Don't Give In by Ann Elaine Broughton

“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand under it” (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV).


We all have a weakness in our lives that can lead us into disaster when a temptation comes along. It is very important for us to be aware of our weaknesses so that we will be prepared and know what to do.
It is very easy sometimes to say, “I am just going to try this once. It won’t hurt anybody. Nobody is around to see me.” But you see some bad things only take just once and you are hooked. Then it will take a tremendous amount of willpower to stop it. It could be something on the computer, video, or anything that can be addictive. God sees what you are doing and knows. Since Adam’s fall, Satan has used all sorts of ways to entice people with things that seem innocent, but are enslaving. You must be on your guard. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8 NIV).
What can you do about your weaknesses? First, if you know something is a temptation then stay away from it. When the pharaoh’s wife tempted Joseph, he ran away. I would advise you to run away when a temptation comes your way also. Do not get caught up in something that you know will cause you to sin. Second, pray that God will give you strength to walk or run away. Third, memorize scripture that will help you during times of temptation. Jesus quoted scripture when Satan tempted him. That means that you must read the Bible and know what Jesus would want you to do in any given situation. Fourth, be accountable to another Christian friend so that there is someone you can call to talk to when your are feeling tempted. It is so important to have someone you can trust to help you and pray with you when you feel you just can’t handle what you are facing.
Dear Lord,
Help me know my weaknesses so I can be on guard when temptation comes my way. Help not to be so busy that I forget to pray or read the Bible. Help me to have the courage to run away when I’m tempted. Let how you handled your temptation be my example.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Resist the Devil by Ann Elaine Broughton

Resist the Devil by Ann Elaine Broughton

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. “and will bring you back from captivity” (Jeremiah 29:29:13-14 NIV).

Did you know that you can become a captive? Paul gave some instructions to Timothy about helping people who have been taken captive by Satan. Paul advised Timothy about the people who would oppose him. “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:25-26 NIV). Scary thought isn’t it? Satan can take you captive to do his will. How can he do this? Satan is prowling around watching to find your weaknesses. It is tremendously important that you pray to God to ask Him to reveal to you any weakness that you have so that you can be aware of it and not give in to temptation. Satan is like a lion. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith….” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV).
Saul is an example of someone who had it all….he was a king and found favor with God. But you see he had a little weakness that in the end destroyed him. He was jealous of all the accolades David was receiving for killing the giant. The Bible says that God allowed an evil spirit to come upon him. Saul tried to kill David because he knew that the Lord was with David. Jealousy had destroyed Saul. So you see how a little weakness can totally take you captive by Satan.
Be of good cheer. You can overcome Satan’s attack. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8 NIV).
Pray to God on a daily basis and trust Him to help you. Read the Bible daily and pray that God will guide you through his word to be a better person. None of us is perfect so we must be aware of our faults and give them to Jesus. Trust the Lord to help you and humble yourself before Him. He will lift you and protect you from the evil one.
Dear Lord,
We know in this life that Satan wants to take captive anyone who believes in you. Help us to search for you every day and take time every day to read your word so that we can be better Christians. Keep us from evil and help us to walk in your ways.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen