Todayy'a Daily Encounter Monday, January 6, 2025

Today's Daily Encounter Monday, January 6, 2025

Defending Ourselves from Temptation

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.1 

When we're struggling with temptation, understanding how it works can be helpful. All sin originates as a thought (James 1:14-15). If we hold on to the thought, it becomes a fantasy, the opportunity to imagine what that idea would look like, without actually doing it. Fantasies can easily become entangled with our emotions. This creates a desire, which brings us to the point where a decision has to be made… We must accept sin or reject it. This process is quite dangerous, as the progression from thought to choice can be almost instantaneous. 

Wise believers determine in advance to resist temptation. They build the defense before the offense happens. There are two cornerstones to a good defense: the recognition that God is in control, and the commitment to obey Him (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7). 

We can further strengthen our defense when temptation really comes. Satan has a way of highlighting the pleasure of sin until it is the only thing we see. But the more we meditate on the Holy Scriptures and communicate with God, the stronger our defense will be. 

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for leaving us divine instructions through Your Word to create a plan before temptation comes. The mind is the battlefield, and it all starts with a thought. Help me to submit every thought captive at the feet of Christ. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen. 

1.    James 1:12-16 (NIV).

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

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