November 3, 2022 - James 1:14-15
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15 NLT
Lord, the struggle with temptation is real and we all struggle with it. Temptations are so enticing; if they weren’t we wouldn’t be dragged away by them. As enticing as they are, this verse offers the truth about them. When we allow our desires to yield to temptations it is a very slippery slope. We won’t even realize how far we are sliding down until we suddenly find ourselves somewhere we never expected or wanted to be. Please help us remember the dangers in allowing our desires to give into temptations.
We thank you that you have given us the power to overcome temptations. Holy Spirit, you are our secret weapon. You are where our power comes from. So often we forget to ask for your help. We just plow ahead in our own ways and come up lacking in our own ability to overcome. Help us learn to follow your ways. Help us dig into your Word and be well versed in using our weapon. Prepare us in recognizing your voice and your warnings. When our flesh rises up and wants something so badly, teach us how to press into your strength to rise above it. In the areas that we struggle the most in, give us insight on things we can do to fortify that area. Are there actions, places, or things that we need to avoid that trigger the sinful nature in those areas? Help us put up boundaries for those areas so we won’t even allow ourselves to get close. If we do what we can in knowing how to use our weapon, how to press into your power, and how to avoid areas that we know are slippery areas for us, we can see temptations overcome in our lives. We praise you that you are with us and want us to overcome!
In Jesus name, amen.
