Thursday, August 11, 2022
The Key to Resisting Temptation
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 nkjv)
I often overfill the hard drive on my computer because I never throw a photograph away. I have so many pictures of my family, especially my grandkids. I keep them all. Every now and then when I’m trying to open a document, a little message pops up on the screen saying the hard drive is full. I have to empty the trash and delete a few things.
Wouldn’t it be great if our minds were so full of the Word of God that when the Devil comes with his enticements, he would see a little sign that says the hard drive is full?
Temptation generally comes to us in the mind. It comes as a thought. It sort of knocks on the door of the imagination. It has been said that you can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop him from building a nest in your hair.
The key is to know the Word of God. In fact, it’s a great thing to memorize the Word of God. The psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 nkjv).
When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus responded by quoting Scripture. He occupied ground that every Christian can occupy. Jesus shows us how to resist temptation—and yes, temptation can be resisted.
The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12 nkjv). Temptation can be resisted. The word blessed used in this verse means “happy.” If you want to be a happy person, then guard your mind. Say no to temptation, and say yes to God.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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In this fantastic 90-day devotional, author and pastor Levi Lusko uses illuminating stories, biblical teaching, and eye-opening surprises about outer space to show kids that they’re never alone because God is always with them. A copy of this beautifully illustrated book will be mailed to you when you make a gift of support to Harvest Ministries this month.
