This picture is from my trip with Charlene to Las Vegas, 2008 or 2009? We had a great time out there with so much to do, there wasn't even time to gamble it away. I do want to go back to see the other half of the Strip we missed.
Las Vegas is known as Sin City. Is it any more sinful than the daily world we live in? I can't say I was tempted by anything out there but that's because my heart and mind were in a good place. I think we are surrounded by temptation every day, every where. We can choose to put blinders on to things not to our benefit and avoid being tempted. In our bible study this week, we discussed the Lord's prayer and what 'lead me not into temptation' means. James 1;13-15 ''When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.'' To me, this verse means we are tempted by our own will, above His. We are led to temptation when we think we know better and want to do things our way. I think the first step to sin is rationalization. We know right from wrong, but.....[you can fill in the blank]......! When your mind starts twisting the facts, you should stop yourself in your tracks.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ''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.''
Yep... in the world but not of it. Trip to Las Vegas is a good example of how that works. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTemptation is dependent on where your heart is. Dad
ReplyDeleteBeen to Las Vegas three times (business trips) and must agree with you....was not tempted by anything there. Don't really get all the hoopla over going to Vegas. Not saying I have not been tempted, just not there. We are studying the Lord's Prayer at CBF, too, and really dwelling on what it means for God to be our Father and every truth prayed in that prayer. Your dad is so right...where our treasure is, there will be our heart also. I do like that popular comment, "what would Jesus do?". If we asked ourselves that every time we are tempted, we would not so easily give in to temptation. Great post, Angie! Love you, T.
ReplyDeleteGood analogy and verses. I agree with Twylia--if we could just pause and ask "what would Jesus do?" it could keep us out of a lot of problems. The mind sometimes overtakes the heart when one thinks or lusts after the wrong things. Like we studied in Bible Study we are to think on what is good. Mom
ReplyDeleteI'm reading your that's that book, a page a day. Today's discourse on temptation was good. I'm SOOO tired from jet-lag that my brain isn't working. Randy
ReplyDeleteVery good devotion! Yes we got home sound and safe.PTL. We are VERY tired though as is to be expected. We are slowly trying to recup!
ReplyDeleteLove
Ferdine