The Slow Fade of Sin ~ Part 2

by Charity Pence

Sin has been a part of our world from the beginning.  Satan enticed Eve to eat forbidden fruit, and she in turn enticed Adam to eat.  Genesis 3:6 says, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.  She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate."  By reading the entire passage we see what really happened there.  Satan fooled Eve.  He knew what would happen once she ate of the tree.  But did he share that information? Of course not.  Instead, he showed her all the great things the fruit had to offer, nothing else.  You know something? Satan still operates the same way today.  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

Sin is deceiving.  Sin often looks pleasant; we believe it will make us feel good or bring about something beneficial.  The path of destruction runs far, however.  The lustful thought that turns into an affair can destroy a marriage.  A lie at work or an immoral business decision forces one out of work which may lead to bankruptcy or prison.  An addiction destroys the one addicted and those around him/her.  There are consequences for our sins.  The consequence we should be most concerned with, though, is the separation from God sin brings about if we let it.

Are you ready for the good news? Romans chapter 6 can be difficult to grasp, but it is worth reading.  Verse 14, one of my favorites from this chapter, offers the following assurance: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace."  Throughout the chapter, we come to see that by believing Jesus to be our Savior, accepting what He has done for us, and turning our lives over to Him, we are set free from the curse of sin.  That is wonderful news! It means sin has no power over us unless we give in to Satan.

In order to deflect Satan's attacks, we must protect ourselves.  How? By putting on the armor of God.  Gird your waist with truth.  Put on the breastplate of righteousness.  Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  Take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.  (See Ephesians 6:11-20)

Keeping a close relationship with our Heavenly Father offers the best protection.  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10.  God offers His strength to us so we can resist temptations.  But we have to strive to remain close to Him.  And when we do mess up, we must repent.  God forgives us when we admit our wrongs.  "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18.

God loves us, and I hope you understand how much.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believer in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.  1 John 4:10 further states, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation of our sins."  God's love is nothing short of amazing.  After all, He not only knew how sin would entice us but also prepared a way for us to still enjoy eternal fellowship with Him.  Hallelujah!

Still looking for instruction? Open your Bible.  God's Word is filled with instruction and knowledge.  The Bible is not just a book of stories or information.  It's a journey.  One which will take you directly to your Heavenly Father and away from sin.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us all to get this, to take this message to heart.  Show us where we have taken the wrong steps.  Convict us and show us Your truth.  Cover us with your security so that the devil's attacks bounce away harmlessly.  You have sacrificed your son for us.  Help us to understand how powerful your love for us.  Thank You for never forsaking us.  I love You, Lord.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Chink In My Armor

By Charity Pence

This Week’s Verse: Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV)

Devotion: Lately I have felt the need to continuously check my armor. It seems that the devil has been searching me, looking for a crack. He has circled around me, waiting for me to set down my shield of faith and drop my sword. Ephesians, chapter six, lists the armor of God that we are to wear constantly. Gird your waist with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. We are also told to pray always.

Satan’s darts keep coming. He has tested me in financial situations and I stood firm. Then, suddenly, I found myself not feeling well. I stood firm on God’s promises of healing. Another dart was thrown and I found myself worrying about a particular situation. So I prayed and put my trust in God. Satan filled my mind with fear and I was plagued with self-doubt. Lifting my hands, I cried out to God. I could give more examples but I do not think that would be necessary. I am sure you get my point.

Satan does not stop. He knows my weaknesses. He carries a list with him and when he has worked through it, he goes back to the top and starts over. The truth is, I am battle weary. I get worn out, as we all do. Sometimes I do not have the strength to go on but I know that if I let my guard down for one second, if I remove my armor, the devil’s darts will keep coming and they will overwhelm me. It is during these times that I must rely on God for strength. Isaiah 40:29 says, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (KJV) I do not want Satan to find a chink in my armor. So while thanking God that He has not left me to fight my battles alone, I will stand firm.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to stand against the devil at all times. Please give me the strength I need so I am not overwhelmed by the devil’s attempts to turn me away from You. I love You, Lord, and in You alone I put my trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Applications: When you feel the devil pricking you, looking for your weaknesses, call out to God and allow Him to strengthen you. Hold up your shield of faith and watch Satan’s darts fall.

Power Verses:

Psalm 31:24, “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (KJV)

Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.” (KJV)

Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (KJV)