temptation

22
Mar
2024
Overcoming the Dragon

Overcoming the Dragon

Enraged Enemy

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” – Revelation 12:17 (NIV)

In this verse, we see the ferocity of the enemy’s rage against those who follow Christ.

The dragon, a symbol of Satan and his forces, is described as enraged, waging war against believers who remain faithful to God’s commands and testify to the truth of Jesus.

Perseverance of the Faithful

Despite the intensity of the enemy’s assault, this verse reminds us that there are those who “keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.”

These are believers who persevere, standing firm in their faith and obedience, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

Spiritual Battle

This passage is a stark reminder that as followers of Christ, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces that seek to undermine our faith and cause us to stumble.

The enemy is relentless in his attacks, using fear, temptation, and persecution to try to wear us down and turn us away from God.

Victorious Outcome

Yet, even as we recognize the reality of this battle, we can take heart in the knowledge that the ultimate victory belongs to Christ.

He has already triumphed over the dragon, and through His power and strength, we too can overcome the enemy’s assaults. As we persevere in faith and obedience, holding fast to our testimony of Jesus, we will share in His victory.

Stand firm, with unwavering faith and courage, knowing that your perseverance will not be in vain. For the one who overcomes will inherit eternal life and a place in the Kingdom of God.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
08
Mar
2024
The Moment It All Changed

The Moment It All Changed

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” – Genesis 3:7 (NIV)

As we look into this verse, we see a pivotal moment in human history – the moment when sin entered the world.

Adam and Eve, who had once enjoyed perfect intimacy with God, now felt the weight of shame and guilt for the first time.

Consequence

Their eyes were opened, not to a deeper understanding of God’s love, but to their own nakedness and vulnerability.

Suddenly, they were aware of their flaws and shortcomings, and they tried to cover themselves with makeshift garments made from fig leaves.

The Separation

This act was a symbol of the separation that had occurred between them and their Creator. No longer could they walk in perfect harmony with God, as they had in the Garden.

A rift had been created, and they found themselves hiding from the very One who had breathed life into them.

The Hope

But even in this darkest of moments, God’s love shone through. He sought them out, not to condemn, but to offer a way back.

He promised that one day, a Savior would come and crush the head of the serpent – the one who had tempted them into sin.

Although the consequences of their sin were severe, God’s grace was greater still. He provided a way for them to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. And this same grace is available to us today, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Forgiveness
29
Jan
2024
Instruments of Righteousness

Instruments of Righteousness

Romans 6:12 – Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Deceptive Allure of Sin

Though Christ has broken sin’s control, its residual influence remains while we’re on earth. If given an inch, sin will seize a mile in our lives. So we must be vigilant guarding our minds and bodies.

Sin employs clever deception – enticing us by omission of consequences and overstating temporary pleasures. We must recognize its tactics rather than blindly cooperate.

Yielding Our Bodies to God

As an act of worship, actively present your body to God daily as an instrument of righteousness, not wickedness. Ask Him to govern your eyes, hands, and speech for holy purposes.

Consciously yielding control protects us from drifting into sinful complacency. Regularly re-consecrate your body to purity and righteousness.

Lord, Guard My Vulnerable Heart

Lord, sin still crouches at my door, desiring to devour me. Daily I confess my weakness and total dependence on Your Spirit to restrain evil desires. Make my body an instrument You wield for righteous purposes.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
02
Dec
2023
Rejecting Worldly Desires

Rejecting Worldly Desires

1 John 2:16 – For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Examine the Heart’s Desires

Sinful cravings arise in us when we allow our hearts to be shaped by the world, rather than God’s truth.

This verse exposes three of the primary temptations we will encounter.

Bodily Passions

The lust of the flesh refers to sensual appetites and passions.

If we repeatedly indulge fleshly desires, they can rule us. We must crucify these tendencies by the Holy Spirit.

Superficial Pursuits

Lust of the eyes represents envying what we see and chasing after things that do not satisfy – wealth, beauty, status. We must look beyond the superficial.

Empty Pride

Pride of life shows up when we boast in our achievements, material acquisitions, and social status, rather than humbly stewarding God’s gifts. We must find identity in Christ alone.

Anchored in Christ

As the world’s enticements call, we must cling tighter to Christ our anchor.

He frees and transforms those enslaved by temporary pleasures and priorities.

Guard My Heart

Lord, protect my heart from adopting the fleeting values of this world. Keep my desires aligned with Yours. When I’m tempted, anchor me firmly in Your truths. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may find joy in that which lasts.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith
17
Jun
2023
Tempted

Tempted

Have you been tempted to do something you knew was wrong? Maybe it was lying to get out of trouble, cheating on a test, or gossiping about someone. James 1:14 says:

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

Temptation doesn’t just happen to us out of nowhere; it starts with our own desires and then becomes a trap that we can fall into if we’re not careful.

God has given us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reveals:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”

The next time you’re faced with a temptation, remember that it starts with your own desires. Pray and ask God to help you resist it, and look for the way out that he promises to provide.

With God’s help, you can overcome any temptation that comes your way and live a life that is pleasing to him.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust