Follow up with Gen was great today. We talked about temptations basically. Indeed, temptations come from the evil one and it ranges from selfish desires, jealousy to even lust. We humans have been tempted in many ways but we probably didn't realise that Jesus too was tempted in every other way like us. But yet, He was without sin. Temptations are hard to get rid off, so often, we are tempted to cheat and to lie. These little temptations from the evil one tend to stray us away from the right path God has laid for us. More often than not, due to wavering faith and the lack of trust, we succumb to temptations and thereby straying us away from the right path. However, God is gracious, He will never leave us alone. Here's a verse which i really memorised from follow up.

Assurance of Victory 1 Cor 10-13
"No temptation can seized us except what is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But if we are tempted, He will provide a way out so that we can stand up under it."

So even though we'll be tempted in many ways, tempted to steal, tempted to be selfish, tempted to worry unnecessarily, tempted to rush, tempted to procrastinate etc, God will eventually provide a way out for you. We should take heart that God will make a way, even it seems that there's no way.

As for me, i've been tempted in many ways. Guess jealousy is one of them. Jealousy over people who can achieve greater things than me..and also, tempted by the evil one to be unconfident, paranoid and also fickle. These are heartfelt feelings and i guess to some of us, its not easy to list it out for fear of embarrassment. But everyone is not perfect, let's just humble ourselves and change with the Holy spirit guiding us. I've been praying for a long time, that God will remove these temptations, that i will be able to stand up against the evil one and be strong. It's not easy really, but 1 Cor 10-13 promises that God will provide a way out. And Gen is right, perhaps i should take some to reflect on why i'm feeling jealous. Is it because i'm not contented with what i have? and why should i be since God has given each and everyone of us different gifts.

For cell, we talked about inner peace and it really struck me that hey, how do you know if the peace comes from Him? What if it's not from Him? There are 2 types of peace. One comes from the Holy spirit and the other, comes from the world. The peace that comes from the world arises due to circumstances. For example, when we're successful in terms of career, studies and marriage, then we start to feel peaceful. In other words, we feel peaceful only when everything is smooth and when the road gets rocky, we start to feel uneasy and lose this sense of peace. This kind of peace is from the world, not from Him. Inner peace is something that is beyond human imagination, meaning even when things are in total mess like bankruptcy, failure in relationships and all, you still feel at ease because you know God will provide. For example, Joab was tested in so many ways, but yet He still continue to trust in the Lord and know in His heart that ultimately, everything will be alright. The peace that he gets comes from the Holy spirit.

Then you may ask, what if the success you get in life are God's blessings for you? We probably feel peaceful about it, but is the peace coming from God or the world? Like what ben said today, at situations like this, we have to step out and put ourselves in a different context. We should ask ourselves if we're able to give away all of the blessings we have now, and yet feel peaceful about it. If we are able to do so, then this peace comes from God. Take for example Abraham, he was willing to sacrifice his son when the Lord asked him to. Then, the peace when u get when u're feeling blessed comes from Him and not the world.

The peace that comes from the Holy spirit transcends all circumstances and it's really amazing, to me.

How then can u feel this peace? There are 4 ways basically. Firstly, it is through prayer and petition. Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". I love this verse by the way =) Secondly, we have to let the holy spirit take control over our lives. Thirdly, we have to trust and keep our eyes on Him and lastly, constantly read His word.

Having this inner peace within you, you will be the centre of God's will and it gives you this confidence that whatever decision you make, it will be according to God's will and therefore, you're on the right path.

"Peace i leave with you; my peace i give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" John 14:27

The evil one is always there but we should not fear. Instead we should always have this confidence in us that God is with us. If He is with us, no one can be against us. Let us continue to seek this inner peace, a gift from God, by constantly keeping our eyes on Him.

There may be difficult times, but remember, God will never give us anything too hard to handle. Everything is possible through Him and with Him.