I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:
Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you. It is yours. I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there. Speak to me during these moments. I commit them and myself to you.”
II. Prayer of Confession:
“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you. I confess my sin(s) of ______________. Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)
III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________. Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”
IV. Scripture Reflection
Read: Proverbs Chapter 7
Reflect:
Proverbs 7:24-27
24 Now, sons, listen to me,
and pay attention to the words from my mouth.
25 Don’t let your heart turn aside to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.
26 For she has brought many down to death;
her victims are countless.
27 Her house is the road to Sheol,
descending to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 7 is a sobering story of the seduction of a young man. We read how the seductive woman “is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place (7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19-20); she flatters and persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23).” (LASB) This is a scary description of sexual temptation that plays out far too often in people’s lives. The enemy uses such temptation to destroy lives.
So what are we to do when confronted with sexual temptation? As one theologian has said, “Combat the temptation, acknowledge your own vulnerability to it, stay close to God and his Word, and cultivate a life of accountability (Proverbs 7:4). Recognize the strategies and power of temptation, and run from them—fast!” (LASB) We’d do well to remind ourselves of the father’s closing words in verses 24-27 and heed his wisdom.
I think Paul’s word to the Romans is pertinent: “…live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:13-14 NLT)
Respond:
Since you’re reading this devotion, I’m sure you want to live as Paul suggests and exemplify the qualities of Jesus in your own life. What are you facing today? Maybe you could role-play what Jesus would do in the face of the same temptation. Now, clothe yourself in Christ! Put on His qualities and live your life for the glory of Christ!
V. Prayer for others:
Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others.
VI. Prayer of commitment:
“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.” (Luke 10:27)
This Week’s Scripture Memory:
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.