Staying On God's Path When Temptation Pulls at Me - Your Nightly Scripture - September 3rd
Staying on God’s Path When Temptation Pulls at Me
Evening Scripture
Proverbs 28
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Evening Reflection
Jesus found it important to warn us about temptations. We are bombarded every day with messages and images that tantalize and provoke us. Sexual and material lusts and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) can be strong forces. Jesus told Peter to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to pray about temptation. Yet, despite our very best efforts, every one of us experiences temptation. Let’s face it, if Jesus could be tempted, we certainly know we can and will be. But what happens when we are? Certainly, some temptations are much stronger and more difficult to resist than others – but what about those times we are leaning into them? Ready to give in? When the evil one attacks, we respond by following Jesus’ example. The psalmist tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (119:11) While we may not memorize scripture word for word, we know in our hearts what it tells us; we know what we can lean into, because His word is buried in our hearts. Armed with His Spirit and the truth of His word, we are equipped to handle whatever temptations may come our way.
Paul promises that no matter what trials and temptations may come our way, God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear – and He will always provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Proverbs 28 tells us the importance of integrity and of righteousness when we resist temptation - and it warns that those who are wicked will face consequences. It teaches us to seek wisdom from the Lord and guidance to help us travel through what will assuredly come our way. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by temptation, we can turn to God in prayer, and He will be there for us because He is faithful. Amazing Grace's daily devotional recently stated that “Sin makes us stupid. Victory over the power of sin will come only as we lean on the strength and wisdom of Christ.”
Evening Prayer
Oh God,
I know you are always there for me. I know you see the temptations I am facing. Remove this temptation from me, Lord – but if you do not, please let your Spirit do His work in me and help see me through it.
Amen.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
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