If you would like to extend this over a week, you can easily do one of the points each day of your devotion.  Here is a printable version.

GOOD INTENTIONS- FAILURE- GUILT- GOOD INTENTIONS- FAILURE- GUILT
 
1.  Share a time when you had good intentions and it didn’t work out so well.  ___________________
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• UNDERSTAND your pattern of temptation.
  
  

2.  Have you ever thought about your unique pattern to temptation? If so, what have you learned?  _________________________________________________________________________________________
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Proverbs 4:25-27 - Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
 
WHEN am I most tempted?
 
WHERE am I most tempted?
 
WHO is with me when I'm most tempted?
 
WHAT temporary benefit do I get if I give in?
     Hebrews 10:25 - There is pleasure in sin for a short time.  
 
HOW do I feel right before I'm tempted?

3.  Would you be willing to share your answers from the questions above?  _____________________
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• GUARD the condition of your mind.

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

4.  What are some of the ways that you can guard the condition of your mind?  _________________
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Ephesians 4:27 -  Do not give the devil a foothold.
 
5.  What you think it means to give the devil a foothold?  _________________________________________
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• PRAY for God's help.
  
  

Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

6.  What do you think Jesus means by saying, “Watch and pray”?  ________________________________
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• POINT your attention elsewhere.  

7.  Why do you think pointing your attention elsewhere would be helpful?  ______________________
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And how would you do that?  ____________________________________________________________________
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Temptation always follows a predictable process:

• ATTENTION
• INCENTIVE
• ACTION

 
Key:  Don’t fight it, flee from it.

• MANAGE my mind.

 
Proverbs 4:23 - Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.  (NCV)

Proverbs 23:19 - Keep your mind on what is right. 
 
2 Timothy 2:22 - Turn your back on lustful thoughts and give your positive attention to goodness, integrity, love and peace.  (Ph)
 
The key is not resisting.  The key is replacing and refocusing.  
 
8.  Could you share a time when you replaced a thought and had victory over that temptation?
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• Make a commitment to GOD'S standard. 

Psalm 119:9 - How can [anyone] keep his way pure?  By living according to Your Word. 

9.  Am I more committed to what I believe God says will meet my needs or am I more committed to what I think will meet my own needs?  ____________________________________________
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