Hi everyone,
As I begin my day again, praying the prayer of Jesus, I am again struck by these words: Lead us not into temptation.
And my mind is again drawn to:
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
God does not tempt us with evil, He is holy, pure, and there is no evil in Him.
So I read this article: https://www.gotquestions.org/lead-us-not-into-temptation.html
I love this illustration: “We might illustrate Jesus’ words “Lead us not into temptation” like this: a mother takes her young children grocery shopping with her and comes to the candy aisle. She knows that taking her children down that aisle will only stir up greediness in their hearts and lead to bouts of whining and pouting. In wisdom, she takes another route—whatever she may have needed down the candy aisle will have to wait for another day. In this way the mother averts unpleasantness and spares her children a trial. Praying, “Lead us not into temptation,” is like praying, “God, don’t take me down the candy aisle today.” It’s recognizing that we naturally grasp for unprofitable things and that God’s wisdom can avert the unpleasantness of our bellyaching.”
As I think back on my work over the years, both in construction and in ministry, I have walked with guys coming out of addictions, or pornography, or one guy who had an anger problem and who liked to fight.
Daily, sometime in their day, the monster inside of them needed be fed, and despite great intentions and firm resolve, they ended up repeatedly back in the muck and the mire of their addictions…
Lead us not into temptation…
When Jesus enters our lives, real change becomes possible:
He is the way and the waymaker, and there is a way out of bondage…
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, lead me in paths away from temptation. Keep me from the horrors I would commit, and lead me not into temptation today, and every day, that I might live the life of honor You have called me to live for You Lord Jesus, Amen’
