There is often a perception that “good” people, who live moral, ethical, and honorable lives are not tempted like those who say they don’t have the will power to resist the temptation to do immoral, unethical, and dishonorable things.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

The difference with people who do not “give in” to temptation is that they find the way to avoid or evade the temptation, and they trust in God’s help to resist.

Dear Lord, we are sorry that we often fail and “give in” to temptation. Forgive us, and give us the strength and desire to avoid, evade and resist temptations to do wrong in the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Many of us have memorized the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…..” and we probably know it in the language of the King James (KJV), or Revised Standard (RSV) versions of the Bible.

In the RSV, verse 3 says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake.” Which is not completely clear in our modern language, however, reading this verse in the New Living Translation (NLT) says, “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” This helps me understand a little more clearly.

If we follow Jesus, our shepherd, he will show us the right paths. We do not need to stress and worry about what to do. We trust Him and move forward, and He will lead us.

Dear Lord, many of us have concerns about decisions and questions in life. Help us remember that if we look to you for guidance, you will put us on the right path, and bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name we pray.

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Why do we do what we do? Sometimes, it is a reflex, a learned response that becomes somewhat automatic, sometimes it is an emotional reaction that we don’t control, and sometimes we do things because we think through our reason’s and consciously take actions. Regardless of why we do what we do, as adults we are responsible for those actions. I think most would also agree that in the absence of a disability, adults should be able to control their actions with their thoughts.

There is competition for our thoughts. Our human nature is regularly trying to get us to focus on satisfying our short term desires, pleasures, and greed. As Christians, the Holy Spirit in us is encouraging us to focus on the things of the Spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, and Salvation.

Paul writes in Romans 8:5-8, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.”

What we let control our minds, controls our actions. Letting our human nature control our thoughts interferes with and possibly destroys our relationship with God.

Dear Lord, by your grace we are saved and are given the Holy Spirit to live in us. Help us give control of our minds to your Spirit’s guidance, and have the courage and will to turn away from the evil and Immoral behaviors that often pass for “normal” in our sinful nature. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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In modern times when we hear the word “peace” we tend to think of the absence of war or absence of conflict between people. Jesus is described in the Bible as the “Prince of Peace” and in John 14:27 He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus’ peace is a peace for you personally. Closer to the dictionary definition of “quiet and tranquility: Mental calm; serenity.” We can have this peace through our faith in Jesus. He wants us to pass our troubles, sorrows, and concerns to Him and ask for His help. If we trust Him, we can be at peace.

The apostle Paul describes it in Philipians 4:7 “The peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We may not understand it, but through faith in God we can have peace.

Dear Lord, Help us trust You and accept Your peace in our lives, knowing that You will guard and protect us. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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What if you had a magic device that would take the fear out of everything in your life. You have a job interview, big presentation, children leave for an overnight school trip, your teenager goes out with friends, and you start getting scared…press the button on the magic device, and peace and confidence replace the fear.

207 times in the Bible, God says “fear not”. Why? Because God is with us. Isaiah 41:10 says. “Fear not I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you , I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

So in some ways we have the most powerful “magic device” there is, God, with us, all the time. So when fear comes, stop and ask for God to help you and give you strength and peace in your time of fear.

Dear Lord help us remember that you are always there to help us. Help us live our lives demonstrating the faith and confidence in You. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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