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To: Dr. Eckleburg

What is interesting is some can’t tell the difference between testing and temptation. When God uses hunger it is for testing. When Satan uses hunger it is for temptation.

“and that he might test thee,”

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”


2,435 posted on 02/20/2008 12:41:39 PM PST by blue-duncan
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To: blue-duncan
What is interesting is some can't tell the difference between testing and temptation. When God uses hunger it is for testing. When Satan uses hunger it is for temptation.

Great distinction.

And according to my usual desire to rewrite, even better than the word "testing" might be the word "trying," since "test" implies an uncertain outcome, and with God all things are certain. And we know that all things works to strengthen His family, one way or another.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28

Even the difficult stuff, the sad and lonely and worrisome stuff, is for our benefit to bring us to Him.

"The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth." -- Psalm 11:5

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts" -- Psalm 139:23

"Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?" -- Jer. 9:7

"And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." -- Zech. 13:9

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." -- Job 23:10

"Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." -- Psalm 17:3

"For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried." -- Psalm 66:10

"Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him (referring to Joseph, son of Jacob.)" -- Psalm 105:19

And finally, we have Paul's assurance...

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." -- Romans 5:3-6

Thus Christ's comforting guidance...

"In your patience possess ye your souls." -- Luke 21:19

2,446 posted on 02/20/2008 1:13:53 PM PST by Dr. Eckleburg ("I don't think they want my respect; I think they want my submission." - Flemming Rose)
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To: blue-duncan
some can’t tell the difference between testing and temptation. When God uses hunger it is for testing. When Satan uses hunger it is for temptation

God has no reason to test anyone.

2,454 posted on 02/20/2008 2:09:50 PM PST by kosta50 (Eastern Orthodoxy is pure Christianity)
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