The Pitfall of Despair

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:13a

In 1972 author Hal Lindsey published a book called “Satan is alive and well on planet earth”  In it, he describes how people of this day and age (written over 40 years ago) have become complacent, and view Satan as more of a comic book villain than the Prince of Darkness, evil and unrighteousness.  So tell me, in the last forty years have we as a people gotten better or worse at fighting off the devil’s play.  I propose time may have elapsed but the conflict is as ripe as it was in the Garden of Eden.

Daily we will be tempted.  This will sometimes come in ways that are obvious and other times in ways that seem harmless.  There is an evil force in the world, inherent in each of us.  This force will occupy space in our hearts and minds when we are weak and vulnerable in our faith.  Jesus came to give us the truth about life, death and eternity.  The more we are in His word and leaning on His strength the less open space we have for the evil one to set up residency.  Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has been struggling with fending off evil. 

For centuries man has tried to do enough good things, say the right words and earn their way back into God’s grace and mercy through sacrifice and ritual.  God sent Jesus Christ as the final atonement for mankind’s sin.  God’s grace became available to all mankind through the blood and resurrection of His own Son, the perfect spotless sacrifice.  Therefore, it is only through Him that we might receive eternal life and forgiveness for our sinful nature, for He alone was perfect and sinless. You cannot earn your way into heaven through good works, righteous words or someone else’s faith.  It is dependent solely on your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As temptation arises today, look to Him for your strength to overcome.  Why, you might ask?  Because He is the only one to ever walk this earth flawless and defeat Satan in every way.  He knows the devil well and wants to help you avoid the pitfalls of despair.

Prayer:

Almighty God,

I lift Your name in praise and worship this morning, for You alone are God.   There are no others but You with the love, compassion and grace for eternity.  I am sorry Lord for my weakness and giving in to temptation, please forgive my transgressions.  Strengthen me Lord, that I might become an overcomer and resist the works of evil in my life.  Help me to be a beacon of hope to those who cannot see Your love through the chaos and confusion of worldly values.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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