“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
“And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5
Men, let’s go on a quick journey in our minds and leave the comfort of our current state. Imagine you’re about to open a door of your life where on the other side there is an evil, ever present 3 headed, fire breathing dragon that has the deepest, darkest, most ravishing hatred for your heart for God and he will stop at no cost to consume you and destroy those loved ones around you that you care about so deeply. Not only does this 3 headed dragon want to eat you alive but he wants to destroy whatever ministry you’re a part of, whatever brings you joy, whatever allows you to feel, whatever is pure and good, whatever brings you fulfillment in your life. He wants to destroy any hope you have in a better future in God’s will and wants to keep you from reaching your full potential as a sold out man of God, a loving husband and father. If that wasn’t enough, this monster that stands for everything that is dark and evil wants to infect your future family blood lines with his evil and destroy those who carry your family crest and name just like he wants to do to you at this moment as soon as you open that door.
Men, this 3 headed, fire breathing dragon is called “Temptation.” He lurks in deep dark corners and is constantly on attack waiting to pounce until he doesn’t even have to disguise himself anymore because so many have already made friends with him and are no longer picking up a sword to fight. Many of these so-called “men” have caved into the pressure of this monster and have thrown down their sword, shield, and armor of God. Many have given up because it’s easier to be friends with this dragon than to fight him any longer. “It’s too hard,” they say. They have lost their way and now they and their future generations will be paying the price. Many of these men started out determined as ready warriors to take on this challenge before them but have fallen during the battle and have grown weak and tired and have become exposed to the enemy’s advances. The Bible says, “Watch and pray let you fall into temptation.” Men! Pray! Drop to your knees for God’s strength! Don’t be like these warriors who have tried to do it in their own strength and maybe put up a descent fight only to be blind-sided by another blow of the enemy, leaving them in shell shock that lead to their defeat. In the movie “Gladiator,” as the prisoners were waiting in the hallway tunnel that lead to the Coliseum arena where the ferocious enemy awaited to kill them, their fearless leader, Maximus speaks out and says, “Whatever is behind those doors, we have a better chance at defeating if we stick together!” Stick with God and get an accountability partner, men. If you know you’re about to go into a tempting situation and there is no way to run from it or avoid it then before you go into the situation, grab a buddy and pray, tell him you need encouragement and council. Ask him to text you throughout the night to help keep your mind on the things of the Lord and to keep fighting the battle. If you don’t have an accountability partner guys, GET ONE! I used to think I was ok without one! Man, was I wrong! How much better my life has gotten since incorporating this into my walk as a Christian!
Men, this 3 headed, fire breathing dragon is called “Temptation.” He lurks in deep dark corners and is constantly on attack waiting to pounce until he doesn’t even have to disguise himself anymore because so many have already made friends with him and are no longer picking up a sword to fight. Many of these so-called “men” have caved into the pressure of this monster and have thrown down their sword, shield, and armor of God. Many have given up because it’s easier to be friends with this dragon than to fight him any longer. “It’s too hard,” they say. They have lost their way and now they and their future generations will be paying the price. Many of these men started out determined as ready warriors to take on this challenge before them but have fallen during the battle and have grown weak and tired and have become exposed to the enemy’s advances. The Bible says, “Watch and pray let you fall into temptation.” Men! Pray! Drop to your knees for God’s strength! Don’t be like these warriors who have tried to do it in their own strength and maybe put up a descent fight only to be blind-sided by another blow of the enemy, leaving them in shell shock that lead to their defeat. In the movie “Gladiator,” as the prisoners were waiting in the hallway tunnel that lead to the Coliseum arena where the ferocious enemy awaited to kill them, their fearless leader, Maximus speaks out and says, “Whatever is behind those doors, we have a better chance at defeating if we stick together!” Stick with God and get an accountability partner, men. If you know you’re about to go into a tempting situation and there is no way to run from it or avoid it then before you go into the situation, grab a buddy and pray, tell him you need encouragement and council. Ask him to text you throughout the night to help keep your mind on the things of the Lord and to keep fighting the battle. If you don’t have an accountability partner guys, GET ONE! I used to think I was ok without one! Man, was I wrong! How much better my life has gotten since incorporating this into my walk as a Christian!
God wants to protect you from the evil one but he still gives you the choice to do the right thing or not. He’ll give you strength but he won’t just magically make everything disappear. He WILL make a way of escape, men. The question is, “Do you see the way of escape in the moment to take it and do you want to win this current battle bad enough?” This very challenge could be for your very life this moment. Big life changes happen in split moments with the decisions and choices you make any given second. Persevere men of courage and men of God! Ask for a mind change, a heart change, and a way to escape the temptation waiting just outside that door. Remember, he wants to eat you alive and destroy your soul. He’ll never stop trying to destroy you this side of death! Take hope though men because the more battles you win in the moment, the easier it will be to overcome this monster called “Temptation” moving forward. Are you ready man of God? Look around you this very moment, who’s willing to go to battle with you? Who’s in your corner cheering you on to victory in God’s strength? That dragon-monster called “Temptation” lurking out there could be in the form of a beautiful 120 pound woman or an enticing magazine cover or a bachelor party night on the town. Just remember, we have a better chance at defeating whatever is on the other side of that door if we STICK TOGETHER.
Drive your stake so far down temptation’s throat that you setup your future generations to defeat it as well.
Drive your stake so far down temptation’s throat that you setup your future generations to defeat it as well.
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