Temptations, a guest post

Every one of us has things that we are tempted with, struggles that are hard to face. They can vary from lying to your parents about cleaning your room to doing something that can endanger your well-being, like drugs. But what do you do when you are faced with those temptations? What can you do to stop them?

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. -James 1:13-15

What does that verse mean? Well when you feel the desire, the little voice in your head tempting you to do something wrong, you have to stop it right then. Because once you have given in to that desire and let it resonate in your mind for a little bit, it doesn't sound so bad. It is so hard to stop that temptation once you have been persuaded a little bit.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. -Galatians 5:16-17

Don't gratify those desires! When you are living by the Spirit, being renewed everyday by reading your Bible, it is easier to stop those desires. Why? Because you know it's wrong! The easiest way to combat your temptations is through the Word.

One way you can let your sinful desires grow is with guys. Maybe you are good friends with a guy and everything is fine. You are "just friends." But maybe that relationship grows a little bit you start thinking, well maybe it is okay to hold his hand. Nothing will happen. But something will happen. And before you know it you have kissed him. What happened? You let your desire grow, and then it became sin!

So I encourage you to try to stop that desire, that temptation, to sin right when it starts! If you are having issues with lying, look up Bible verses about that and put them on note cards all around your room. You can do it! You can combat those temptations.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at iheartministry@yahoo.com. If you would like us to pray for you with something you are struggling with, we promise to keep it confidential and pray for you. :)

In Christ,
Jessica ♫

iheartministry.blogspot.com

P.S. Thanks so much Buttercup for letting us do a guest post on your blog! :)

Thank you, Jessica! What a great topic! Please visit their blog, and get to know the girls who make up IHeart. Thanks again!