better than someone else, or we want others to know just how great we are?
4. Are we first taking into consideration the needs of all others in that situation, and not purposefully acting in a way that is unbecoming?
5. Are we seeking our own needs above the needs of others?
6. Are we being provoked by something other than love, or seeking retribution?
7. Are we glorifying that which is wrong, or not glorifying that which is right?
8. Are we first believing all things, hoping all things, and enduring all things, without feeling that someone else should be endebted to our good nature?

To be honest, I can´t think of the last time I got to the end of that list and still felt justified in behaving wrongly!

God bless,

John.

moj8668 writes on 2006-11-28

I have a family member who is a recovering addict (clean and sober for almost 19 years) and when people ask him what he is most looking forward to about heaven his answer is simple: "Apart from seeing my Savior´s face, I´m going to enjoy the complete lack of a desire to use again!" When you look at the ten commandments, so many of them stem from just one issue - coveting (or desiring or lusting). It is our sefishness that lands us trouble more often than not. Satan and his demonic forces are real and they definitely want to destroy believers. But we cannot blame him for everytime we sin; we also walk ourselves right into sin far too often.

zanyana writes on 2007-09-01

"by his own evil desire" suggests that no one is responsible for our sinful act, but us. This should be a wake up call to those who often blame others for the evil things that they do, as if to imply that they have no choice but to do evil.

Until we stop blaming everyone else for the evil things that we do, and start taking responsibility for our actions by casting ourselves in the arms of Jesus, who empowers us to make the right choices, we will never overcome sin. For, as long as we continue to blame everyone else for its existence within our lives, it will continue to have power over us.

We must cast our cares on Christ, believing that He cares for us, if we are to really learn what it means to be free from the power of sin.

First Day Church writes on 2008-03-19

It always starts with desire. What I mean by this is salvation was not granted to us to save us from sin. Salvation was designed to save us from ourselves. We are born in sin, so there is no getting away from us. David did not go astray because he looked at Bathsheba, he went a stray because he acted.

rawLuv writes on 2008-02-28

This article was very good. The responses to it are even better. As my friends and I say, "this was the fa´sho nuff grown folk’s truth!"

I often hear Christian complain about the devil and blame the devil. It has always bothered me because I´ve learned that once we accept Christ the devil has to gain permission from God to do anything to us. I´ve learned that I can be a bigger devil to myself than the devil himself.

An earlier response quoted Genesis 4:7 "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." What sparks my interest is God tell us to master sin. That lets me know that sin isn´t going anywhere anytime soon, but God has given us the power to become skilled and proficient through gaining a thorough understanding of sin. That´s what is happening in this article and it´s responses.

Friends of mine have complimented me in how I have been able to "not fall" to the temptation of sin. This is of course in certain areas because in other areas not only did I fall but I also couldn´t get up. The success I have experienced in those areas or times I didn´t fall all share the fact that I didn´t put myself in a compromising situation with which to begin. I chose not to sin before I had even been tempted through setting boundaries in my life. You know you better than anyone save God. Ask God to help you set some boundaries and then refuse to cross or even come near those boundaries. One of the problems with the Body of Christ is that we don´t have enough track stars that know how to run and when to run. Someone once said that a good run beats a bad stand any day. I´m putting on my track shoes y´all!

luv

It is when this desire is enticed by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Temptation does not occur simply because we have a desire, for we have many desires which come and then go away as fast as they came.  Rather temptation happens when those desires are not just a fleeting idea but one that captures us, one where we say, "yes, that would be good".  And by good I do not mean a right thing to do but we perceive it as good for me even as Eve perceived the fruit to be both  good and pleasing (Gen 3:6) for her.  This is where the rationalization begins for one is not thinking so much about what really is good but simply what would be "good" for me at this very present moment.

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Arnet Hales writes on 2001-05-12



O, that we would be captured by God in the same way that we are captured by our own evil desires. How often we forget that it is not desire that we should fear, but desire after the things that are not of God.

Arnet

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-13


"What are you doing, young man?" the grocer asked a youngster whose eyes were on a large basket of delicious, red apples outside the storefront. "Are you trying to steal one of my apples?"

"No sir," replied the youngster. "I am trying not to."

The tempting thought of just taking an apple and running does not come from God....saying no, I will not take this apple, even though I could, does!

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LinLou writes on 2004-05-11

A pastor once told me that it is not a sin to have a wrong thought, but if we dwell upon that thought then it becomes a sin.

Examples by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Illustrated with addictions:  An alcoholic begins to feel sad and empty and something within him begins to long for a drink.  He thinks about it for a moment and says, "Ya, it would be good to have a drink"  Notice he has not decided to drink he has only decided to agree with his desire that this would be a good thing (we´ll pick up on that later). 

Illustrated with anger:  A mother is working really hard to get everything done around the house.  Things are a mess, everything is going wrong.  She begins to get frustrated.  During this time her thoughts are getting more and more worked up.   Her son comes home throws his bag down the stairs and it knocks over the table light.  In a split second her mind replays the sound, the days struggles, and she just really wants to give it to him and then she does.

Illustrated with peer pressure: A teenager goes to school.  She sees all the cool people sitting together at lunch, laughing.  She is alone.  Inside is growing a desire to be accepted by that group.  The thought does not leave her but haunts her every step in the hallways.  Everytime she sees people all she can think about is what they are thinking of her and if she could fit in.

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-13



Robert Browning´s famous poem, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, was based on a centuries old story. Hamelin, a little German town in the duchy of Brunswick, was overrun with rats. Every home was full of rats, as were the shops and streets. According to Browning.....

They fought the dogs, and killed the cats,
And bit the babies in the cradles,
And ate the cheeses out of the vats,
And licked the soup from the cook´s own ladles.

An odd-looking stranger entered town, promising to rid the town of rats for the sum of one hundred guilders. He was quickly hired, and, pulling a small flute from his pocket, he began to play a shrill tune. As he played, the rats came tumbling out of the homes and shops. As the piper played, he marched toward the river and the rats followed him in an ever-increasing mass until they were all led into the water and drowned.
But the mayor reniged, not wishing to pay the money and hey! the rats were gone!
Without a word, the Piper left the mayor´s office, took out the flute, and began playing a different tune. This time, the sound was sweet, low and lovely. Instantly, the children of Hamelin came tumbling out of homes and schools, and to the horror of all, they began following the Piper towards a mountain which opened up like a door and all one hundred and thirty children trooped inside...never to be seen again.
One child remained....a lame boy who was unable to keep up....he escaped the fate of the others and later told the citizens what he had heard. The Pipers song, he said, was about a land where all things were beautiful, the people were good, the rivers clear, the flowers brighter and the sky was a brilliant blue. In this land, dogs ran faster, bees didn´t sting, horses flew with eagle´s wings and no one was ever sick.
Its lure was virtually irrestible, and with this sweet, subtle, soft delusion the Piper led the children toward their doom.

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mnolfn writes on 0000-00-00

I am eager to hear what is to come about peer pressure. I fell for it over 40 years ago, basically changed my life, made it hard, even though that is all past. Now I am 55 . No there is no peer pressure now, but I have always been lonely, strange, not fitting in, etc. But there is the joy of knowing Who IS my friend, and that I do not need to impress Him, or do stupid stuff to make Him like me. I wonder where I could have been today, had I known all this then?

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D-lite writes on 2002-04-20

Addictions: There is nothing more addictive than sin. That is its very nature, to enslave. I have watched and lived with people who have been tormented by sinful addictions. The real test for an addict is not to expose himself to that which has previously enslaved him. If he does expose himself, it is simply an indicator that he does not have victory over it; it still has victory over him.

