What’s On The Hook That Catches You?

WHAT’S ON THE HOOK THAT CATCHES YOU?

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” – Romans 7:15

We all become ensnared by temptation from time to time.  Whether it is something small and seemingly insignificant or something huge and life changing, each misstep takes us farther away from what we truly want in the long term.

That little cookie on the counter may seem insignificant, but it truly isn’t if we fight a battle of addiction to sugar.  One sip of wine seems insignificant, until that first swallow that wakes a sleeping giant within, for those who struggle with alcohol.  As we reach for the temptation, our hand becomes trapped in the enemy’s snare.

It is sin that cause the internal battle and makes the disconnect between what we believe and know we should do, and what we end up doing.  The battle is unseen, yet it remains very real.  

The devil isn’t a partying imp sporting a red suit and a pitchfork.  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” - I Peter 5:8.

The power of God is unmatched by the enemy.  As much as he would like us to believe otherwise, the enemy is not God’s equal opposite. But he IS a formidable opponent for us, bent on our destruction (Ezekiel 28).

We need the mind of Christ to see the enemy in proper perspective—neither too small so as to foolishly put ourselves in danger, nor too large so as to paralyze us with fear.

Father, we come before You.  Bridge the gap between our beliefs and actions. Strengthen us to stand firm in our convictions and cooperate with Your Holy Spirit. You alone are our rock and our salvation, our fortress where we will not be shaken.” - (Psalm 62:2).  

Lord, lift any mental or spiritual fog, so we will be clear-headed for every decision, making choices aligning with the life, instead of death.  Alert us when danger is on the horizon.  Strengthen us to take hold of wisdom and not let go (Pro 4:13).

In Your love, lead us away from paths fraught with danger and temptation.  And in Your power, deliver us from the captivity of the evil one (Matt 6:13).

By Your Spirit, weave our beliefs and actions together, along with Your truth, that we will be strong against temptation—a three-strand cord that is not easily broken (Ecc 4:12).  

Again today, we ask You to remove the enemy’s hook from our mouths.  And as we cling to You, may we have victory over our flesh and the powers of darkness through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). In Jesus’ Name ❤️

Beloved, we are all tempted from time to time.  The more hooks the enemy has lodged in our jaws, the more control he can wield over our behavior.  With which temptation does the enemy bait his hook in order to catch you? 

Jesus, the great Fisher of Men, can remove the hooks so You can live free.  By wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit of self control, we can say no to the enemy’s baited hooks.  Come to Jesus and ask to be delivered. 💡

If you have been encouraged or challenged, please repost and further His kingdom.  Then come, follow and be refreshed at: 

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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