Good Morning,
The topic of today's writing by Karen Bennett is the issue of temptation...what to do about it and how to avoid it. Karen wrote "We need to eliminate everything from our lives that fuels temptation. Giving in to it will cause even greater guilt if it was done with an arrogant attitude, willingly and brazenly. Repentance assures us of forgiveness, but it could become increasingly difficult to forgive yourself. "
It is important to mention that temptation is not from God. God never tempts a person. Scripture attests to that. It might do you well to memorize 1 Cor. 10:13. (See below.)
God bless,
Karen and Corinne
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Today's Devotional
"Beware! Temptation Ahead!"
Written by
Karen Bennett
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:38
There are times we feel we can withstand any temptation the devil might throw at us. We feel some things are so trivial we wouldn't have any trouble avoiding them, or maybe even doing them once or twice, because they'd never become a habit. At times a bit of arrogance takes over and we feel strong enough to stand up to the devil and claim victory over him. Those are the times we need to be more careful than ever. We are not above temptation and we need to be carefully watching all that occurs in our lives. There are times we toy with these temptations, allowing them to plague us on a fairly steady basis. Before long, we've developed a habit with a strong craving.
We feel we can do whatever we want, read whatever we want, watch whatever we want, and listen to whatever we want, but eventually we have a steady desire to behave sinfully, listen to filthy programs or music or comedy acts that affect us in a very unpleasant manner. Some feel because they are Christian they can laugh and carry on without any ramifications. Soon excuses are being made for indulging in these unsavory things, whether they be immoral or violent. We should not be allowing those thoughts to inhabit our minds and certainly not on a steady basis. Once begun, many people are unable to stop. Our minds take us further and further into the quagmire of filth and violence where they suddenly tend to stay. Then it can even lead to experimentation in these things and possibly even being unable to stop. Some feel it's alright, because they'll be forgiven when they're ready. That attitude can lead to a multiplication of troubles and attacks from satan and his demons with ever increasing vigilance.
We need to eliminate everything from our lives that fuels temptation. Giving in to it will cause even greater guilt if it was done with an arrogant attitude, willingly and brazenly. Repentance assures us of forgiveness, but it could become increasingly difficult to forgive yourself. Some then feel God has pulled away, but it is us creating the distance with our heavy guilt and shame, even feeling so badly that we no longer feel the depth of sin we carry can be forgiven. We are forgiven the moment we truly repent and our Heavenly Father stands ready to welcome us home,even to come to us as the father did with his prodigal son. There are ways to fight the evil one and God will help you!
Remember this!
"No testing has ever overtaken you
that is not common to everyone.
God is faithful , and He will not
let you be tested beyond your strength,
let you be tested beyond your strength,
but with the testing He will also provide
the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:13.
What great assurance for us!
Dear Father, Help us to begin each day by asking you to be with us throughout it, and let us remember that greater are You who are in us than he who is in the world. Help us to eliminate everything from our lives that feeds those things which tempt us, and let us dedicate our lives to you each and every morning upon waking. In Your precious name we pray. Amen!
Prayers are lifted up daily for you
"Fighting Temptation
He Still Loves Me"
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Here is an uplifting graphic
for you to think about.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you
by the Staff Writers of
Women's Focus Ministry
Jan Andersen, Cathy Friberg, Sandy Billingham, Beverley Napier, Shelly Keith,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Carol Steficek, Amie Spruiell, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Lisabeth Lipp, Nandita Bhatnagar.
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