So it is with any sin, it always about who (or what) is in control. That is the nature of sin. Once discovered and acknowledged, it must be renounced (repentance) and confessed. Then by Godís grace we can be delivered from the addictive behavior or thoughts and never allow it to control us again. ìÖ I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deedsî (Acts 26:20 b). The key is learning to how to recognize it. Often we donít recognize our own addictions / sin.

God does not tempt us, but temptation does come and He does allow it, so that He can be proven faithful and true. ìNo 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. Therefore, my dear friends fleeÖ. ( 1 Cor 10:13-14). The ìway outî (of temptation) is the way through, not around. The exit sign is on the other side. God will deliver us and carry us through any circumstance, if we allow Him to carry us over to the other side.

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lutuyen writes on 2002-09-16

Dear friends,
As we see, devils always use different ways to deceive us. Esp, to those who say I am strong enough to fight against.

It is easy for us to be in their traps. I sometimes can¥t control myself and I realize I have not Jesus in me that moment. Following is some of the questions raised:
1. Do we completely surrender to Jesus? We always say we do but, really not.
2. Are we satisfied in all circumstances? (in Psalm 115:4-5). Sometimes, the Lord wants to test our heart, for we say we love Him and believe in Him. But how much?
3. Are we afraid of performing wrong deeds? Before doing something even small, do we ask the Lord?

4. Also the Lord wants things to happen his way not our way.

5. Are we really reborn? What is our desire now and before? If we still want the same things we did before receiving Jesus, we should watch ourselves again whether we now live for and on Jesus or ourselves. Since we continually want to do for and on ourselves, Jesus will let it be so.

We can¥t win sins unless Jesus¥ blood is in us. He¥ll let his Spirit protect us in any circumstances, even when we think it the worst.
6. Are we patient enough to listen to him for his answer? Sometimes we pray for something and we wait no time for the answer from the Lord. Most of us pray and run away. Just think about a child coming and asking his father for a candy, he needn¥t his father¥s agreement or not, he runs out and gets a candy.

Just some of my questions and comments to share. May God bless you all.

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noellers writes on 2005-02-04

I can relate to the example of the teenager. I was far from popular and was teased quite a bit when I was in high school. So when I saw people enjoying themselves in large groups of ´cool´ kids, I would begin to feel envious which lead to anger and loneliness.

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sue p writes on 2005-11-21

Addiction is different for everyone. Some of us struggle with eating when we get stressed. Since coming to Christ I have turned to the Bible more than food. Not that I don´t fall at times and eat when I shouldn´t but keeping my eyes above instead of on myself helps.
It is just another example on how great our God is and how there is not a problem he cannot tackle.

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taximan writes on 2006-02-20

I think one mistake I have made in the past with a particular addiction I had was to misunderstand how to walk in the victory Christ gives me.

The sinful desire that I have entertained as Chris described previously, remains a weakness in my flesh that I believe will always be there. However I have found the key to my victory in remaining in Gods presence, by literally laying down every minute of my day to Him in worship. If a wrong thought enters in I rebuke it, and refuse it a hold by declaring Gods Word and praising Him even if it´s under my breath. If I´m unexpectedly faced with the object of my temptation I rebuke it and bind it, and lash out at the devil with every ounce of venom I can find.

The key to overcoming temptation is not to seek that the temptations would never come, but to constantly seek to be in Gods presence who is my strong tower no demon can penetrate!

Biblical Stories of by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Adam and Eve (Gen 3)
Joseph and Potiphar´s wife (Gen 39)
Achan (Joshua 7 )
David and Bethsheba ( 2 Samuel 11 )
Peter´s denial (Mark 14:57-71 )
Jesus (Mt 4 ; Heb 2:18 ; Heb 4:15 )

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-13



Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-9 )

Joshua 7;2 Samuel 11;Mark 14:57-71;Mt 4;Heb 2:18;Heb 4:15; - Biblical Stories of

The conflicting desires by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

And yet we also desire for God.  The Apostle Paul talks about the struggle within him in how part of him wants to follow God and the other parts wants to do it´s own way (Rom 7:14-24)  He is so frustrated he says, "who will rescue me from this body of death?"  Yet what we are going to learn is that the chapter does not end there and neither are we stuck in the constant cycle of bondage.  He answers his question, "Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!" and goes on in the next chapter "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom 8:1,2)

We will see later how to begin to experience this freedom but for now let us note that we have these two desires battling within us, the desire for God and the desire for our own things.

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chris gudger writes on 2001-07-04



we do have two battles going in all of us and this reminds me of the scriptures in Galiatians 5 16 walk in the spirit lest ye fullfill the lust of the flesh.

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hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I agree that we have two forces working within us as Paul says. I also believe that with each temptation if we respond according to the will of God that we grow spiritually. I know in my life when God has tested or tried me and I failed that I often have to repeat that test over again until I do it according to God¥s plan. So I pray each day or with each new trial that God will help me to learn the lesson He wants me to from the trial so I do not have to repeat it. I also ask Him to help me grow with each step I take.

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thriving writes on 2003-06-03

I find that when I am being fed spiritually and stay close to God trusting him with my pulls and struggles knowing he will give me the grace i need and praying for strength to overcome temptation then I have a stronger sense of not yielding to temptation. Each time i step out and submitt to do God´s will by faith trusting God I notice the flesh rebels and struggles with me. If I listen and obey God and let him give me grace I am given grace to not give in and temptation loses it´s grip on me through his grace working in me. I have found i must depend on His grace to overcome temptation. My flesh cannot please God. I must trust God to do what I cannot do. Praise God for providing a way out of temptation.

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cneff writes on 2003-06-09

This lesson really blessed me. I am a newly wed of 6 months and shortly after my husband and I were married he accepted his calling to be a minister. It has been really great at times as well as very rough at times. I am now striving to get closer to him so that i can be a strong woman for my husband but it´s really tough. These lessons are really helping me get closer to God! My husband will be atttending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth,TX this fall so we are asking for everyone´s prayers.

The old bridge illustration again by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Let me review the† the bridge illustration from the section on the Gospel and show how it illustrates this.† We have said that the Gospel can be compared to a great canyon with God on one side and man on the other.† On the side where man is people are doing whatever they want, some are doing good and some evil but all of them are living their life apart from God.† You see, they do not recognize God as their King and so they have built their own castle (their own little life) apart from God.

†

Then they learn God and how wonderful He is.† They learn that they will one day be judged and everything on this side is doomed to fall into the canyon and will be destroyed.† They hear of how God has made a bridge by the cross where Jesus will carry them from one side to the other.† They desire to leave their old life and walk with God so they ask Jesus to carry them over.†† He does and now they stand on new ground, where they can walk with God and their work will last forever.

Temptation then is when they are standing on the other side and they look back and remember the things they used to enjoy.† Perhaps they see the old castle and they wonder if it could still bring them some pleasure and if they are missing out on something.† They forget however that the old castle is simply a card-board cut out, fake, unreal, never able to satisfy, and though they thought they were king over their old life they really were slaves in shackles to the sin which really ruled them.† But this is forgotten because their vision has become so small that they can no longer see the larger picture which includes God and the truth about the old life.† They try it again and it leaves them empty and heart-broken, for now they have tasted of the goodness of God and all those old things are even more empty than before.† They are disappointed and to make things worse their heart brakes that they hurt the one they are coming to love so dear - God.

