It is often said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What is truly in a person’s heart is how they feel. Sometimes people may mention they were just joking or didn’t mean it as a way to negate the effects of their words. I ask you what is in your heart? Jeremiah tells believers The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? We hear news stories of someone causing harm to another and cannot fathom how this could happen? I’ve come to realize that the more we mediate on the something the more deeply rooted in our hearts it becomes. People are bombarded sometimes daily with temptation. It could be the lust or temptation to spend money, have sex with someone even though you’re not married, lie, etc. and the list goes on. If we truly remain or abide in God we won’t want to do those things that God as instructed us not to.

“This is it!” Adam exclaimed. “She is part of my own bone and flesh! Her name is ‘woman’ because she was taken out of a man.” (Genesis 2:23 TLB) As you continue to read their story the two were committed to one another. What if we as Christ followers had the same level of commitment as Adam and Eve had with one another? Even Jesus was always about his the father’s business. (Luke 2:49 KJV) I want to encourage you to abide in God. John 15:7 (NIV) says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” The more connected to God in relationship, the less we want to pick up something sinful. We won’t want to be separated from God or not be able to hear him.

Sin causes us to be separated from God and when that happens it’s like nothing is the same again (until we repent). It reminds me of a bad break up when nothing tastes the same anymore. You had all these great experiences with the person, went all these places, and now since the breakup those same fun places are not fun anymore. Being separated from God is a hundred times worse because without God there is no hope. How can you try to prevent this from happening? I’m glad you asked. The bible tells us in Luke that , When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13 NIV). The enemy tries to tempt you at just the right time. Maybe funds are low and your job keeps a safe with extra cash in it. Maybe your marriage is on the brink of a divorce and your co-worker keeps dropping subtle hint that they like you. Maybe you’re lonely and thinking about calling that former flame to get your itched scratched, but you’re trying to live right and wait till God sends you your spouse. The solution to this is found in James 4. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. When the enemy comes knocking at your door, resist him. If Jack, Jim or Jose start calling for a drink ,don’t answer.

The enemy waits for a particular time to try to get you off course ,do not give in. Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)  says, “and do not give the devil a foothold.” The enemy maybe pounding on your door, do not let him in. Do not just take one sip or one hit because it will always lead you further than you intended to go.We are in these flawed bodies and we live in a fallen world. Temptation is everywhere! Our flesh wants to give in, but our Spirit man does not want to give in. Our Spirit man knows the right things to do. (Matthew 26:41 NLT) tells us to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” If you find yourself in a situation that you are thinking of giving into your flesh, have an accountability partner. Pray, read the Bible, and ask God to send a trusted person you can confide in that will encourage you to stay away from the sin you’re thinking about indulging in.

The enemy always makes sin look appetizing or fun, but in the end it will only leave you heartbroken. Lastly, we have to be mindful of what we are thinking about. The seed of sin is planted in your mind , takes root in your heart, and the more you think on it, the likelihood of you acting on what you’re thinking about. The bible tells us, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV) It is important to think on godly things to avoid falling into the temptation trap. If there is an area you struggle in, ask God to lead you to resources or classes that may help in this area. God loves you and desires for you to be free and have dominion over the earth, which includes sin and strongholds.