Temptations

The Lenten season is here. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday so it is 39 days till Palm Sunday. People sometimes give up something for the days of Lent. And Catholics sometimes give up meat on Fridays during Lent. I don't know the history behind these practices but they both make us more mindful of what Christ did for us - dying on the cross for our Salvation.

Reading the Bible every day is another way to be mindful of Jesus, our Savior. I started a read-the-Bible-in-a-year plan again this year and I'm actually ahead of the reading schedule. It is a chronological read of the Bible so it skips around a little. Reading the Word everyday brings God closer. I'm amazed at the Old Testament experiences the people had with God. Still they made mistake after mistake in their lives. 

Just like us today. We make mistakes; we sin; we mess up but now we have Jesus to wipe away our sins. In our human weakness we are never perfect but Jesus makes it possible to have a relationship with God in spite of our sins. Jesus makes all the difference. 

I love the following scripture because it explains that Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted to sin. But Jesus resisted all temptation. He was the perfect human. And because He was human He understands our weaknesses. No matter how we are tempted, God provides a way out. If we call on Him.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need," (Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV).

Lord, help us come to You on our knees when we have sinned. Lift us up with Your mercy and grace and bless us in our weaknesses. We love You, Lord. Amen.