Lead me not into temptation
Blog
4/13/23
“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…” Daniel 1:8
I have struggles with the flesh like every other person it seems.
Are you continuing to do things you don’t want to do and indulging in thoughts that lead you astray? Are you being constantly overcome by the same temptations over and over? The new birth doesn’t do away with your old nature; it seems to intensify the struggle between your flesh and your spirit. We can overcome this but not alone.
First Through prayer. Jesus told His disciples, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 ESV. I have found myself tired of praying for forgiveness after I have failed, I have started praying regularly before the temptation comes. You can’t stop temptation from coming your way, but you can prepare yourself in advance to overcome it. And if you need help, call in reinforcements. Find someone who knows how to stand with you in prayer. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV. I have found that surrounding my self with other Godly people in small groups, Bible studies within the local church, and engaging and being open with my wife and family have been a great help.
Secondly by making up your mind. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” The way to overcome your impulses is by activating your will—in advance. When you do that, GOD empowers you by His Spirit. You cannot be consistent alone. Where did Daniel’s strength of purpose come from? GOD. He prayed three times every day (Daniel 6:10). A prayerful relationship with God transforms you inside and out but it takes time.
Third Don’t set yourself up for failure; keep yourself out of harm’s way. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, he “fled and ran outside” (Genesis 39:12). Both Joseph and Daniel had prayed and made up their mind what they would do before temptation came knocking.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5 ESV) When we are in prayer, reading God’s word, and surrounding our selves with a Godly community we begin to see transformation. It’s not easy. It’s not fast. It’s worth it.
Here are some recommendations of resources I have been trying. To start with prayer. Lectio 365 is a daily pray app for morning and night that helps you to pray through scripture and it is a great resource to help you develop a habit of daily prayer. https://lectio365.24-7prayer.com/share?locale=en
Pray the Bible every day
Also pray.com app is a paid subscription prayer application that has Bible reading, 21 day prayer journeys, prayer meditations, and much more.
Inner room app is also a nice application to use. It has a reminder available and you can set up a prayer request list and much more. https://apps.apple.com/app/id1161035371
I also have started a prayer journal. Lots of people have recommended it and it does seem to help gather my thoughts because I am so easily distracted. You can also use this to go back and see your answered prayers over time to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
The two books that I have read recently about prayer are by Pete Greig. How To Pray. And How To Hear God. They both have been great reads and I would highly recommend them both. https://www.audible.com/pd/1545913285?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=library_overflow
Lastly I can not recommend enough gathering together. Get in a community of believers on which you can be vulnerable with. At least with someone who you can be honest and open with that will hold you accountable. I have been blessed by joining with several groups to do just that and it has been such a blessing on my life and has truly transformed my family.
I will leave you with this to chew on today. I love you all. Live Free Family.
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