†

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Mspastwife writes on 2001-02-17



I have recently come back to the Lord.{matter of fact, thru this program} Because of hurts, dissapointments, and broken heartedness,I run away from God. I blamed him for all that has happened, and could not see the full picture of WHY when all I could see was my hurting.From turning from God I did things that were not right as a child of God. I went to church, and I did my duties as an assistant preachers wife, but my heart was not with God. I was only doing the motions. I came to hate myself, and the emptiness , and the loneliness just about overtook me. Now I come back, and I just can´t seem to except that he loves me and welcomes me back. [like the father did his son in the Bible] The devil has been working over time; trying to convince me, but the bible says I am forgiven! I love the Lord with all of my heart, and I just can´t seem to tell him enough. When those wrong desires come creeping in,I go to the word and fill my home with praise music to chase them away! Thank you for waking me up; I have been trying to come back for quite some time.

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-22



Have you ever heard the expression "burn your bridges behind you", meaning once you´ve made it through something you should destroy the way back so that you never fall into that again. It would seem that if that bridge between the WORLD and GOD´S WAY would be burned behind us that we would have no more problems. But, if God did that then what about those people that are to cross the bridge after us? What about "free will" and loving God for who He really is and not because we have to? I see that bridge as a test from God...we always know that it is there and we can go back if we must but, God never forces us to the edge....satan on the other hand is ever beckoning from the other side, promising with sweet tempting lies that we can cross and return again and again without hurting anyone!

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hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I use this illustration everytime I feel tempted. I don¥t believe in buring my bridges in my physical or spiritual life, because I want to lead as many people to God along the same path that I came as possible. So I think of the people who see me everyday that I am witnessing too and I think yeah I could go back over there and enjoy the fleshly life, but then I think of the people God wants to save and I resist and look to him for guidance. When it gets dark I seek the light. When I see the light I am filled with wonderful peace that is coming down to me from my Father.

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moj8668 writes on 2006-11-28

Think about this - there are no support groups for those who are addicted to running their heads into brick walls. Why? It brings no pleasure! Not even once! When we simply think about the pleasure that certain behaviors bring without reminding ourselves of the consequences that follow, we run the risk of running back that old castle, fake or not.

It comes down to a choice by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

But there is that point where they are standing there on the other side looking back, longing to have something of the old life they have left behind, where they have to make a choice.†† Are they going to try to rebuilt what was forsaken or are they going to follow God?

All of temptation comes down to a moment when a person is confronted with a choice, "yes" or "no".† I agree that there are times when it seems that it just happened and it is like we wake up after yelling at someone and wonder how that happened but even there it was a choice, even though it took only a millisecond.† For some the choice was made a long time ago and they chose not to ever care if they yell or not, that it does not matter.† They might realize that it does and try to stop but the old pattern is there and they make the choice almost instinctively.† They continue to choose ahead of time not to yell at others out of a growing desire for what is good instead of evil.† As time goes on they begin to recognize that millisecond where the choice lies and the millisecond seems to grow.† They begin to make the right choice.

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." (Rom 6:12)

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futbolmamasita writes on 2001-07-22



If you are an alcoholic, then when someone tells you to go away from your temptaion and repent, you say, "But then I have to leave the alcohol." My point is: people have trouble leaving the temptation. There was a quote, that I once had to explain what it meant in my 10th grade journal: it said, "Yeild to the tempation." That means, fall to the tempation, surrendor to the temptation. But if you do, you are serving other ´gods.´

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-22



This article for some reason, reminded me of an experiment that I and my youth group tried. We were discussing temptations and trials and many of the kids gave the ususal excuses....I can´t help it, I´ve done that for so long, I do it without thinking, Mom and Dad do it too, Well, its not a bad word they say it on T.V.,....you know the ususal stuff when dealing with instinctive patterns. One young person exclaimed rather emphatically, "I just do it because its a HABIT!" I asked the kids if they knew that it takes about 21 days to make a behavior a habit and then told them that it takes approximately 21 days to unlearn that behavior. I passed out large rubber bands and markers and after each individual teen prayed they were instructed to write the HABIT that most displeased or separated them from God on the band, I joined in on this exercise writing being judgemental on my band and I know some of the kids had things like cussing, lying, smoking, etc. on theirs. I then instructed them to POP the band everytime they found theirselves performing this HABIT. The POP must be hard and it must be done for 21 days. We covenanted to do this together and the results were astounding! It worked, and it also led to witnessing opportunities...many people wanted to know about the bands. The amazing thing was that it showed us that the first week the act was HABIT but, it was slowly coming to be choice because sometimes I knew I was headed towards judging someone and I realized it because I knew I would have to POP the band. The really hard part was that after I became aware of this particular sin reigning in my life and although I really desired to stop it...when it no longer held me captive I (being the human that I am) still sometimes opted to POP the band anyway just to judge because I wanted to. After the results of the bands were discussed we also decided that if a sinful habit could be learned in 21 days then so could a Godly habit....read the Word for 21 days, it will become habit, pray each night for 21 days, it will become habit.....I am sure you get the picture.

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tammyingham writes on 0000-00-00

To learn to live a life for god..was hard.
The world keeps tring to pull you one direction when all you desire is to follow god.
I lost alot on the way to walk with god but it was worth it. I would do it again if I had to.
if more people would learn to walk with god they would find peace and happiness.

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D-lite writes on 2002-04-21

Choice is the power of freedom. The difference between a victim and a victor is the power of choice. Victims donít make choices they always have things happen to them. (Thatís why they find it easy to blame.) I learned this lesson at a young age and will never forget it. Growing up in an abusive environment, I felt completely powerless. I couldnít stop the abuse. I was not in control. I grew up in a home that was permeated by alcohol, rage and depression. I had no choice or control in the matter. This was the only home I had.

Even in my youth I was quite a contemplative person and observed individuals carefully, trying to understand the reason for the anger, depression and abusive behaviors. I discovered that they too were victims. There was power and control in our home, but it was the power of evil, controlling us like little puppets on a string. Everyone living under that roof came under its power. All were its victims.

I first realized that I might grow up at the age of 15 (when my older sister got married). Up until that point, it hadnít occurred to me that I would see adulthood, because our home was filled with so much violence, that subconsciously I had accepted that I would die an early death. However, the realization of growing up compelled me to begin thinking about making choices. If I was going to grow up, then I had to begin thinking about what kind of a grown up I wanted to become. I had been close enough to only one other family in our community where I could see them live daily life. They were a Christian family. I decided that I would like my future family to be like theirs and began making choices to make that become a reality.

When I realized that I had the power to make choices, my life changed and I was filled with hope. I had never felt hope before (because victims donít make choices, they are in bondage, without hope). My example of the ultimate victor is Christ. He did not have things happen to him, He made things happen. He had control over man, nature and even life and death itself. He chose death, so that He could show us that He is the victor of life and death. Now we can choose victory, because He paid the price with His choice to die for us. We are no longer victims. We are co-victors with Him. It really does come down to a choice.

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Miles Tucker writes on 2003-11-10

This is exactly right on the money. The choice is ours. What has worked for me in some cases, like quiting smoking, I found that the need and want was more powerful than just a choice. Mentaly I chose to quit but physicaly my body wanted more. I over came that temtation by Telling the Lord my choice and asking him for help. This was a day by day struggle but it worked because I had faith that God would help me after I confesed my choice and new I couldn´t do it without his help. (John 15:5)

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uchia01 writes on 2009-03-31

We all struggle with temptaion at one point or another and as a relativly new disciple I struggle quite often. I have found though that when i focus on how much i love and wish to dedicate myself to God during the time of temptation, it is easily overcome. I also do accountability with close friends whom struggle with the same temptations and that is also a great help.

Since it is a choice, it comes down to which do we love more by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

The choice really is between sin and God.† The more I love sin the more prone I will be to have sin.† The more I love God the more I will want to follow Him. † The hard truth is that when I choose to sin I am really saying I love it more than God.† It is an idol to me and must go.† The exciting truth is that the more I come to love God, the less power sin will have over me.

