We tend to get too much of our information from the world instead of listening to the inside information from the Holy Spirit that’s available to us. There’s a war going on between God and the devil for the use of your soul. …the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do (Galatians 5:17). Temptation is not a once in a while thing; we deal with it day in and day out. But God has provided us with tools to fight: (…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…(2 Corinthians 10:4,5 KJV). These verses indicate that we need to keep increasing our knowledge of the things of God if we’re to stay ahead of the devil and win the war. Sometimes we try to make Christianity too complicated—we think we have to follow certain formulas to stay out of trouble. Psalm 37:3 says, Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed. This verse makes it pretty simple: Trust God and do good. That’s it!

So often God prompts (tempts) us to do something good, and immediately Satan attacks our mind, causing us to reason it out. When we fall for that, Satan steals from us the opportunity to do good and be blessed. It seems that we’re better at resisting the temptation to do right than we are at resisting the temptation to do wrong. It’s time to give in to God’s temptations. He will never guide you wrong. James 4:7 says, …be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. It’s a twofold thing. You can’t resist the devil without submitting to God. And you can’t submit to God without resisting the devil. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to …ever be filled…with the [Holy] Spirit. When you’re full of the Spirit, you can drive the spirit of depression out of your house before it attaches itself to you. But never forget that you’re in a war, and you must use the tools God has given you to fight and resist the devil. Get a grip and face reality—the devil is alive and well. He wants to steal everything you have, but through the Spirit of God, you can resist the devil and win the battle! But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life (Romans 6:22). When we serve God, we receive the reward of holiness. That doesn’t mean we’ll do everything right. I still have my share of “mess-ups,” but I am so happy and peaceful. I love my husband, and although he still does some of the things that used to drive me crazy, they don’t bother me at all anymore. I’m enjoying the benefits of a holy life, and I’m peaceful and fulfilled.