Temptation from God
Jesus tells us to pray to God everyday, "PLEASE DON'T BRING US INTO TEMPTATION". Many will question why Jesus tells us to pray to God about temptation because there is a popular teaching that "God himself does not tempt anyone". This teaching comes from a letter James wrote and is found in the bible. First, if a statement in the bible appears to disagree with something Jesus says, who is "God's Son" and who God told "what to say", believe what Jesus says, even though there are antichrist doctrines concerning how to understand the bible that encourage otherwise. There are those who will find this offensive as they foolishly put more faith in the bible than they do in Jesus. The word foolishly is used because just like people in Jesus day, there are people who think scriptures give "eternal life" when in truth Jesus is the source of eternal life1.
Yes, one could suggest that God allows others to tempt or uses others to tempt, so it could be said God is not doing the tempting, to accommodate those who like their manmade doctrines. Jesus knew personally the accuracy of the statement He was teaching us to pray to ask God keep us from temptation, as you may remember at the beginning of His ministry He was led into the wilderness by God's spirit to be "to be tempted by the devil". One time God told Jeremiah to go to the Rechabite family and tempt them by giving "them wine to drink". After the Rechabites did not give into the temptation, God used them as an example to the men of Judah. Why would God tempt you or have you subjected to temptation? Both of these examples appear to have different purposes. In our human desire to know why, it is good to remember that God said as heaven is higher than earth so, "are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts". Yes, we can speculate that it will help us grow stronger or prepare us for overcoming temptations, etc. However if temptations were a good thing then why would God have Jesus teach us to pray "lead us not into temptation"? It appears that not only do we want to ask God's help in avoiding temptation but also we may want to make an effort on our own to avoid temptation as Jesus reminds us, "your spirit wants to do what is right, but your body is weak". In addition to praying everyday, we can help by avoiding situations that might be tempting, including entertaining tempting thoughts2.
1. Mt 6:13 (ET); Jas 1:13 (IC); Jn 10:36; 12:49; 5:39-40 (NI)
2. Mt 4:1; Jer 35:2-19; Is 55:9; Mt 6:13 (NI); Mk 14:38 (IC)
note: click here for bible verse and translation abbreviations
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Psalm for reflection "Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind" Ps 26:2 (NI)
Understanding the Teaching: What I share in the teaching is what I believe God wants me to share. All the direct quotes from God are highlighted in royal purple. Of course the words of Jesus are in red. Rather than follow some made up doctrine, remember that Jesus said that every thing He said (Jn 12:49) and everything He did (Jn 14:31) comes from God. All teachings and all opinions should be supported by what we learn from God or Jesus (see the scripture referred to in the footnote).
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP MOMENT
To refresh what you have learned in our Workshop or entice you to experience our Workshop
"Remember, all marriages can be better, if you use what you learned."
Filters: we all have them and they affect the very fabric of our marriages. Filters can be inattention, emotional states, expectations, communication styles or self-protection. All of these can effect how you hear or process things in your mind. One example of an emotional state could be if your boss yelled at you and put you down at work in front of others. When you come home, recognize your filter that you may hear things differently than intended because you are stressed and emotional. Try not to jump on your children for the least little problem. You may wish to announce your filter by sharing with your family that you had a rough day, so hopefully they will treat you considerately and it may cause your spouse be more sensitive to you. Another illustration would be a wife came home late after a long day. Her husband thinking this would be a great time to take her out to dinner said, "What would you like to eat?" Through her tired filter she heard, "What are you going to fix for dinner?" And her response was anger, which resulted in him getting angry and they never did go out to eat. Recognize that all kinds of filters become barriers to intimacy and openness. Try and be sensitive to your spouse and detect their filters. Take responsibility for understanding your filters. If you recognize you have a situation that may cause you to filter, announce it.
The Better Half "When your partner won't support your efforts to make your marriage better" Without your spouse's support to improve your marriage, you can still pray daily for God's will to be done in each of your lives and your marriage. Jesus said, "all things are possible with God", Mk 10:27 NI). Recognize that all kinds of filters become barriers to intimacy and openness. Try and be sensitive to your spouse and detect their filters. Take responsibility for understanding your filters. If you recognize you have a situation that may cause you to filter, announce it. If you feel like your spouse will not care about your filter, you may try to not allow it to influence what you hear.
Hi Followers of Jesus,
Melissa wrote, "I got me a job!!!!!!!!!!! ... Thank you for all the Prayers>>> Thank You Lord For my new Job>>>>>>"
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Hearing God's Voice - Greek Miracle - We Center on Jesus - Honoring God Physically
Eye Healing Miracle * The Alphabet is from God * Family Prayer Outline * Jesus Knows the Bible and Spoke Hebrew *