Temptation
Today’s Scripture: James 3/13/2022
Today’s Verse: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:14 (KJV)
“Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin; each victory will help you some other to win; Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue, Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.” ― Horatio R. Palmer
We don't have to search very far to find temptation. It is on television commercials, the front page of popular magazines, in department store windows and the list goes on and on. The things assaulting our senses are designed to lure us from God’s goodness, and convince us to believe in Satan's lies. We are tempted by numerous things in our everyday life, and it is hard to rise above it. Overcoming the lure of the world is never easy; therefore, we need a concrete plan for resisting it, and we can start by recognizing the lies propagated by Satan who is more than willing to show us the easy way to the world’s view of success and happiness. Before I can become too overwhelmed by my selfish desires, I look for a quiet place to seek God's presence, and pray for strength to overcome the lies. I keep some of my favorite bible verses close to my heart for emergencies. I like to keep the bible story of Eve being temped in the garden close too; it is a good reminder that allowing ourselves to stray from God’s will into our own has serious consequences.
I find it easier when I am focusing on heavenly things rather than worldly pleasures. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be alert and sober, because Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Having good control over thoughts and yearnings of the flesh weakens Satan’s influence. Temptation becomes strongest when we allow our focus to stray from the Father, beware, because temptation comes wrapped in beautiful, alluring packages, but yielding brings disaster.
Published: Quiet Hour 2013
