May 6
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JAMES 1
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:12-15
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JAMES 1 PHASES OF TEMPTATION & SIN
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Continue to exercise patience and endurance as you live in this world
The Lord didn’t guarantee us a trouble-free life, but gave us his word
Dwell in the truth and follow the laws of the Lord and you will discern
Have no regard for the Scripture and you will be foolish and depraved
Take responsibility for your commitments and devotion to the Lord
Those who are chosen by God will overcome the systems of the world.
When one is beginning to contemplate satisfying one’s desires
That person is not far from being lured into Satan’s snares
When one craves for something so badly, he is distracted from serving God
That distraction leads to an obsession to covet something that one does not have
As that desire progresses, it gives birth to sin and leads to spiritual death
When sin becomes habitual, the heart turns insensitive and hardened.
The word of the Lord is given to us so we can guard our hearts and minds
If we do not hunger and dwell on the truth, we become deceived and blind
Let us press on and run to the throne of God as we encounter trying situations
Commitment and perseverance will keep us all from all kinds of temptations
Be mindful of your desires; catch them early so it doesn’t open doors to sin
Align your mind to God’s will and renew it so it will desire only what pleases him.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to have an understanding of the phases of temptation and sin?
• What happens when even a small sin is ignored and unconfessed?