SOAP Devotional 2014-02-12

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SOAP Devotional 2014-02-12

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

Scripture:

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (James 1:14, 15 NLT)

Observation:

The last part of yesterday's passage is here again so we see verse 15's context. My desires are what entices me and will drag me away from God if I allow them to take hold. Verse 15 carries on the progression with the wrong desires bringing in sinful actions and when it is allowed to continue it grows and will eventually lead to my own spiritual death.

Application:

Wrong desires and sin are not something to take lightly. There is a progression that leads to spiritual death. We are talking about eternity here. I have to keep in mind how this progression works. Whether it is the alcoholic or a sex addict or a drug addict, none of these started by planning on where they ended up. It all started with inner desires, followed by thinking about it, then planning on how it could happen, then putting it in to action, and ultimately to the point that the desire has more control than they do. It grows and it leads to death. I remember sitting on a curb talking to a homeless wino when I was young. The man had an amazing past. A great career, a family, money, but also that desire to get drunk. He said, “I did not intend to crawl so deep into this bottle, but by the time I thought about crawling out I had already lost everything worth being out for. So I just stay curled up in the bottle. There is no longer a reason for me to come out.” We can not play with sin. It is deadly.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you that you empower us as believers to recognize and overcome temptation. I pray that you help me to not start down that progression that leads to death. I am thankful, that in my life, you have helped me to stop when I have started down the wrong roads. Let me take dominion over my desires and only follow those that you have placed in me for good. Some pray for you to give them the desires of their heart so they can get things. I pray that the desires of my heart would be the desires you would have me to have.

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