Daily Devotional For Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Can you believe that “Terrific Tuesday” is here. Temptation is something everyone battles. It varies from person to person. Many of our temptations that make us vulnerable are there because we have some hurt, or void, or disappointment or sin that makes us so vulnerable. Because I grew up in such a violent alcoholic home, I have never, ever had alcohol of any kind. Never. It’s not because I am a prude, but because I have seen the horrors of it. I also know that every Stanley male and female in my family tree who did drink, became enslaved to it and a nightmare to their family. Knowing that alcoholism is in my DNA, my genes, and that I have a genetic bent to be a violent alcoholic. I choose to avoid it.
I made a choice never to drink alcohol. So, I have never been vulnerable to drinking alcohol. Now, I have to make sure I do not let pride swell up in me over this and become judgmental and condemning of those who do drink alcohol, Christians included. I have to work hard at this one because I just do not see any good in it. Many Christians come home and pour a drink to calm their nerves or settle them down instead of getting on their knees and pouring out their hearts to the Lord in prayer. Take my advice – the Lord never runs out, but that bottle or beer does. That is why you have to keep getting more. Why not go to the source of the Lord who never runs dry on help and advice?
What is true for me is also true for you. There are sins and temptations you would never surrender to due to the horrors it brings. You made a choice like me to neve open that door to see what was behind it. But there are other areas of your life where you are vulnerable for all kinds of reasons. The Apostle Paul tells us this in Roman 13:14, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (NASB).
Humans have been struggling with temptation since the earliest chapters of Genesis. We probably are not tempted by everything the world offers. But we are tempted in one or more areas, and each of us knows where we are the most vulnerable. I encourage you to limit your exposure to the things that tempt you. Don’t leave it to chance; intentionally turn away from and avoid anything that will diminish your righteousness.
Just don’t go there—physically or mentally. Don’t indulge your curiosity. Don’t crack open those doors to see what’s on the other side. Instead, clothe yourself with Jesus. Seek the Lord. Spend time thinking about Him. Cultivate new habits of prayer and Bible study. Carefully choose the media you consume. Be actively doing the work of the Kingdom. When you make the effort to be like Jesus, He will wrap you in such joy and purpose that you will have far less time to think about the temptations of the world.
Instead of turning to anything other than the Lord for a coping mechanism, turn to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (NASB). I wish more Christians did this instead of going to an alternative coping mechanism such as a substance, a hobby, sports, etc. The Lord is very dependable IF you will depend on Him.
Questions To Consider
- When it comes to your temptations and vulnerabilities, do you go first to the Lord to cope or to someone else or something else? Why?
- Do you ever crack open those doors to see what is on the other side when it comes to your temptations? Why or why not? What have you learned from this?
- When it comes to temptation, it is wise to have a plan in place to help you overcome it. Do you have one and what is it? If not, why?
Scripture To Meditate On: Galatians 5:16-17,” But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (17) For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (NASB).
Prayer To Pray: “Lord, please help me be proactive and put a plan in place when I am tempted to succumb to my vulnerabilities that are sinful. Where I am not vulnerable and others are, please help me not to get prideful, judgmental and condemning of others with their sins and vulnerabilities. Jesus, please help me to come to You first when I am tempted rather than to some false, unreliable and sinful coping mechanism. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ names, Amen!”
I love you Southside!--Pastor Kelly