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PUBLISHED ON August 4, 2022
– by Gabriel Agboeze
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. James 1:13-16 KJV
God does not and will never tempt anyone. Temptation is a tool of the devil and not of God. Temptation contradicts the salvation message of the Lord, that is why it is an error to think, assume or even say that God tempts you or anyone. Temptation occurs when man is drawn away from his own lustful desires, which means that temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. Once your heart has been pulled away from the truth and light, then temptation takes place, and it is the devil that deceives one’s heart from turning away from the truth. The fruit at the Garden of Eden was pleasant to Eve and attractive and the imagination of tasting it has filled her heart, the reason why the devil had its way over her, because if it is in your heart it will enter your hand. Beloved, shield your heart, when your heart is guarded temptation is chased away, and sin is averted.
Today’s thought: “Temptation is effective when the heart has yielded to the lusts of his/her heart either consciously or unconsciously.”
Keynote: Temptation is first permitted by man then executed by the devil.
Counsel: Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life.
Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus, help me to help myself. I receive grace to function with an undistracted heart in Jesus’ name, teach my heart to yearn and yearn after you at all times, amen. The faithful Lord delivers you from every temptation contending with your life and peace now in Jesus’ name, amen.
