James 1:13-14 God does not tempt us. We are enticed by ourselves.

Scripture: James 1:13-14 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Observation:  God does not tempt us.  We are allowing our evil desire.  We are enticed by ourselves.  We allow the world in. I desire whatever it is.  I am enticed.

Application:  I need to stay more focused on the Lord.  God is not my tempter.  I am permitting the temptation.  My action needs to be more of God’s will and less of my will.  It seems very hard during this holiday season.  There is so much desire.  I never thought of it all as evil.  I remember during my Daniel fast, I realized the pull that sugar has on everything.  I need to flee from sugar.  Stay with the less processed food.  I can do all things through God who strengthens me. 

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, forgive me for all the many times I have given into my evil desires.  Help me Lord to remember you in every situation.  Help me to seek your will in every bite I take.  Help me to seek your will in all that I do.

Luke 4:1,2 Jesus made time to spend with his Heavenly Father

Scripture: Luke 4:1,2 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end, he was hungry.

Observation:  The Holy Spirit prompted Jesus to retreat and fast.  He was very hungry after his fast for 40 days.  40 days is a long time to go without food.  The devil was tempting Jesus during the 40 day fast.

Application:  As our church starts our 14 day fast, we will be hungry.  There will be many temptations.  I need to spend time in retreat focusing on the Lord.

Prayer: Lord your word says that no temptation can seize me except what is common to man, and you are faithful Lord, you will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, you will provide a way for me to stand up under it. (1 Cor 10:13)  Lord, help me. Direct me.  What am I to do less of to make more for time with you?  Show me the ways so that I can stand up to the temptations.   Thank you Lord.  Amen

Paying Attention to God helps us with our temptations

Scripture. Hebrews 2:1, 18  1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Observation. In this chapter of Hebrews, there is much to observe.  In verse 1, we are cautioned to pay careful attention so that we do not drift away. It is so easy to get distracted and not drift away.  Satan is always trying to distract me from my time with the Lord.  Distraction is a temptation.     In the last verse of this chapter, we are reminded that Jesus suffered when he was tempted, so he is able to help me who will be tempted.  When I am distracted from God, my relationship suffers.  Jesus was tempted and was without sin.  Jesus is able to help me with my temptations.

Application.  When I am being tempted, I sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spriit helps me to be aware of the temptation. The temptation is so strong at times; I do feel as if I am suffering.  I want what I cannot have.  I need to lean in on Jesus during these times.  Focus on HIM.  Then I can stand up under the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Prayer.  Thank you Lord.  You always provide insight to temptation.  The world is full of temptation.  I need you more than I will ever know.  Your faithfulness and love for me is more than I can comprehend.  Lord I know from your word, that no temptation will seize me that is not common to man.  I know that you are faithful and will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear.  Lord help me to see the way out that you provide.  Help me to remember and know that through you, I can stand up under the temptation. My strength truly is in you Lord.   Amen.