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26

God or sin?

How do I come to love God????

Seeking His face.....
Daily prayer times.....
Praising Him in song.....
Reading His Word......
Following His Son......
Being still and knowing that He is God..
Sharing His love.....
Obeying His commandments.....


How do I come to sin????

Lying on the phone for others.....
Avoiding lost friends.....
Avoiding saved friends.....
Breaking promises.....
Not caring about anyone but, myself...
Carrying my Bible but, never reading it.
Hiding my Christianity.....
Going along with the crowd.....

The choice is mine.

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hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

What I failed to realize when I first got saved is that this is an ongoing battle. You don¥t just face it once and move on. Everyday you face it and the only way to succeed is with God¥s grace and mercy. It helps me to picture the Israelites wondering in the wilderness for 40 years. If God can bring them through that He can bring me through too.

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reklawnhoj writes on 2002-03-14

I think that it is an excellent point which needs to continually be taught that when we love something ( or someone ) more than God we are dabbling with Idolatry and this is something which God will not tolerate in the lives of his children. Thankfully, there is Jesus and if we confess this sin (as what it is , Idolatry and nothing less, after all we must be honest with ourselves and God ) he will forgive us, cleanse us and renew our fellowship with himself. He truly is a gracious God of long suffering and mercy. ----- 1 John 1:9

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D-lite writes on 2002-05-15

Choosing Destinyís Path ñ Matt 7:13-14 : ìEnter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.î

Every choice comes with consequences, immediate and delayed. Before we choose a path, we should carefully consider its destination. The condition of the path should not necessarily influence the choice. The greater consideration should be given to its destination. It is a good idea to look at a map to see where one is going today, so that one can be sure to get there tomorrow. From what Jesus tells us in this passage, I see that I am the only one who can make the choices concerning my destiny.
a) 2 Paths: There is a broad road and a narrow road. I can choose the road I travel and the destination. One way leads to destruction, and the other to life. Itís my journey and I have to take out the map to decide where I want to be when my journey ends.
b) Broad Way ñ Fast and Smooth: Most people choose to take the broad way and the wide gate to enter their future. Because most people take the broad way, thereís lots of traffic. Because you¥ll get so much support it will be harder to leave this way if you decide that it¥s not the destination you want. If you get into the stream of traffic on the broad way, itís becomes very difficult to change directions. So, itís hard to get back into the slow lane to find an exit if you need to make a change. The faster and farther you go, the less the likelihood of being able to change directions.
c) Narrow Way - Lonely Way: Itís much easier taking a freeway than driving on a narrow winding country road. However, if one chooses the narrow way one can expect that it will be mostly a solitary journey, because ìonly a few find itî. There wonít be much company on this path. If I expect a lot of support, I will be disappointed.
d) Narrow Way - Not the Easy or Fast Way: The narrow way will also be the more difficult terrain - because it is narrow. The narrow way will take longer and will be more challenging. But the easy and fast way is usually the wrong way. The narrow way is the only way that leads to my desired destination - Life.

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stevehigh writes on 2002-08-16

While I agree that Christ has ultimately made it possible to overcome all sin, I would have to take excption to your statement that not sinning is a simple matter of choice, or a lack of love for God. I agree that as we become more intimate with God we will also become more holy, however there are some other issues to be considered. There are spiritual, emotional and physical bondages which sometimes require the power of God to set a person free, before they can effectively exert their will in God¥s favor. For those of us that have repeatedly tried and failed (including Paul, "oh wretched man that I am." Romans) we find that simply choosing doesn¥t always work. If it did, there would be no need for the power of the cross. The cross, not the human will, crucifies the flesh. Again, I agree in general with your statement, many tmes we do choose to sin, however to make a blanket statement that it is the only reason, leaves us with only our own willpower and can discourage those who genuinely love the Lord. It is as the old story of the bird in the cage, Christ must open the door, but then we must choose to fly away.

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jaycee_02140@yahoo.com writes on 2004-11-26

I just want to thank deecee from texas for leadership and guidance I have asked God for leadership in his kingdom I was blind and could not see when I first found out about Authentic walk ministries back in 2001 I am thankful knowing this ministry has put me back on track in my journey to God´s kingdom

The choice needs to be right away by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Since temptation begins with our evil desire it is best to get temptation at that level.† As soon as you feel that you might be being dragged away by your desires or you sense that your evil desires have potential of being enticed, turn away.† If your struggle is with pornography don¥t go near places that sell it.† If your struggle is with alcohol then don¥t go by the bar.† If you struggle with anger, then do things that will calm you down as soon as you feel it coming.†

One of my old deans at Prairie High School said that temptation is like a slide. † At the top you are going slow but the further down you get the faster you are going.† It is far easier to slow down and stop yourself at the top then at the bottom.† Likewise the moment you feel temptation might be coming along get out of there.† Something within you will try to tell you that it is okay and that it won¥t hurt just to think about it for a moment.† It will tell you that you don¥t have to do it, just think about it.† It will say, "wouldn¥t it be fun to do that?". † It will begin to suggest all the great ways you could do it and you will be caught. † So as soon as it opens it¥s mouth tell it to shut up!

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Arnet Hales writes on 2001-05-12



Choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

- Joshua 24:15

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26



The end of the article asks....what will you choose today...and i think that that is very appropriate because we must choose daily! Sin is a part of our lives that we never cease to battle. Yes, as believer´s we have power over sin through Jesus Christ and we have no condemnation but, we have a war to fight. We are all called to fight against the wiles of the devil and we are even given armor for that very purpose (check out Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10-17). Yes, we should strive to have sinless lives and this state is attainable or else Paul would not have encouraged us to seek it but, it still boils down to the fact that you must die to self DAILY and choose every day to live for Jesus.

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D-lite writes on 2002-04-21

Turning away from temptation always means turning to Jesus. If we donít turn to Jesus, then weíll just turn to another substitute to meet that same need. ìDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things (Phil 4:6-8 )î. Who other than Christ has all these attributes? Turn only to Him.

Stages Outlined by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

I just spoke about what I call the inner voice of temptation.  Here is are some general statements this inner voice of temptation makes in order to get you started (I put then in general order).  I am not referring so much to demonic influence (although in some cases this plays a role) but to what psychologists call "self-talk".

1. Wouldn´t it be great? (Suggestions)
2. Think of all the pleasure you would have (Encouraging Desire)
3. You need it (Rationalization)
4. You have no choice (Forceful and threatening)

The answer to each stage is

1. No it would not be great (but still it is in the back of mind so (Rom 12:1,2))
2. I don´t want it (but yet I am not fully dead to it. See (Rom 6))
3. I don´t need it, I need God
4. I have no choice but to follow God

The pattern of falling is

1. Decide to think about it
2. Decide to want it
3. Decide to do it

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26



Legend has it that many, many years ago a strong young Indian decided to climb to the top of a nearby, snow-capped mountain. Dressed in buffalo-hide pants, moccasins and shirt, he wrapped a blanket around himself and set off. When he reached the summit and gazed at all the beauty below he swelled with pride over his accomplishment. Then he saw a slight movement at his feet. It was a snake, which promptly and pitifully spoke to him. "I´m about to die," said the snake. "It is too cold up here for me and I am freezing. There is no food, and I am starving. Please wrap me under your shirt and take me down to the valley." "No," said the young man. [Great answer!!!] "I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake, and if I pick you up you will bite me and I will die." [Uh, oh...
Decide to THINK about it!] "No," said the snake. "I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you´ll be special and I´ll not hurt you." [Decide to WANT it!] At last the youth gave in to the snake´s pleading and tucked it under his shirt. [Decide to do it!!!] Upon reaching the valley he removed the rattler and laid it on the warm ground. Whereupon the snake immediately coiled, rattled, struck, and planted its deadly fangs in the young man´s leg. "But you promised," said the young Indian, falling, feeling the deadly venom enter his bloodstream. "You knew what I was when you picked me up," said the serpent, slithering away.

