Touching Base 19

It’s time for a reflection day, what are you learning about the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

Are you prepared to think about all that you read this week? In other words, are you “caught up”? If not, go back and read anything you received this week that you missed or want to reconsider.

Quick Links

Empowered by Christ Lesson 6: The Holy Spirit’s Power to Resist Temptation
Introduction to a New Devotional Series: Birth of Jesus
Give Him the Name Jesus
God With Us
Spread the News!
In the Presence of a King

Reflection

This week’s lesson made the point that there are days when it seems that the enticement of sin is everywhere! The media, Internet, friends and/or acquaintances, all can distract us from what God intends for us to pursue. Satan is always seeking to control our perspective, manipulate our thinking, and exploit our desires.

As you worked your way through that lesson, what was the most important idea or concept for your life?

The lesson presented nine different ways Satan tries tempt us: deception, worldly gratification, accusation, distraction, affliction, discouragement, doubt, division, and intimidation.

Which of these most often presents itself in your life? Which one is effective? How can you resist temptation in this area?

One of the ways we can resist Satan’s attacks is to focus on God and what He is doing in our life. What is God presently doing in your life that is powerful and amazing?

What did you find most interesting about the devotionals this week on the birth of Jesus?

In “Give Him the Name Jesus,” Beth Yoe wrote,

“God desires that we trust Him. We are not to kick against His best for our lives, but fully embrace the path he has laid out for us. Even when we cannot fully understand His plan, He always has our best interests in mind.”

Mary and Joseph, individually and as a couple, surely had some reservations about the way God was unfolding His plan, and yet they trusted Him completely. In what area of your life do you need to embrace God’s plan?

Imagine yourself as one of the shepherds who saw the angels or as one of the wise men who saw the star. How do you think that experience might have changed your life?

Both the shepherds and the wise men went to worship Jesus. Do you take time to worship Jesus?

How has your own experience with knowing about the birth of Jesus changed your life? Are you sharing your knowledge and experience with others?

Go a Step Beyond

Check out this on-line article with additional information on how you can Identify Satan’s tactics and learn how to use God’s power to resist evil.

Resisting the Enemy https://jesusonline.com/follow-jesus/living-for-jesus/resisting/

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give into it.” (1Corinthians 10:13)