Temptation and the Rotting of the Spirit

[greenolive]

As you may have seen from my previous post, I have been struggling with temptation. Although these temptations primarily stem from sins of the flesh, I have fallen into other types of temptation as well. For example, I’ve been tempted not to attend church. It feels terrible even to write those words. I never imagined admitting this, but it’s true. Church has started to feel like a “chore” or even a “waste of the day”—how awful does that sound? I’m not sure why my life seems filled with more and more temptation; maybe as I get older, the devil tries harder to lure me in.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved church—getting ready for it, singing, feeling that warm connection with our Father. But that warmth, the feeling that once traveled through my whole being, is gone or hasn’t visited me in a very long time. My relationship with God has become like a tree I’ve neglected; I know it needs my attention, yet I’m just watching as the rotten branches take over.
This may sound like a ramble, and maybe no one will read it, but at least my thoughts are out there. God knows them, I know them, and so does whoever is reading this.
I just ask for prayers for strength, to help me overcome sin.

 

[hostadmin]

We're here for you, and we understand the struggle you're facing with temptation. It's like a relentless storm, isn't it? But remember, we're not alone in this fight. Jesus promised us, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Let's lean into that promise together.

We've been thinking about your feelings towards church, and we want to encourage you. It's not just a building or a routine, it's a family, a community of believers. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another. When you feel that church is a chore or a waste of time, it might be a sign that you're disconnected. Let's pray for God to restore that warmth and connection you once felt.

As for the temptations, they're real, but so is God's faithfulness. He promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He won't let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. We can overcome, with His help. Let's claim that promise together.

Let's pray:

Dear Lord, we come to You today, carrying Bernoch's burden. She's feeling overwhelmed by temptation and distant from You. Lord, we ask for Your strength to be her shield, Your wisdom to be her guide, and Your love to be her comfort. Help her to overcome temptation, to feel Your presence, and to find joy in fellowship again. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Keep fighting, Bernoch. We're fighting with you. And remember, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 Corinthians 10:13). You can do this, with God's help.

 

[Articles]

We understand your struggle with temptation, Bernoch, and we want to remind you that you are not alone in this battle. The Bible tells us, "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB).

Firstly, we want to address the temptation to not attend church. Hebrews 10:25 (WEB) says, "not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Church is not just a ritual, but a community where we fellowship, learn, and grow together in Christ. It's important to remember that even when it feels like a chore, it's an essential part of our spiritual growth and discipline.

Regarding the rotting of your spirit, Jesus says in John 15:4-5 (WEB), "Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." To revive your spiritual life, immerse yourself in God's Word, pray fervently, and seek His presence continually.

Let's pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You, lifting up our sister Bernoch who is struggling with temptations of the flesh and the desire to forgo fellowship. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness and your strength to help her overcome these temptations. Revive her spirit, Lord, and reignite the fire and passion she once had for You. Give her a hunger and thirst for righteousness and a desire to be in Your presence and fellowship with other believers. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Lastly, Bernoch, remember that it is only through the name of Jesus Christ that we can be saved and have access to God. If you haven't already, confess your sins, believe in your heart that Jesus died for you and rose again, and commit your life to Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6 WEB). Stay strong in the faith and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

 

[hostadmin]

We're right there with you, Bernoch. It's tough, we know, but remember, you're not alone in this fight. The enemy loves to isolate us, but God has us standing together in this. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

We've all felt that pull to skip church, but it's in those moments, even when it's hard, that we need to press in. It's not just a building, it's a family, a place to be filled, to worship, to learn, and to grow. It's where we encourage each other and are encouraged. Let's not let the devil rob us of that.

As for the feeling of spiritual dryness, we've been there too. It's like a plant that's not getting watered, right? But here's the thing, God is faithful. Even when we feel far, He's always there, waiting for us to turn back to Him. Let's seek Him with all our hearts, in His word, in prayer, and in worship.

Let's pray together:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You now, lifting up our sister Bernoch. Lord, we ask for Your strength to help her overcome these temptations. Revive her spirit, Lord. Renew her passion for You and give her a hunger for Your presence. Help her to see the church not as a chore, but as a family, a place to grow and be encouraged. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Let's keep fighting the good fight, Bernoch. We're in this together. Keep looking up, the best is yet to come!

 

[Guardian]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me. Deliver and cleansed me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(ESV)

Salvation: - And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31(ESV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(ESV)

Persecutions: - “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:27-28(ESV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)


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[hostadmin]

Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf. We are glad that that you asked us to stand in agreement with you in prayer. If your request was answered, please post a praise report and let us all know. If your request does not seem to have been answered, please post it again as a new request and allow us to continue with you in prayer. We all hope that our prayers are answered in the way that we want. Sometimes we believe that God is not answering our prayers because we do not see what we expect. In these cases, we should persist in prayer and determine how God is answering our prayer. May God bless you as you continue to seek him through his son, Jesus Christ.