02/12/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Navigating Life's Temptations: A Heart-to-Heart"
So, diving into Proverbs 4:23, there's this line that makes you stop and think: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (NIV). Kind of feels like it's saying, "Hey, pay attention to what's going on inside because it's going to affect everything you're about to do." And honestly, that's pretty solid advice, especially when we're talking about steering clear of those sneaky temptations thrown at us.
Then there's Ephesians 4:27, which tells us, "Do not give the devil a foothold" (NIV). Picture giving someone a tiny crack in the door, and they end up kicking the whole thing open. That's exactly what happens when we drop our guard and let negativity creep in.
But here's the kicker: Satan is pretty slick when it comes to messing with our feelings, making us second-guess the truths we hold dear. It's not just about our actions; it's about the turmoil brewing in our minds and hearts. It's like he's out there fishing, waiting for us to take the bait of doubt and negativity.
I've been down that road, lying awake at night, my mind racing over conversations and stressing over stuff I can't change. It feels like being in the middle of a tug-of-war, caught between wanting to lash out and striving to stay grounded in Christ.
The game changer? Recognizing those emotions that knock us off our feet. It's about flipping the script and filling our heads with God's Word, not letting those negative feelings run the show. That's where God's love turns the tables.
So, the next time you're caught up in those not-so-great emotions, take a step back. Ask yourself, "What's really going on here?" Dive into the Bible. It's like having a deep, heart-to-heart chat with God, letting His truth shed light on the dark spots in our emotions.
Let's get real for a minute:
- What are the emotions that trip you up?
- How do they mess with your head, maybe even making you question the big stuff, like what God's got planned for you?
It's not just about steering clear of the bad; it's about loading up on the good—God's love, His Word, His truth. That's our strategy for fighting off temptation. It's not about focusing on the don'ts but about embracing the do's—living life God's way.
For more on this topic, listen to the sermon from 1/21/24 entitled: Walking in the Spirit's Wisdom and Power (By Taking Thoughts Captive) https://youtu.be/UijRdR3m7J4?si=VJLFOmu48bPKmtsQ
