There was one piece of chocolate pie with an Oreo crust left in the refrigerator last night. I’ve been trying to
lose weight and so I’ve been careful about what I’m consuming. It looked so good just sitting there…all by
itself in the pie pan! I thought about that situation and realized that if there was cold cooked liver sitting there
in a container…that would hold no attraction to me at all. Now I know that there are people who really like
liver…but not me! That pie was tempting me, but any liver wouldn’t even come close. I remembered what the
Bible book of James says about temptation. It isn’t something that can affect us from the outside. Temptation
comes not from a thing, person or situation…but from inside us. It comes from our own desires. Some people
think that God is behind temptations, but James is clear that God doesn’t tempt people. He isn’t tempted to do
wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. And the Bible tells us that God blesses those who patiently endure
testing and temptation. That those who stand against it, will receive the crown of life that God has promised to
those who love him. And that is the key in those situations where we are tempted to do wrong. Where is the
love the strongest? Is it our love for the object of our temptation, or the God who loves us and wants the best
for us? Temptation comes from the desires in our own hearts and being left to do their thing will push us down
the road to sinful actions. And we are told that when sin is allowed to grow…it gives birth to death. And sin
always brings death. It will kill relationships, destroy happiness and even ruin your health. Remember God
wants you to experience everything that is good and perfect in his sight. Those things are a gift from him to you.
The rest…no matter how good it looks is going to ultimately hurt, not help. And that piece of pie in the
fridge…it’s still there too!
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
James 1:13-15 NLT And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. (14) Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (15) These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Remember I’m praying for you…
Pastor Joe
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
James 1:13-15 NLT And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. (14) Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (15) These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Remember I’m praying for you…
Pastor Joe