DAY 23 - LORD, ENABLE ME TO RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO SIN.
Temptation is inevitable in life and as believers we are not immune to it. Temptation happened to Jesus, too. But He did the right thing by standing strong in the Word of God. There are many kinds of temptation, just as there are many kinds of sin. The one that seems to trip people up most often is sexual temptation.
Many have succumbed to sexual temptation and forfeit the promising life God had for them. When people fall into adultery, the life they would have had is forever sacrificed. Of course, when they repent they can receive forgiveness and be restored but they have lost what would have been had sin never happened.
Sexual sin begins with thoughts.....don't let the devil rob you of all God has for you by tempting you with impure thoughts. It's okay to appreciate a man's talents, godliness, brilliance or appearance but unless you are married to him, remember that he is your brother in the Lord. If you ever find yourself with any kind of unholy attraction, confess it immediately before God and ask Him to set you free from it. Then tell Satan that you recognise his plan to destroy you and separate you from all God has for you, and you are not going to allow him to do it. Fast and pray if you have to in order to break down that stronghold. Don't let up until it's gone. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 16:41).
The more you have been given, the more you will be approached by the enemy who will try to take it away from you. Be ready for him with with a full knowledge of the Word of God. Here are six good things to remember about temptation;
1. Who: Temptation can happen to anyone.
2. What: You can be tempted by anything
3. When: Temptation can happen any time and often when you least expect it and are most susceptible.
4. Where: Temptation can happen anywhere.
5. Why : The reason the enemy tempts you is because he knows of the great things God wants to do in your life and he thinks you are dumb enough to give it all up for a few moments of pleasure.
6. How: You have to remember that no matter how you are being tempted, it is a set up by the enemy intended to bring you down.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to encourage strong in my mind and spirit so I don't fall into any traps of the enemy. Do not allow me to be led into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one and his plans for my downfall. He area I am most concerned about is (name any area where you might be tempted). In the name of Jesus, I break any hod temptation has on me. Keep me strong and able to resist anything that would tempt me away from all You have for me.
I pray I will have no secret thoughts where I entertain ungodly desires to do or say something I shouldn't. I pray that I will have no secret life where I do things I would be ashamed to have others see. I don't want to have fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. Help me, instead, to expose them (Ephesians 5:11). Make straight paths for my feet (Hebrews 12:13). Don't allow the enemy to sneak up on my blind side and take me by surprise.
I know You are "not the author of confusion but of peace"(I Corinthians 14:33). Help me not to fall into any confusion about this. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart so I will see clearly and not sin against You in any way (Psalm 119:11). By the power of Your Spirit in me, I will not allow sin you reign in me or draw me to obey its lusts ( Romans 6:12).
Thank You, Lord, that You are near to all who call upon You, and You will fulfill the desire of those who dear You. Thank You that You hear my cries and will save me from any weakness that could lead me away from all You have for me (Psalm 145:18-19). Thank You that You know "how to deliver the godly out of temptations" (II Peter 2:9). Thank You that You will deliver me out of all temptation and keep it far from me.
Scripture for Meditation
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I Corinthians 10:12
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
#inspired...ann #WiseQuotes
*Stomie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Woman(2006)
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