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Adam12786 writes on 2002-11-03

The Pattern of Falling:
1) Deciding to think about it
2) Deciding to want it
3) Deciding to do it

is also the pattern for rising. I have really struggled in this area of my life (temptation) and from it have learned this: Just as this lesson says, if you keep thinking about it, 1 will lead to 2 and 2 to 3. But 3 then leads to death. But when we rationalize what¥s going on around us, think of what we can be in Christ, and remember our awsome Christian friends (something every Christian should have), we are reminded of the benefits of serving Christ (something the Bible speaks of many times), Christ Himself, and our future home. Proverbs 5 has been a great help for me in this area. And I always remember this: the Bible says to "Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you." The order cannot be reversed. Submit to God and center Jesus in your life so that all revolves around His glory . . . then Satan will be forced to flee!

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OhioDisciple writes on 2004-10-17

These stages go right to the point of what it is all about, as far as our part: Proverbs 23:7 states "as he thinketh in his heart so is he." However, if this was all there was to it, we would not need the Lord. Phillipians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. The King James uses the word strengtheneth. Any word with an eth suffix, means this is an ongoing process. So while we do control what we think, we can only get victory Through Jesus Christ.

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sue p writes on 2005-11-21

I think one more thing could be added.
You deserve it.
How many times have we been tempted and someone will say "hey you work hard you desire it." Well if it means sinning we do not deserve it. I use to fall for this statement, but when I came across Roman 13:8 "Keep out of debt and own no man" I now had a rebuttal for myself.

Temptation (Cont´d) by lenblaides, 2000-12-22

Temptation and how it works
(cont´d)

Think of the whole process as a woman who seeks to be married and sees a man whom she finds desirable.
That´s where it begins....
She gets involed with the courting, then the sex which leads to pregnancy, and finally a child.
It´s the same with temptation. There must be something in you that you long for and that where temptation can work.
Our very thoughts can lead us into temptation; that is why the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8
"... that whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The mind is the battle ground and so our minds must be renewed by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 says, "... And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Let the process of temptation be reversed; allow yourself to be drawn by the Holy Spirit unto Jesus Christ. Jesus did say in John 12:32 , " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
It was necessary that Jesus should die on the cross and that he would rise again on the third day; only then will the resurrection power of Jesus Christ be efective in drawing men to God.

So Beloved, allow yourselves to be enticed by the word of God and you will receive faith for ´faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 ).
Whenever you´re tempted, remember that you are not alone, you are in the company of Jesus to the Apostle John for they were all tempted.
Be not afraid, whenever temptation comes just trust in the Lord and in his promise which says, " There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
Also in 2 Peter 2:9 , it says, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust into the day of judgement to be punished."
My adamonition to you is this....
Be angry but do not sin;
if tempted, do not give in; do as the bible says in James 4:6 , .....
Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:6-11 says, and I will not quote all of it;
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you..."

God is love and he love you.

Be blessed today.

Your student,

Len Blaides

lenblaides@hotmail.com
End message.

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faith writes on 2001-07-04

Something you long for?

Do you think that the things that tempt us, tempt us specifically as individuals because of something we´re lacking in our lives?

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26



F.B. Meyer once wrote on the subject of temptation in the life of a Christian...
"Abide in Jesus. Let the Holy Ghost in you keep you abiding in Jesus, so that when Satan comes to knock at your door, Jesus will go and open it, and as soon as the devil sees the face of Christ looking through the door, he will turn tail..."

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D-lite writes on 2002-04-21

Temptation is often like advertising. It is designed (by the devil) to create a need even if only perceived. The more we entertain this advertising the greater the need it creates. For example, take premarital sex; can one live without sexual intercourse before marriage? The answer is obviously, yes. The temptation (and all TV advertising) would suggest otherwise. Does this change the fact? No. But it certainly changes the perception. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4 ).

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bkreynolds writes on 2002-06-12

I have been studying this subject quite a bit lately. I think the most important thing in fighting temptation is to do what Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

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marzettejohnson writes on 2005-08-19

Jesus said that if our right eye offends us we shuld pluck it out.... When tempted, we should use this method and remove ourselves from situations and people that will work against us when we are tempted. This has worked for me.

Philippians 4:8;Romans 12:2;John 12:32;Romans 10:17;2 Peter 2:9;James 4:6; - Temptation (Cont´d)

Temptation by lenblaides, 2000-12-22

Temptation is an attempt to persuade someone to do something unwise or evil. It is important to know that God does not tempt anyone, but he does test everyone.
One may say that in Genesis 22:1 the bible says ".... God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him....." but we must understand the true meaning of the Hebrew word which does not mean tempt but ´ TEST´.
The bible does not contradict itself when it says in James 1:13 , "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.
Now that we have that established, let´s talk about Temptation and how it works.......

There is nothing wrong with temptation for it is a method that God used to test Jesus and strengthen him for his earthly ministry.
After Jesus was baptized, Mark 1:12 says, " And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness, and he was there in the wilderness forty says, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him."
We will always be tempted; both the ´saved´ and the ´unsaved´ person. The difference is how we react to the temptation. As a person without the Holy Spirit you have no power over the evil temptation...but as a born-again Christian you have the power over the devil and his temptation. (scripture...)
Luke 10:19 where Jesus sayd to his disciples,..." Behold, I give unto you power to tread on ´serpents and scorpions´ and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you." That´s the same power we as Christians have over the devil and his temptation.
James describes the process of temptation even as the Apostles Paul described the process of sin as resulting into death (Romans 6:23 )... and to go back further, God described the end result as ´ You will surely die. Genesis 2:16-17 )
As we can see, it all begins with Temptation which works upon our desires, the lustful ones which are not God-centered. James 4:1 says it is because of the LUSTS that war in our members.
When we give lust a chance, when we give room for the devil to operate in our minds, we can be drawn away by our very own lusts and then we become enticed; we begin to see something that seems good but in fact leads to death.

In the garden of eden,Genesis 3:6, Eve saw that it was good and she was drawn away and she did sin against God.
========

This exercise will be completed later)
Lenblaides
lenblaides@hotmail.com

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26



"Every temptation is an opportunity for us to draw nearer to God."--George Sweeting

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hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I think the most important thing for us to remember is that when we have the Holy Spirit on our side we can not lose. Most of the time when we are tempted it is easier to give in then to resist. We have to remember all that God gave and Jesus did for us, and then realize that resisiting temptation is little in comparision.

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Angelo writes on 2003-03-29

One thing I find helpful to remember when I´m being tempted is that not only is temptation not from God but there is also always a way to get out of the temptation without giving into it.

A great tempation verse I find is:
1 Cortinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able. But will with the temptation make a way of escape that ye shall be able to bear it"

I find that verse really encouraging when facing temptations so I thought I would share it. I think it says it all about temptations and being able to overcome them.

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tabruary writes on 2005-04-02

What have read in scriptures and everyones response on temptation was very helpful and also encouraging. I have known about the Truth of Jesus Christ for many years and how real and true he is. I´ve learned since the beginnig of this year that my flesh is very strong and I must do through prayer to tear down the strong holds. I saw so much that I have clean out from with in. Things I vowed to God that I would never do I end up doing not planned just happen. I learn when I don´t keep my eyes on the prize Jesus, the word, prayer, songs of praise all the above that temptation could turn into sin. I pray that even though that you all may not know me that you pray for me as I start to pray for you our strength in the Lord.

