I ask you now dear friend how do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N in life?
Dear friend, the way you handle temptation will say a lot about your own growth in the Lord. Temptation can only be handled two ways but only one way is the right way. When temptation is handled by giving in, we have given in to Satan and he has won that round because we lost the battle with temptation.

But, when we hold on to God's Word and use God's Word when we are tempted to do wrong whether it is holding a grudge against someone, having an unforgiving spirit and bitterness towards someone, speaking a careless word that cannot be taken back, engaging in physical or emotional sexual sin, etc, Satan cannot stand the presence of God's Word being used as a weapon to fight the war on temptation. His Word is the Sword of the Spirit for you and me.

I have been tempted so many times in so many areas and have not always come through because I relied on self and the flesh but Jesus Christ came through the temptation because He relied on the Scriptures. You and I can overcome temptation too by using the biblical principles Jesus used.

You have to focus on the Lord and allow Him to work in your life. God’s Word, prayer, and a community of believers who are loving but not judgmental can help you go a long way. Look at the way Jesus handled temptation using Scripture in Luke 4:1-13 and Matthew 4:1-11. You can too!

What is exciting to know is that Jesus said, 'I AM the Light of the world, if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness but Living Light will flood your path!' (John 8:12)

When Living Light floods our path, it will be because we are following the Light of the world. In the process, though temptation to do wrong comes, Jesus will turn on the electricity to electrocute the temptation to death and give us the Light to follow. Jesus promises that the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it.  (John 1)

So even when Satan puts thoughts in our mind and heart such as

You have to fight it using the Word of God as Jesus did. Jesus set an example for us to follow when He was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. Yet, Jesus did not give in. Help us Jesus.

This means don't dwell on the temptation. I know of those who have been struggling with pornography. I tell them that they have to choose to stop at any step and replace it with God's Word without giving in.

For example, a person who is tempted to watch pornography on a smartphone or computer has to take these steps:

1. Swiping to unlock the phone. (Don't have to unlock it that moment)
2. Tapping the internet browser app (Don't have to tap browser that moment)
3. If browser is on, still have to type URL or words (Don't have to type URL or words)

Instead, they can type in Bible Gateway and read the Bible everytime they are tempted to look at pornography and turn to the Lord in prayer. It is a choice to make. Have an accountability partner.

For example, if a boyfriend and girlfriend are tempted to sleep together without being married, this is the counsel I give them:

1. They have to be alone. (Don't be alone)
2. They have to take off their clothes if choose to be alone. (Don't)

There is always a way out.  It is a choice that has to be made. Whatever the temptation is, we need the right people in our lives to hold us accountable before the Lord.

When I used to meet with Pastor Hugo or Edwin for discipleship, I can still remember that they were never judgemental towards me but compassionate and convicting. Both of them pointed me to God's Word and I need to seek God's Word daily to overcome different areas of temptation in my life. I am blessed now to be able to meet with Pastor Josh weekly to hold me accountable in different areas of my life. After the meeting even though I have to process things, I usually feel good in a convicting way rather than feel bad in a condemning way. Thank you Jesus! We all need those type of people in our lives to help us overcome temptation to do wrong.

I remember when I was so discontent about different things in my life and gave into the temptations, the Lord Jesus used Edwin to go through an entire book with me called, 'Lord change my attitude before it is too late!' It helped me so much to the point I used to write 5 things I am thankful to the Lord each day. Pastor Hugo would go over the book 'Making of a Leader' with me which made me see how wrong I was in different areas. I still struggle and given in but need to trust in the Lord. Now, I get to meet with Pastor Josh and talk about what's happening in my life. Thank you Jesus!

There will be times we still give in because of our flesh. In those situations, forgiveness is available at the cross and you can move on. Jesus loves you so much even when you mess up. He wants to help you and you can come to Him as you are. Let Him guide you and lead you. Yes, friend, He wants to help you! Experience the power of His love !!!

