Sometimes, battles come from bullies or situations. But other times, struggles come from within as we face temptations. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef digs into one of the greatest temptations that Daniel and his friends faced.
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[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_01]: You are listening to MY Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way.
[00:00:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Facing Temptation by Dr. Michael Youssef. Sometimes battles come from bullies or situations, but other times struggles come from within as we face temptations.
[00:00:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Attemptation is a test of our value system and resolve to serve God. While God may give us test, he never tempts us with sin.
[00:00:34] [SPEAKER_00]: When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me. For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone.
[00:00:42] [SPEAKER_00]: But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
[00:00:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Temptations are Satan's way of damaging our reputation and witness, leading us away from God in his blessings and planting seeds of doubt concerning God's love and faithfulness.
[00:01:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Daniel and his friends face many challenges as they lived out their beliefs and their love for God, but one of their greatest temptations came soon after they became leaders within the kingdom.
[00:01:14] [SPEAKER_00]: King Nebuchadnezzar built a giant gold statue of himself requiring everyone to bow down and worship it. The consequence for refusal was death in a blazing furnace.
[00:01:27] [SPEAKER_00]: No one is immune to temptation. Proverbs 1618 warns us, pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit, before a fall.
[00:01:39] [SPEAKER_00]: With an attitude that says, I can handle temptation. We become careless in guarding against it. We may not have golden statues of kings before us, but we have plenty of false idols in our society.
[00:01:54] [SPEAKER_00]: An idol is anything we trust for security, provision or fulfillment. Many times idols hide in our hearts, whether it's wealth, relationships, or career,
[00:02:05] [SPEAKER_00]: we all face the temptation to give too much power to things.
[00:02:11] [SPEAKER_00]: When Daniel's friends were faced with this idol, they didn't have days to consider the situation. They immediately determined the right course of action because they had spent so many hours of their life in communion with God.
[00:02:24] [SPEAKER_00]: Their relationship with him was key to their decision. They knew that in following God he would remain with them no matter the consequences.
[00:02:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's pray together. God we longed to have such a close relationship with you that we immediately respond with your righteousness when faced with temptations.
[00:02:44] [SPEAKER_00]: So we ask that you help us be aware of the idols around us and to be unguarded against them. We pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.
[00:02:54] [SPEAKER_01]: If today's devotional encouraged you, we'd love to hear about it. Leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.
[00:03:02] [SPEAKER_01]: My devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Yusse.
[00:03:07] [SPEAKER_01]: To learn more, visit LTW.org today.