Temptations

​2-6-21
Today’s devotion is based on Mark 1: 12,13: “At once the Spirit sent him [Jesus] out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
Jesus lived each day as a sinless one, overcoming every temptation. The good news is that Jesus lived this perfect life in our place. Through faith in Jesus, the blessed result is that God sees us clothed in the perfect righteousness of Jesus, our Savior.
Such a wonderful message not only lifts us up when we’re mindful of our many failings, but it also strengthens us with the resolve that we, by God’s power, can overcome temptations. God gives us the strength to walk away. God empowers us to say “No,” even when no one is looking. And when we fail, God’s promise of his full forgiveness strengthens us to return once again to the fight, knowing full well that Jesus has defeated the tempter, who has no power over us.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; when my thoughts, words and deeds become impure, have mercy when I become defiled. Forgive me, lift me up, and restore me for the sake of Jesus. In his holy name, I pray. Amen.