Today's Verse

VERSE:
  This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in
it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will
not walk in it.'"

   -- Jeremiah 6:16
      
THOUGHT:
  Temptation is a choice between God's will for us -- the old path
-- and a shortcut provided by Satan -- the new path. So often,
Satan's path is presented to us as a shortcut to happiness,
prosperity, and accomplishment. However, this path leads us away
from God and the blessings he longs to give us. Let's not be like
the people of God in Jeremiah's day who refused God's way and said,
"We will not walk in it." The outcome of their choice was their own
destruction.

PRAYER:
  O dear Father, Almighty God, forgive me for turning from your
path and seeking a way that seems easier and a path that appears to
lead to happiness more quickly. Through your Holy Spirit, help me
look through the facades of Satan's temptations and see their
bitter end. I know your way is the way of joy, peace, and rest.
Please give me courage to walk it confidently. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.