Do Battle with Temptation with Prayer

DO BATTLE WITH TEMPTATION WITH PRAYER

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Everyone of us faces temptations. There are times when the battle seems to rage out of control. One of the major ways we can do battle with temptation is by praying. Today's insight on this topic comes from VOICES FROM THE PAST (Banner of Truth):

[Jesus instructed His disciples] to 'pray that you do not enter temptation.' Prayer is a means to preserve us from it. All men that know nothing of prayer, know what glorious things it can do, yet half is not told of its excellence, power and effectiveness to avoid temptation.

Prayer casts our souls into a military posture of opposition to temptation (Ephesians 6:18). Without prayer, the armor of God will be of no value to stand against Satan's strategies. Consider what weight Paul lays on prayer when he says, "praying always!" He means at all times and in all seasons.

We should always be ready and prepared for the discharge of this important duty (Luke 18:1). Paul also exhorts, 'with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.' We are to pray with desires for God, that are suited to our condition, and according to His will, in which we are assisted by the Holy Spirit. We are to be watchful in it, so we are not diverted by ANYTHING whatsoever, and we are to pray with all perseverance to the very end, that we might stand firm.

The soul thus engaged is in a healthy posture. Without prayer, this important work will not be accomplished. If we do not abide in prayer, we shall abide in cursed temptations. With this in mind -- abide in prayer with this express purpose: that we do not enter into temptation.

Let this be one part of our daily wrestling with God: that He might preserve our souls, and keep our hearts and our ways. Pray that His good and wise providence will order our ways and affairs, that no pressing temptation might befall us. Pray that He would give us diligence, carefulness, and watchfulness over all our ways, that we should be delivered when others are held fast with cords of their own folly. -- Puritan Preacher -- John Owen

I needed to be reminded of this truth this morning. Are you do battle with temptation today? Don't try to do it in YOUR strength. Pray! Pray! Pray! And allow HIM to come to your aid. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 9; 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 1o:1-24

Dig This Quote: Let us never forget that the Husbandman is never so near the land as when he is plowing it, the very time when we are tempted to think He hath forsaken us. His plowing is a proof that He thinks you of value, and worth chastening: for He does not waste His plowing on the barren sand. He will not plow continually, but only for a time, and for a definite purpose. Soon, aye soon, we shall, through these painful processes and by His gentle showers of grace, become His fruitful land. Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Determined Digging: Level 1 -- Psalm 119:11; Level 2 -- Psalm 51:5-9

TAKE THE CHALLENGE: May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Freedom Fighters for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call).

Our goal is to raise more funds for the Freedom Fighters team than the women raise for the Victory Call team.If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website: Donate for Family Freedom Walk fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Freedom Fighters or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Freedom Fighters and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on men, we can do it!!!