POINT TO PONDER: Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
REFLECT: How did today's reading impact you? 
       "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. 
   Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has
   promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12 - New Living Translation)
On the journey to spiritual maturity, God even uses temptation to make us like Jesus. Even temptation becomes a stepping-stone rather than a stumbling block when we realize that temptation simply provides a choice. While temptation is Satan's primary weapon to destroy you, God wants to use it to develop you. Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growing in the character of Christ. 
   "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce
   this kind of fruit in us:love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
   goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." 
   (Galatians 5:22-23 - New Living Translation)
To have the fruit of the Spirit is to be like Christ. How does the Holy Spirit produce these fruit in us? Instantly, like a antecdote that quickly is absorbed in our bloodstream? No, our salvation was like that - instant forgiveness when we chose to turn away from sin to Him. But our sanctification - becoming like Christ is most like fruit that develops over time on a tree. Fruit always matures and ripens slowly. Here's the key today: God develops the fruti of the Spirit in my life by allowing me to experience circumstances in which I'm tempted to express the exact opposite quality! Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides the opportunity.
How temptation works:
  1. First, Satan identifies a desire within you.
    2. It could be a wrong desire, or a legitimate desire achieved through a shortcut....We think temptation lies around us, but God says it begins within us.
  2. Step two, Satan produces doubt..
    3. ... "Did God really say...?
  3. Step three is deception.
    4. Satan offers his lie or half-truth ro replacew what God says in His word. What He meant was...
  4. Finally, step four is disobedience..
    5. You act upon the thought you've been toying with in your mind. What began as an idea gets birthed into behavior.. (see James1: 14-16)

So... now that I know the enemy's game plan, How do I win? How do I overcome temptation?
  1. First, Refuse to be intimidated.
    2. It is not a sin to be tempted, in fact you will never outgrow temptation. You are Satan's enemy, and he's plotting your downfall.
  2. Step two, Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
    3. There are certain situations that make you more vulnerable to temptation than others. These situations are unique to your weaknesses, and are different than mine. Ask yourself some tough questions: When am I most tempted? What time of day, day of the week? What is your emotional state when you are most often tempted) bored, coming off a stressful time, hurt, or after a big victory or accomplishment)? Wise planning reduces temptation.
  3. Finally, Request God's help.
    4. Don't do battle alone.. the Biblical pattern is to send a knee-mail to the 24-hour emergency hotline. The Bible guarantees that our cry for help will be heard because Jesus is sympathetic to our struggle with sin. Remember He is the one at work in us, His love is everlasting, and His patience endures forever.
So when, not IF, but WHEN I fail, it is not fatal. Instead of giving in, look up to God, rely on His amazing grace in forgiveness, and depend on Him to get back on track. (For further study, Read Romans 6... and watch for more tomorrow....)
PRAYER:
"Gracious Father, thank You that in Christ Jesus, I have a choice. Before knowing You, my willpower alone couldn't keep me from sin. But thank You for the amazing resources You provide in Christ once I choose to do the right thing. Help me to see the big picture today, the character You're ripening as I cling to the vine. Amen
FOR MY CONSIDERATION:
    What Christlike character qualities can I develop by defeating the most common temptation today?
This week's Memory verse: 
 	"... Your attitude should be the same as that
	of Christ Jesus..."	 Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
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