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maviss writes on 2006-12-05

Deos God Almighty tempts His children?

Genesis 22:1;James 1:13;Mark 1:12;Romans 6:23;Genesis 2:16-17;James 4:1; - Temptation

We cannot do it ourselves.... by restless_poet, 2001-02-06

One of our biggest downfalls in giving in to temptation is the thinking that says we have to fight temptation with our own strength. But that is actually one of the worst ways to fall into it. How? The Word says we are enticed by our own evil desires. (James 1:14 ) Our flesh already has all of the ammunition the enemy needs - right within us - to pull us off the right track, within our normal human desires. Oftentimes, those desires may seem good. Being strong. Putting up a good fight. But if it is of our own strength and to fight the devil our way, it is sin. Jesus said "apart from me you can do nothing. " (John 15:5 ) And that would include winning the battle against temptation. Only He, who defeated sin and death on Calvary, can truly resist temptation. So how do we give Him control to win the fight? Surrender to Him. Stay close to Him. Let Him in our lives in those areas we haven´t given up our own ways. It´s amazing all the "little" ways and "little" attitudes we leave open for the enemy. If satan is going to use ammo that is already in our flesh, then we need to continually be letting God have more and more control of our lives. That´s like taking ammunition away from the enemy! Isn´t that a wonderful thought? No wonder the Word says it is through our laying down our lives to Him that our minds are renewed and we are transformed into our image! (Romans 12:1 ) He is good.

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faith writes on 2001-07-04



Yes, He is good.

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26

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SurferDisciple writes on 2004-05-11

Being tempted occurs everyday to me. Whether it be lust, or covetousness, I face it everyday. It is part of my continuous nature to rebel against God and His righteousness.

When I am aware of the seething, pervasive feelings that I get from lust, envy, anger, fear, etc., I reach out to my Heavenly Father, asking for forgiveness for my sinful thoughts. I also ask His help to remove me from the grip of the Evil One - Satan.

He has never let me down.

Thank You Jesus!!!!

In His Service,
Alex Rubio

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sue p writes on 2005-11-21

Isn´t this one of the crucial messages of the Bible. Satan owns the earth and we walk the earth. He can cause us all kinds of pain on earth. The Lord wants us to turn to him, but only if WE want to turn to him. Satan will lie and try and steal our souls. The Lord wants us to give him our souls willingly and freely. The promise is He will help us during the temptation times. Everytime we submit our soul to the Lord we overcome Satan, and Satan loses his hold. The hope is eventually Satan will stop messing with us for we are too strong in the Lord.

James 1:14;John 15:5;Romans 12:1; - We cannot do it ourselves....

Jeff And Tony by SpiritualAdrenaline, 2001-07-03

After reading the sermon at http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0460.htm regarding perentence and faith I have come full circle. At first I though repentence was just saying I was sorry. Then i thought it was agreeing with God that what I had done was wrong. Then I even thought for a time that I didn´t need to repent anymore becuase God had forgiven ALL of my sins, past, present, and future, when I was saved. Now I know it is an ongoing process and why some sins are harder to leave behing.

I have written a short story based on what I read in that sermon. Remember it is about repentence only and does not address faith.

Anthony sprang awake as if his heart had stopped, he was covered in sweat, confused by his nightmare. He had dreamt of a horrible nightmare, the kind you thank God is only a nightmare when you finally wake up. His head dropped back on the pillow as he breathed a sigh of relief, but something wasnít right. Tonyís head struggled to figure out what it was. As the cobwebs began to clear from his mind and it began to wake up Tony began to feel uneasy again. Could it be true? No, it was just a nightmare, Thank God!

Bright lights burst into Tonyís eyes and revealed his surroundings. At the very same moment a loud buzzer sounded through his head, the very same buzzer he would hear morning and night for the rest of his life. It was no nightmare, it was all true!

In one instant of complete clarity all the events rushed back to Tonyís mind, his guts twisted within him and pain clutched at his heart, not because of the prison he was in, but because of what he had done. Tears of remorse flowed from Tonyís eyes and were like an uncontrollable flood. How could he have done it? It never seemed so bad, not a big deal. Everyone did it, it was just a couple of drinks with the guys, he had done it so many times. Who was it going to hurt?

As he asked himself that question vivid images of that night washed over his thoughts like a wave. He recalled the twisted figure lying in the ditch near the side of the road. The ditch was a drain next to a feed lot where cows were raised, the drain was the path used to dispose of their waste products. The figure was barely recognizable as a human, lying twisted and broken in the shallow water. That man lay sixty feet from the front end of Tonyís car which had propelled him into the drain. Tony stood in shock and disbelief at the sight of the man. Tony had done it, it was his fault. The police and paramedics worked on the man, but it didnít look good. Soon a woman arrived with one of the officers. Upon seeing the man in the ditch she seemed to look relieved, ìItís not him,î she told the officer. The officer went down to where the man lay and removed the wallet from his torn pants. He returned to the woman and showed her a card he had removed from the wallet. Tony watched as the woman clutched her mouth and giant tears formed in her eyes. The relief she had initially felt was now gut wrenching disbelief. The face of the man in the ditch was so distorted, so mangled, such a bloody pulp, that she did not recognize him as her own husband. Her bewildered eyes met Tonyís and he knew they were asking him ìHow could you?î

Tony rose from his bed and stood at the door of his cell. Down the corridor he heard the shouts of guards announcing the new day. He watched across the block as guards walked the catwalks in front of the cells. Soon a guard stopped in front of Tonyís cell and turned to face him. Tony fell to his knees as pain gripped his body and he began to throw-up onto the floor of the cell. Tony looked up at the face of the guard, it was covered with scars. The left arm of the guard was missing just below the elbow and one of his legs was noticeably shorter then the other. The guard told Tony to get to his feet. Tony sobbed as his words floated up from the floor ìI canít Jeff, I canít face you.î

Jeff opened the door to the cell and helped Tony from the floor and wiped the tears and vomit from his face. Tony was tormented every time he saw his friend and even when he thought of him, which was constently.

Tony words were not new to Jeff and he knew they would come, ìDo you know how sorry I am Jeff?î ìI do Tony, I do.î ìDo you know that I forgive you?î I do Jeff, I do.î

Although the man in the ditch and Tony had come to know each other during the ten years since that night when Tony had run down the prison guard the conversation always started out the same. Tony went onÖ

ìHow can you Jeff, how can you forgive me?î ìTony you know very well how, I have told you every time you have asked. I am Godís child Tony, in the time you have been here we have become friends and I love you as one of my own family members. Tony, I have seen the changes you have made since you have been here and I see how sorry you are for what you did to me. You have been allowed to go into the community with me and tell our story and we have changed the lives of hundreds of people that have never taken another drink after hearing you speak of that night. I forgive you, and you must forgive yourself.î

Tony looked at the picture of his friend Jeff that sat on a cardboard box next to his bunk. When he woke up in the morning and went to bed in the evening and anytime he looked at the picture or thought of his friend Jeff there was always a hint of confusion in the back of his mind. Something, somewhere way back there that he could not quite put his finger on. He knew it involved what his drinking had put Jeff through and he wondered if all the good things they had accomplished together could have been possible if Tony had never drank, if he had never hit Jeff. He knew in his heart that they could not have, but it was hard for Tony to understand sometimes. Tony loved his friend Jeff too, and he knew that Jeff really did forgive him completely, but that was still hard for him to accept sometimes.

