Running From The HeartSample

Temptations  

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

“Today I am wrestling with many things...I realize this is a fight of my faith... work at denying temptations... I want to honor God with my life. One thing I am grateful for is I am learning to fight against the lies from the enemy. I start with thanksgiving and ask the Holy Spirit to help me. I must quiet my mind, focus on God and be open to His voice. I will also read and meditate on His word. 

I was reminded of a vision God gave me, it was of a person with their arms raised going through the finish line I found that encouraging... The key is to trust and obey, the battle is won…” 

The runner in Rebecca went into battle every day, fighting temptations in order to keep strong and fit for the race of life. She kept her mind on the word of God, remembering to pray, which is a key. By God’s grace she fought the temptations, refusing to allow them to take her out of the race. It became her lifestyle. She wrote,

“I want to be a fighter!” 

Rebecca was a fighter and she lived a lifestyle that caused others to wonder and be inspired to follow Christ as she did.

Selah

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say, “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this world. (Titus 2:11-12) 

Temptation starts in the mind and it only becomes a sin if you allow the enemy, and your own sinful desires, to entice you into wrong thoughts and action. The Bible teaches us to take our thoughts captive so that they do not produce sinful behavior. 

Keep alert and keep a Christ centered lifestyle. Pray to God for strength, by the Holy Spirit, to be self-controlled to say, ‘No!’ to things that are wrong. We cannot escape temptation, but we can choose to think and do what is right. 

How do you prepare yourself to fight temptation? 

Passing the Baton: 

Be a fighter! Do not let the enemy steal your sparkle, but live an attractive lifestyle, pointing people to Christ. 

Prayer: 

Dear Heavenly Father, please fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit to strengthen my heart to be self- controlled and to say “No” to all temptations that lead me away from you. Amen.