Home is a blessed haven for our family, with this blessing also comes threat. Recently while cleaning around shrubs, a snake roused and began to slither into view. Thankfully, our son offered help. He destroyed the snake, a copperhead-only a baby-yet poisonous all the same.
Before the morning passed, another snake was disturbed. Two baby copperheads only yards away from a favorite family gathering spot.
Before the morning passed, another snake was disturbed. Two baby copperheads only yards away from a favorite family gathering spot.
Thinking about snakes of any kind, brings dread and fear. The snakes remind me of temptation that slithers into my mind, into my heart.
Jesus was sinless, though tempted in every way.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Jesus cautioned His disciples about temptation.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Paul gave encouragement for every temptation we face.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture to battle temptations presented by the devil.
Luke 4:2
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
Jesus will assist us when we are tempted.
Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
These scriptures give us hope for resisting temptation. Jesus modeled the way…
Know God’s Word.
Know the truth, our enemy can lead us astray by twisting the very words of God. If we are not familiar with His Word, how can we dispute the lies of Satan? A snake entered Eve’s world with tempting ideas and twisted the statements of God. She was tempted and succumbed to that temptation, a deadly decision.
Pray.
Pray.
Jesus prayed, alone, in a crowd, with His close followers. He prayed throughout the day, all night at times, on the mountaintop, and in the garden. Jesus taught His disciples to pray that they not fall into temptation.
Temptation too quickly leads to sin when we do not follow the example of Jesus- the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Just as snakes bring dread and danger to people, so should the grave danger of temptation inspire us to watch and pray.
Holy Father and God,
Strengthen us through Your Word and Your Spirit when we face temptations. Thank You for the example Jesus left us. Thank You for a way out when we are tempted, give us eyes to see it and a heart to seek it. Through Jesus, amen.
Temptation too quickly leads to sin when we do not follow the example of Jesus- the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Just as snakes bring dread and danger to people, so should the grave danger of temptation inspire us to watch and pray.
Holy Father and God,
Strengthen us through Your Word and Your Spirit when we face temptations. Thank You for the example Jesus left us. Thank You for a way out when we are tempted, give us eyes to see it and a heart to seek it. Through Jesus, amen.
Mischelle Oliver,
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