October 14, 2021

Dear Ones,

Hope you are having a good day on this rainy day. This morning I did food prep and shopped at Aldi’s and went downstairs for donuts. This afternoon is our Bible Study here at Northern Lakes and then we plan to do some shopping. Not sure if we will be walking outside or down in the underground garage. 

Devotions from Judy’s heart

Temptation comes to all of us and it is not something we enjoy but have to stand against. Just because we are tempted doesn’t mean we are weak or have done something wrong. In fact, it can mean the opposite for the enemy doesn’t care so much about tempting a person whom he already seems to have won, but tries to get those who love the Lord to trip up and fall. Satan’s way is to deceive us in any way he can and he wants us to doubt that he even exists. But he is a liar and the father of all lies. He tries to put thoughts in our minds that God is holding out on us. Remember how he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden and said, “Did God actually say you shall not eat of the tree in the garden?” She took the bait and also Adam and they ate the fruit and ended up being escorted out of the beautiful garden to work the ground. When we fall for Satan’s tactics, we also suffer loss.

There are some things we can do that help us stand against the enemy. We need to be on guard against him and put on the armor of God. We can also do things to deepen our relationship with the Lord by reading the Word, obeying, praying, worshiping, sharing him with others etc. It is helpful to memorize scripture so we can defeat him with the Word of God like Jesus did.  Some Christians make themselves accountable to another believer so that when tempted they may call and ask for prayer and counsel. There are instances when we may need to actually remove ourself from the tempting situation, much like Paul says to Timothy 2:22 (ESV), “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 

Even as as I wrote this last night, I was tempted to quit writing, and the enemy told me I  had a busy day and just do it another time… plus there was a good movie on!

I could hardly believe it, but suddenly the first half of this devotional just simply disappeared and I was not able to get it back. I had to start all over again. The enemy knows our weak areas and what areas frustrate us and he tries to sabotage us. Let us not give in to the enemy for when we do, in even a small area, it becomes easier the next time. But, there is grace when we seek to love and obey the Lord and to resist the enemy’s tactics. Let us walk in the grace and strength He wants to give us.

Challenge for today: Be on guard against the enemy’s tactics and ask for God’s escape plan each time when tempted.