Who tempts us

If you are like me you would have been confused when you read that in  James:1:13: Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempt he any man:
Jas:1:14: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then you read that GOD tempted Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his on son in Genesis 22. the truth is both GOD and the devil do tempt us however the motives are different. GOD concentrates on our strength while the devil utilizes our weaknesses. GOD would tempt you to promote you most of the times.

GOD would not bring a beautiful neighbors wife or handsome fit neighbors husband to temp you when he says flee fornication, he knows. Not many pass that test that's why he says flee, even idolatry (can also include love of money or worshiping a pastor) he says flee it is because not many pass that test. The devil knows this then he comes and tempts you because he know many have fallen culprit to these temptation.       

GOD sometimes test our faith to see if it is indeed real as you say. You know demons also believe there is GOD but their works are contrary to GODS character. GOD gives us things by grace but he also has things deposited in us that are key to the task he has given us. So to bring that warrior in you.He will take you through the fire and the flood to show you the true character that he sees in us. How will you know you have faith unless you were given a word and then allow circumstances contrary to the word to see whether you will hold on to the word of GOD. GODS word is unchangeable, facts however changes with time and are usually connected to our five senses.   

When it comes to GOD he is all powerful and the devil can not do anything without GOD knowing. OK lets look at the Israelis in the old testament GOD sent his prophets to warn the children of Israel to stop  their wickedness and return to him and then he will heal them. He tried to warn them of things that would happen to them but they did not listen. What we must know is the LORD is a Holy GOD and good, gracious etc plus he is also a GOD of justice. Justice demands that tit for tat, the children of Israel were given two choices plus a hint, just like you and me today. GOD said I lay before you, death and Life therefore choose life.

GOD is also a jealous GOD meaning he like to be first in our lives so if you are walking with GOD and he notice something is taking your affections away from Him. He comes and then test your dedication to him like Abraham that kid was the joy of his life, a kid in his old age and GOD even made sure the setting was right that Ismael should not even be in the picture. This was not only done for Abraham sake but for ours as well so that we should know what GOD expects from us. GOD wants to be number one in our lives and if you want to have a relationship with JESUS you have to put him in first place. LORD help me to align myself to your will and purpose for my life of putting you first in all that I do in my life in JESUS name amen.

Everything that we give to GOD has to cost us something I mean the more it hurts the better. GOD has been around for ever and people that really put him first like Abraham are not many. Most born again Christians when they start praying in tongues eeeiii! powerful but when it comes to money they hold back and don't put GOD in first place. On the other hand the devil will be testing you to doubt GODS character and put your needs ahead of GOD. Here you have two opposing sides trying you the devil is telling you the money is not enough the bills are not going to be paid so don't tithe the LORD will understand. Oh the other hand GOD is tempting you to test him and give your tithe and offering and see how he will bless you. GOD even puts promises attached to things he ask you to do. Indeed as it is written those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

Lets be realistic GOD would not do anything that will bring you to sin. If you are being tempted to sleep with some married woman/man like James said it is your own lusts that is enticing you, to put it simply you are just one horny Christian I would say run, flee fornication or sexual immorality the bible says. I have made a principle of not getting too used to my wife's friends or even be in room all by myself with any other woman other than my wife. Do not create an environment that will allow the devil to tempt you. Trust me I know I am only human. Me and my wife are usually together most of the time unless there is a reason not to. Many friends have questioned my, why? but I say, why not?. I am more comfortable with my wife and I feel very sad for those who are not comfortable with their spouses.

You see I have had two spells where I was away from my wife up to a year on both occasions and I saw what it did to me. So GOD gave me grace to seal any entry to the devil in my marriage. Even when I used to drink I never liked women. Mind you I am not saying we are perfect but we get along just fine. In the process GOD has blessed us indeed even called us together in the ministry of course different calling lest we chop each others heads off. I am ever thankful to GOD He has brought me this far I used to be bad oh my goodness so bad. Thanks be to JESUS who has washed me with his precious blood and now I am clean. I am a new  creation all things have past away it is no longer I, but Christ that lives in me. The old self is dead with its desires and lusts.

GOD can do anything he can bring both disaster or prosperity that is a truth, that most Christians cant understand. The devil is a liar from the beginning and his business is to tempt us to rebel to our GOD. The devil knows that GOD is so Holy that if we disobey he has to punish us. Thanks be to JESUS that now Judgement has been reserved to the end of time and also thanks to JESUS that our Heavenly Father does not go about counting our sins against us. JESUS paid it all in full past, present and future.