Faith & Worship

Temptation is something that we are all aquainted with. Even Jesus was not immune to being tempted, from the very start of his ministry to the day when he hung upon the Cross, he was being tempted. The authorities asked him to perform miracles and signs to prove who he was, the ordinary people were at his side constantly wanting his attention and healing touch, sometimes in danger of distracting him from the bigger picture.

Our temptations can often be seemingly small things, but if they impact on the lives of others then they can be very damaging. God gives us strength to resist, and shows us through his Word that although this can be tough at times, it is ultimately rewarding.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
(Matthew 6:13)

In the worst temptations nothing can help us but faith that God's Son has put on flesh, is bone, sits at the right hand of the Father, and prays for us. There is no mightier comfort.
(Martin Luther)

Lead me not into temptation. I can find it myself!
(Bumper Sticker)

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This morning
and all mornings,
as we face the day
daunted by expectations
others place upon us,
weighed down by burdens,
unsure of outcomes,
opposed,
alone,
afraid,
remind us
that you faced all this
and more,
that we might loose
the chains that bind us,
rise above and beyond
the troubles of this world,
and know peace
in your embrace.

 

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Lord, if you could resist the temptation
to be anything other than suffering servant,
how can I not resist the promises of this world ,
look to you and follow in your footsteps.

 

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This world tempts us
with bright lights,
city streets,
tempting sights
and sounds.

This world tempts us
with objects
of desire,
raises us up,
knocks us down.

This world tempts us
to believe
its lies,
challenges us
to live them.

This world tempts us
to reject
our God,
accuses us
and hates us.

This world tempts us
to disbelieve
the truth
that nothing can
defeat us.

 

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Lord, I am assailed
from within and without;
self-doubt and loathing,
disrespect and insult.
The world closes in,
swamps
and would consume me.
I am sinking
yet will not drown.
For you endured all this
and much more,
beaten, hated
scourged and whipped,
humiliated and killed,
yet rising victorious,
to demonstrate the paradox
of strength through weakness,
love conquering all.
I am weak
but through the grace of Christ
I am strong
and together
we shall overcome.

 

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Lord, be in the decisions I must make today,
open my ears to your guidance
and steer my footsteps from temptation.

 

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Today is going to be a struggle.
The act of rising,
journeying,
conversation,
bustling crowds,
those I work with,
people I meet.
Be my confidence,
my assurance,
the words that I speak.
Be my freedom,
my guidance,
as I walk through these streets.
Today is going to be a struggle.
Keep my head above water,
my eyes fixed on you.