Jeff was at Tonyís cell door on this morning to bring special news to Tony. ìYou have been pardoned.î Tonyís eyes were wide and he remained silent. Tony knew he didnít deserve it, he was sentenced to life in prison until death, why was he getting out? Finally he gathered enough air in his lungs to respond with a very weak ìWhy?î

ìYou have made many see that drinking and driving is not the way to live. I have gone to the pardoning board on your behalf, because I love you. Make no mistake, you and I know, as well as the pardoning board knows this is where you deserve to be. But they have heard my plea on your behalf. They have some requirements of course. You must continue your work with others, you must remember what your drinking did to me. I have gone to them for you, and you are free, donít disappoint me Tony. Donít forget me out there, remember me. I am your friend Tony, when you need me I am here.î

ìI donít deserve this Jeff.î ìI know you donít, and so does the pardons board, just consider it a gift.î ìI canít repay it though!î ìGifts are not meant to be repaid Tony.î
Tony was pardoned and rejoined the world. Alcohol was all around him it seemed, in the stores, in magazines, billboards, everywhere he turned. Tony seemed to be a new man because although there was a twinge in his mind when he saw it, beckoning him to come back, he never did. He had told his friend Jeff that he was sorry for what he had done, and he meant it. He had asked his friend to forgive him and was not going to disappoint him. Soon the very sight of alcohol made Tonyís guts wretch and he no longer had the cravings he once had.

Tony continued to speak to people about that night and how he was forgiven and pardoned, but he always remembered that he didnít deserve it. Through his experience with Jeff, Tony was able to change the lives of countless people for the better. Tony sometimes wonders how many people listen to him talk about his past and his drinking and driving and wonders how many of them really listen and change their ways. He wonders how many lives may have b een saved because of this. There is no way for him to know, all he does know is that he must continue.

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deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26



The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, is composed of two parts: meta, meaning change, and noia, meaning mind.

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JesusLovesUS writes on 2005-09-24

this story is very very inspiring it got to my heart it just shows that anybody in family of god can forgive and can love wouldnt it be a great world if we could all be that way.

Repentance is often defined as "a change of heart/thought which leads to a change in action"  In short we call that a U-turn.  Once we were walking in sin but now we are walking after God.  It has to start here because unless we give up our sin then we will over and over again fall into it.

futbolmamasita writes on 2001-07-22



If you know anything about soccer, you know that a red card in high-school, means you can´t play the rest of that game or the whole next game. Repentance is a u-turn, so when you get in trouble in soccer, make a u-turn from the problem, and don´t fight with the Ref. In real life, don´t fight with Satan, just make a u-turn from him.

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-26

Is it repentance?

REGRET is being sorry--mentally
(King Saul, for example)

REMORSE is being sorry--mentally and emotionally (like Judas)

REPENTANCE is being sorry--mentally, emotionally, and volitionally [the act of using the will] (like Matthew, among others).

tammyingham writes on 0000-00-00

To ask God to forgive you and tell him why you did it and you need his help to over come it is the hardest thing to learn. But once you start walking with god then the path does become easier to follow.I like this verse. "The Lord is near to those who are of a broken heart, and saves those with a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18 ) we must go to God with a broken heart to really tell God we are sorry....

hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I like to think of repentance in terms of the following:
First it involves a change of view-recognizing sin as personal guilt and defilement.
Second it involves a change of mind - realizing the unsaved are condemned.
Third there is a change of attitude and desire which shows itself in sorrow for sin committed against a Holy and Just God.
Fourth there is also a change of purpose a turning from sin with the purpose of seeking pardon, cleansing and a walk with God.

Vernon writes on 2005-02-10

The switch from you being the lord of your own life to Christ being Lord of your live is called repentance.

More than just feeling sorry by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Freedom begins with repentance but it does not end there.  If it did then we would have forsaken all our evil desires but would be left with nothing to replace them. Finding an emptiness we would either fill that with something else or go back to what we had before.  In (Romans 6:1-4 ) it tells us that we have not only died but we have also been raised.  In (Gal 2:20 ) we learn we have not only been crucified with Christ but now Christ lives in us. 

futbolmamasita writes on 2001-07-22



I just came back from youth camp. We had get-involved groups we had to go to, well, I went to a worship class. The teacher was telling us that he just came from a bad situation with his church, and he was ´dry.´ Well, he said that it took one song to get him ´wet´ agian. So now he is filled with the Sprit again and can be a lead worshiper right.

WHEN THE MUSIC FADES
AND ALL IS STRIPPED AWAY
AND I SIMPLY COME
LONGING JUST TO BRING
SOMETHING OF WORTH
THAT WILL BLESS YOUR HEART

I´LL BRING YOU MORE THAN A SONG
FOR A SONG IN ITSELF
IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE REQUIRED
YOU SEARCH MUCH DEEPER WITHIN
THROUGH THE WAYS THINGS APPEAR
YOU´RE LOOKING INTO MY HEART

I´M COMING BACK TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP
AND IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU
ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS
I´M SORRY, LORD, FOR THE THING I´VE MADE IT
WHEN IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU
IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS

KING OF ENDLESS WORTH
NO ONE COULD EXPRESS
HOW MUCH YOU DERSERVE
THOUGH I´M WEAK AND POOR
ALL I HAVE IS YOURS
EVERY SINGLE BREATH

I´LL BRING YOU MORE THAN A SONG
FOR A SONG IN ITSELF
IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE REQUIRED
YOU SEARCH MUCH DEEPER WITHIN
THROUGH THE WAYS THINGS APPEAR
YOU´RE LOOKING INTO MY HEART

I´M COMING BACK TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP
AND IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU
IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS
I´M SORRY, LORD, FOR THE THING I´VE MADE IT
WHEN IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU
IT´S ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-08-01



Matthew 13

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return unto my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

tammyingham writes on 0000-00-00

I love that idea to think about wwjd (What would Jesus do) when I¥m needing help in a difficult stitution. (James 1:12 )

hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I think the dry period helps me to be more aware of the Holy Ghost that resides in me. To be empty after repentance and dry and then to have this wonderful feeling that is unexplainable fill you makes you long for this and more. Therefore it causes me to strive to keep it.

Ross Whisenhunt writes on 0000-00-00

I was saved on April¥s day in 1980 and was cleansed; however, I had no one to lead me to where I could get to the something to replace the somethings that were removed. I believe this site would be a good site help to the new born Christian. Those of us that have been in Christ for some time need to learn how to reach out to new born & the ones going through temptation.

thalteman writes on 2003-11-27

An automobile cannot run on fumes much less than an empty tank. One has to gas up and so with the christian. we cannot run on religion, we need to fillup on the word. I do this through fellowship, reading the Bible, study, and taking courses such as The Authentic Walk. Today, I watched the Story on The History Channel "Jesus of Nazareth" staring a british actor Robert Powell as just another means to keep the word alive and well within myself so I am best able to help self as well as others.

1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God´s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
(Whole Chapter: 1 Thessalonians 3 In context: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

grandmadeb4 writes on 2004-04-23

I am thankful that when we empty out all our sins at the feet of Jesus, that He fills us with His spirit, and we are empty no more. He promised us:
He would never leave us or forsake us. What a reassurance. I think there are times that we walk away from God, but He will never walk away from us. What a blessed thought. He is closer than a brother. We dont have to worry about God being too busy to listen to us, to care about us, to love us. He is always there. We are to remember that we should always be the "willing vessel" for God to use.
I love this bible study. I love the Lord Jesus Christ with my whole heart, mind and soul. I always want to be found doing His will.

