Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Way Back Wednesday---Temptation












     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.''