Moments and Days - Real Consecration - Sealed Orders Part 4

This is one in a series of posts, sharing the Sealed Orders devotions, day by day, from CMI 2010.  They are based on the "Consecration Hymn," Salvation Army Songbook #525

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Think about your biggest temptation:  your weakest area – the one thing that will most likely be your downfall.

What day of the week are you most likely to fall to this temptation?

Now, what time of day are you weakest to this temptation?

Where are you when the temptation is strongest?

Who are you with when temptation comes?  Are you alone?

Paul gives us some advice:  “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

If we know when, where and with whom the attack is most likely to come, we will be better prepared to defend against that attack.

Every moment we have is a gift from God – an opportunity for growth or failure.

If you are really serious about overcoming temptation, you can make a concerted effort to avoid one or more factors that make temptation so powerful in your life.  For instance, if you know you are especially vulnerable on a certain day, time or location, you can make a point to be in a different place at that time. 

If temptation hits when you are alone, make sure you are with a friend or a family member at that time.  If attack comes when or because you are with someone, you need to either change who you are with or invite a spiritual mentor to be with you during that time of weakness.

Challenge yourself to talk with someone you trust this week about a strategy to overcome your temptation.  Some advance planning can set you up for spiritual success.

Gas Leak and Explosion

They lived together; the man.  The woman.  Her daughter.
Living off her welfare, sleeping on old mattresses on the floor.

Sleeping in late, the woman thought she smelled gas.  She told the man, whose face was buried in a blanket.  He responded with a moan.

Have you ever felt like you could handle a situation by yourself.  Maybe it was changing a light bulb.  Or a fuse.  Or a flat tire.  At those times, you feel good about being self-sufficient.  Those are the times that you bring your children along.  "I want you to see how it's done."  You feel proud.

There are other times when you need to get out.

The man discovered, as many men do, that there will be no rest until the situation is addressed.  Sniffing around the house, he ruled out the main floor.  Yawning and scratching, he opened the basement door.

The gas smell was stronger downstairs.  The light switch had no effect - the bulb had been out for weeks - he'd have to change that soon or lose more sleep.

Thump, thump, thump.  He protested with his feet on each step.  He needed to assess the situation, but could not see.  His hand slipped into his pants pocket, his thumb finding its familar place on the knurled flint wheel of his cigarette lighter.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)


Sometimes the toughest decision is between what I can do by myself and what I need help for.  Sometimes, I can handle it on my own and sometimes, I need to get out of the house.

Kaboom.

The house was blown three inches off its foundation.  Windows were blown out.  No one slept anymore.

God provides an exit door for you and me.  He doesn't expect us to face temptation alone.  He loves us enough to give us another option.  He wants us to run.

Get out of the house.

Minor burns.  Hair singed.  Lesson learned.

When you smell gas, get out of the house.


When you are tempted, get out of the house.