Set your mind on things above by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

Even if you have repented from your sin and you sincerely desire to follow God it will not be enough if you do not believe that God has freed you from that sin and that you can have God.† I have quoted a few times Gal 2:20 but have been saving the second part of it till now, the entire verse goes "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.† The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."† (Gal 2:20 )† The next verse goes on to tell how we need to keep trusting God (as opposed to our own efforts) not only to save us but also to make us righteous (right living) "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Gal 2:21 )

futbolmamasita writes on 2001-07-22



Hebrews 11:1 says: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." So you have to have faith, or you would not make it through a day. You must have faith that God will help you and take that temptaion away. Always trust him. Do you not sit in a chair everyday, and have faith that it will not brake. Do you not eat your mom´s cooking and have faith that you won´t get food poisoning. Well, in the same sense, you have to have Faith In God.

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-07-31

What is faith?

Faith can sometimes be understood by defining what it is not...faith is not--asking Christ into your heart and then constantly asking yourself if you are saved...faith is not--confessing that God is God and then carrying around a rabbit´s foot for good luck...faith is not--knowing that Jesus died for your sins but, then never admitting what sins they are...faith is not--saying that God is the creator and then supporting the "big bang" theory...faith is not--declaring that Christ is the Lord of your life and then running it as you see fit...faith is not--(_____________________________)
please add your own thoughts


Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

mnolfn writes on 0000-00-00

¥Oh how I more appreciate the Kings English!¥
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

thalteman writes on 2003-11-28

speaking of which...There was a young man, who one day decided to go hiking and to climb a mountain. All went well at first, but upon climbing the mountain, he ventured too close to an edge, and crumbling, he lost his footing and Fell only a few feet when he was able to grab a root from a tree and held on. Well, he looked down [bad mistake]and knew if he grew tired and had to let let go, the fall would result in certain death, so he started crying out for help. After what must have seemed like a long time to him, he heard a voice. He paused, listened called again. The voice said "Let go my son, I will catch you." then he said just above a whisper "Is...is that you Lord" whereupon the Lord said "Yes my child, it is I." But faith failed this young man for instead of believing what he heard and trusting the Lord he then asked,
"Okay, but...is there anyone else up there?"

Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 14 In context: Matthew 14:30-32 )

GODSEEKER writes on 2005-02-15

Faith is the absolute. The unswavering, the unexplainable, the unchangeable,the undeniable assurance that Gods word is true. The Bible is full of Gods promises, faith is believing all of them.Here is just a few. Heb 13:5 ; Pr 3:5-6 Luke 18:27 ; 2 Tim 1:7. Read the Word and Believe it.

Pray to be kept from it by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

God does not want us to sin and so when John was writing 1 John under the inspiration of God he said, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin."  ( 1 John 2:1 ) But God also recognizes that we still do sin and so the verse continues, "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

KINGSWOODSA writes on 2001-04-24



The fact that we are sinful people is clear! But how can Christ purify us from all our sins when we are basically a sinful people. If we were purified, surely we would not sin anymore?

I used to believe that Christ cleansed us from all sin, but now I doubt so much!

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My Response

When Jesus went to wash the Disciples feet Peter protested and said "No, you shall never wash my feet."

Then Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

Then Peter got excited and asked to have his whole body cleaned but Jesus told him, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean" (Jn 13:8-10 )

We too have been cleansed from all our sin by Jesus but from time to time our feet get dirty and need to be washed.

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-08-21



God has a couple of suggestions for living sinlessly....

Psalm 119:9...How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:11...I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Notice that the first verse says "keep". Keep implies two things, that something can be lost (such as your sinless state) or something can be held on to (such as your sinless state). The second verse says "might", which implies the same thing. I think that even if you conquer one sin and that sin never takes you again that the human being will replace that sin or temptation with another sin therefore the ability to sin is never ending and the only true way to remain sinlss is by the blood of Jesus which covers all my sins; past, present and future. No! I do not have a 007 license to sin just because I am covered for I will give account to that same Jesus for my actions, therefore I for one, will strive to NOT sin and I will praise and thank Him that I am forgiven when I fail!

hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

I thank God for His mercy and grace regarding me and everyone else everyday. I continue to ask Him to keep working on me until He has made me what He wants me to be.

bkreynolds writes on 2002-06-12

We were born in sin and in sin we will die.
If we have not accepted the atoning death of Jesus Christ when we die we will not go to heaven. The scripture says in Romans 14:23 that everything that does not come from faith is sin. As you said in your quote from 1 John - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" ( 1 John 1:8 ) . It is difficult to accept that we will always have some kind of sin in us but as we (I) get older, I realize that it is God¥s mercy and grace that saves me and keeps me. All that I can do is thank Him and praise Him. I will lean on Him for He alone sustains me. I will walk with Him as He bids for I cannot ask Him to walk with me because I would be usurping His place. Temptation and sin will be a reality until He transforms this flesh into His likeness.

D-lite writes on 2002-10-18

Let¥s not under-estimate our own deceitfulness. I¥ve learned that the easiest person to deceive is myself. When someone else tries to deceive me it¥s more objective and I seem to be able to see it more clearly. But when I deceive myself it¥s much more subjective and it seems that I lose this objectivity and I can¥t distinguish fact from fantasy as well. Praise God that He comes to my rescue and aids me with a Holy Spirit sin scan on my heart and mind, convicting and turning my heart back to Him for repentance.

Jer 17:9-10, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ´I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.´"
(NIV)

thalteman writes on 2003-12-01

As I grow older, I find that the Devil seems to try and devise a new way to get to me to create sin in my life, but through prayer do I reconcile.

Psalm 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 4 In context: Psalm 4:3-5)

Psalm 20:1
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 20 In context: Psalm 20:1-2)

Psalm 142:3
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 142 In context: Psalm 142:2-4)

Doesn´t mean we should go ahead and do it though by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12

• Like a computer virus it slowly takes over more and more until it won´t work right anymore.
• Like Niagara falls there is a point of no return before will go over
• Being tempted is like being in a room and hearing a voice calling you through a door down a hallway full of lights and promises. When you finally make it, all the lights turn off. We must learn to give it up, to weld the door shut.
• The Devil is like an bad old landlord who keeps coming back, send the new landlord after him.
• Replace thoughts Think of #8, now stop. Won´t work, what is 2400 divide by 5 plus 72.

Arnet Hales writes on 2001-05-31



Funny when I read the list of sinful behaviour (Gal. 5 and others) it is all very stark and real. This is not the stuff that bothers me. It is the much more subtle stuff that gives my heart concern. In a recent PBS broadcast, "The Children of Rocford County" the narator draws the conclusion that the opposite of love is not hate, but rather indifference. We are suduced by the myth of good morality more often than obvious sin. Pilgrim in his journey saw that good morality was an option. Many of us are likewise fooled by the Worldly Wiseman. We take his advise and are really good people, forgetting that this is not sufficient for salvation. Without the shedding of Blood there is no redemption. Let us refuse to be suduced by the myth of goodness.

thx

Arnet

deecee4jaycee writes on 2001-08-21



Credit Cards
T.V. instead of prayer
Never telling anyone outside of your church family that you are saved
Making fun of kids that witness at school
Believing that ALL Religions are okay as long as they say they follow Christ
Speeding
Little white lies
Being embarassed by witnessing Chistians
Hiding your church membership from your new boyfriend or girlfiend
Never blessing your food in a restaurant
Disrupting behaviour during youth meetings

An many, many more....

hugapoohlouise writes on 0000-00-00

Yes to me the illustrations are stark and usually not what I wrestle with. I seem to have trouble with patience waiting on things to happen according to God¥s timeline not mine. Then the frustration sets in and then the anger at having to wait.

Thoughts by Chris Priebe, 2000-08-12