Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Fires of Temptation #1




One day while I was firing up the grill to cook for our family, the grill exploded with a flame about six feet high from a bad hose underneath. I reached for my water hose while my wife called 911. I was able to get the fire out just as the Fire Truck arrived at our home. The flame singed part of my eyebrows, just a bit too close for comfort!


Are you dealing with Temptations today that are seemingly out of control in your life? The Word is clear that each of us will deal with temptations. Jesus speaks a word that each of us should give heed to, “Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:22)


Even though we don’t know the name of Lot’s wife; we should know the story of her life.  Lot was Abraham’s nephew. As they traveled together and as Abraham is seeking out Gods promises, Lot’s men and Abraham’s men begin to fight among themselves.  Abraham said to Lot, “You choose out one direction and I’ll choose the other.” Lot made a choice to pitch his tents near the wicked city of Sodom.

The city of Sodom was very wicked; God sent two angels down to rescue them before He brought judgment on the city. The men of Lot’s day burned with lust for one another. These men tried to beat the door down to have sexual relationships with the angels. God blinded the men at the door just before he rained down fire from heaven. As the angels were getting the family out of the city, the word to Lot’s family was, “DON’T LOOK BACK.” But tragically, as they were fleeing the city, Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.                                         

 What went WRONG with Lot and his family?

Lot lived by SIGHT! Lot chose the well watered land near Sodom. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1John 2: 16)Your flesh will scream out to please itself. Lot had no regard for Abraham, but rather chose to satisfy his own flesh.

Lot Lived for SELF!  Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24) This life is not about MY agenda, MY whims, MY wants and MY wishes. Each of us should always pray, “Not my will by Thy will be done.” Where will you go to college? Who will you marry? What will you do for employment? Where will you pitch your tent in life?

Lot lived in SODOM!  In other words, SODOM became his world. I have known people that their WORK has become their world. Their boat, their golf clubs, and their gold and silver have become their world. Or their love for SPORTS is first. Getting all the “gusto” is their number one pursuit in life. Jesus said, “I pray not that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil. (John 17:15) You and I can live in the world; just don’t allow the world to consume you.                                             

Dannysdevotional.com
"Fire of Temptation"



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