To do that, you need to acknowledge what a sinner you are and in need of a Savior. Yes, friend we all need a Savior and only Christ is the perfect Lamb of God who had no sin but became sin for us that we may attain the righteousness of God.

Jesus went through all kinds of temptation and yet did not sin. So, Jesus can understand what we go through. To fight Satan and his temptations, we need the Lord Jesus Christ's power in our own lives to be victorious. The Victory is the Lord's and we have just begun to fight. But the victory started at the cross of Calvary for us.

If Jesus did not die for our sins shedding His precious cleansing blood, was not buried, and did not come back to life to save us, then we all would still be lost but Jesus did die for our sins shedding His precious cleansing blood, was buried, and came back to life to save all those that would turn to Him.

It is turning to Jesus always that helps us endure through the temptations. It starts with walking and talking with Jesus making Him central to our lives and using His instruction manual which is the Word of God to fight and endure all kinds of temptation.

I know God's Word helps me tremendously letting me know that I am saved by grace through faith and not of any works that I can boast. I know Jesus invited me to be His very own when He paid the ultimate cost on the cross of Calvary for my redemption. Friend, Jesus did the same for you.

It is exciting to know whatever temptation comes our way, we have Jesus in our lives to help us endure temptation when we turn to Him making Him our Lord and personal Savior of our lives.

I have done that friend, won't you?

I want to share with you a poem, the Lord Jesus helped me to write years ago when I was counseling broken hears with the love of Christ. It is called ‘Enduring Temptation’ and was written to help a lot of people. This one goes with the Scriptures from Romans 7:14-8:1:

Enduring Temptation
By Ramesh C. Reddy

Giving into temptation making you feel so low?
There seems nowhere to go,
Making your life a tremendous blow
Causing you to be full of woe?
Devil's temptation has become your foe?
There ain't no escape you think you know?
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
Though temptation is very strong
It wont last very long.
Cause Jesus, our Savior is the Way! (John 14:6)
For us sinners, he did the price pay. (1 Cor 6:20)
So as we turn to Him and pray, (Matt 26:41)
He will help us overcome Satan each day! (1 John 4:4)
Now Satan's temptation's tremble and cant stay! (James 4:7)
So you see how it goes. (Nah 1:7)
With Jesus we can overcome our foes! (Romans 8:31)
When we are tempted, (1 Cor 10:13)
He will let us be exempted (Revelation 3:10)
Before committing what was attempted! (Heb 2:18)
He is the Light! (1 John 1:5)
Will make us do what is right. (John 12:36)
By His blood we have been made white! (1 John 1:7)
With the Lord, the devil we can fight! (Philippians 4:13)
So with Jesus please walk! (John 8:12)
So with you He can talk! (Isaiah 30:21)
And be our mighty Rock! (Psalm 18:1-3)
He wants to open our hearts lock! (John 3:16)
Our heart Jesus knocks with a big knock! (Rev 3:20)

"There Exist Many Petrifying Things And Temptation Is One Naturally!" (T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N)/"How do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N in life?"

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I love you so much. Thank you Lord you love me more than words can say. Lord Jesus as you already know, I keep getting tempted by Satan and many times fail to do what is right. This makes me feel so low because I have gone my own way. Please Lord I ask you to forgive me when I get tempted and do the wrong. On my own I know Lord that I will keep committing the same mistakes which you know I hate and cannot help it. I humble myself before you Lord. I realize I am a sinner and accept my peril before you and yield my life to you. Help me please Lord to follow your ways. You are my hiding place oh Lord from every storm of life. I trust you completely. You keep me from stumbling, thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus you are my Light and my Salvation. You will let me overcome any temptation I am facing. Thank you Lord you know how temptation is because you experienced it in the wilderness when Satan tempted you many times. Yet, you did not give in. Thank you for being able to relate with us when we are tempted. We turn to you for help.  Thank you Jesus for making us white as freshly fallen snow. I invite you into my heart. IN YOUR NAME I PRAY JESUS, AMEN.