Showing posts with label temptations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label temptations. Show all posts

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Judge Gently




Pray don't find fault with the man who limps
or stumbles along the road,
unless you have worn the shoes he wears
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
though hidden away from view,
or the burden he bears, placed on your back
might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
that were his if dealt to you,
in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time,
might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone,
unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
that you have no sins of your own -
for you know perhaps if the tempter's voice
should whisper as softly to you
as it did to him when he went astray,
it might cause you to stumble too.
Author Unknown

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. "
Matthew 7:1-5       

Friday, November 4, 2011

When You Flee Temptations Don't Leave a Forwarding Address

ice cream...


Sally was trying desperately to save all the pennies she could for the doll carriage she wanted to buy.  She was turning in aluminum cans, offering to do extra chores...anything to make a few more cents a week.

One night as she was saying her bedtime prayers, her mother overheard Sally say in great earnest, "O Lord, please help me to save money for the doll carriage in Mr. Brown's store window.  It's so beautiful and I want it so much.  It's just right for my doll.  And I'd be sure to let my friends play with it too.

Pleased by her daughter's prayer, Sally's mother was startled to hear the final line of the prayer.  "And please God, don't let the ice cream man come down our street this week!"

Just as we are each unique in our talents, abilities, background, and experience, we are also unique in what tempts us.  What is tempting to one person, may not be at all tempting to another.

Although the enemy of our souls knows our weak points, we know our Strength.  As we stick close to Him, when temptation comes, we can draw on His strength to turn from it.

Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22