Tempting...

Woohoo! 1st week of my senior year is over. God is already teaching me so much. I've begun the one year through the Bible and I am so excited to see how God will use it in my life. One of the topics I was reminded of during one of my devos is temptation. No matter who you are or where you live, you will face temptation. It's inevitable. Unbelievers and believers are faced with the choice to give into their flesh everyday. I started thinking hard about temptation and I came up with a couple questions.
What do you struggle with? Maybe it's worrying or lying, stealing, pornography, cheating etc... I could go on and on.
Where are you when you give in? Do you isolate yourself? saying that no one but you will be affected? or are you surrounded by people you shouldn't be with?
Now for the tough question: How can you say no? What can you do to stay away from the temptation and refuse it?
Sure it's easy to say now that you're probably not under intense pressure to give in, let it go. But isn't that what we should be doing? We need to set up boundaries so it will be completely clear that we are close to crossing them into sin. Rand Hummel from the Wilds camp says it this way: "We need to make it hard to sin and easy to do good. We need to love what God loves and hate what God hates." As Christians we are in a fierce battle against evil, Satan and his demons and our flesh. We can't just sit around "spiritually flabby" never expecting to be tempted. We need to be ready, fully equipped with the armor of God. Anyways, that's my short thought for today. Be ready to stand firm against temptation!

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints