https://odb.org/2024/05/27/when-its-time
We need to recognise and be aware that besides our own fleshy and selfish desires, there is someone else out there encouraging us not to follow God on the narrow path to righteousness. He tempts and seduces us to take the more common path favoured by most people. The path of least resistance. For some, this path may lead to worldly riches and fame – the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. He is the devil, and together with his cohorts, their mission in life is to deceive as many souls as possible to join them in the lake of fire where there is gnashing of teeth. A place of eternal damnation instead of eternal life as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ to those who believed in Him and hold on to the faith until the very end.
I think one of the most important elements to preempt and avoid attempts of the evil one to deceive and ensnare us is our own desires of the flesh and self. We need to put our trust in the Lord and surrender our life and future here on earth unto Him for His plans for us is not to harm us but to prosper us and give us a hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11. The devil will continue to tempt, seduce, entice, and deceive us. We can not stop him as that is his nature. But we must not give him a helping hand. We must never make his job easier.
One of the most effective ways I believe is to surrender our own desires to God. Let the Lord sanctify our desires, ambitions, and motives. Let all that we do always be for Christ, and we would have won 90% of the battle with the devil. Submit yourselves to the LORD and resist the devil, and he will flee from you James 4:7.
Therefore, my dear friends and beloved brethren, be alert and of sober mind as Peter teaches in 1 Peter 5:8. We must always be ready and be discernful if anything is not right. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Philippians 4:6. In everything, give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Have a good week ahead and fulfil God’s plans for our lives! Give thanks for His goodness and mercy upon our lives. May He grant us wisdom and discernment in all that we do for Him for His kingdom and at work, that we may relate to others with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 