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Billy Graham's Daily Devotion

Overcome Temptation

February 20, 2013

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
–Psalm 119:11

When temptations come, let me suggest that you ask God for strength—and also to show you the way He has prepared for your escape. One other word of counsel; be very sure that you do not deliberately place yourself in a position to be tempted. All of us are not subjected to the same weaknesses and temptations. To one, alcohol may be the temptation; to another, it may be impure thoughts and acts; to another, greed and covetousness; to another, criticism and an unloving attitude. Regardless of what it may be, be sure that Satan will tempt you at your weak point, not the strong. Our Lord has given us an example of how to overcome the devil’s temptations. When He was tempted in the wilderness, He defeated Satan every time by the use of the Bible.

Prayer for the day

With the shield of Your Word, I will face temptation, almighty God.

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38 Comments

George says 2.20.2013, 5:36 p.m.

God has taken control of me, he has helped me through my addiction. The Bible is my savior, and I thank the Lord.

Steve says 2.20.2013, 1:54 p.m.

Lord, For those who have poured out their hearts concerning their different struggles with temptations, I pray You would pour out Your Spirit on them today. Release them from the captivity of these destructive temptations in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Laura says 2.20.2013, 12:30 a.m.

I have been struggling for years with food. I turn to it more than I turn to God. My husband is disgusted by my weight. Please pray for strength in this area of temptation,, and that my husband of 20 years would be supportive. God bless!

James says 2.20.2013, 11:48 a.m.

God has given us an Armor...His Holy Spirit..Comforter..Helper.and Paul tells us to Walk in the Spirit so that we would not fulfill the Lust of the flesh.Gal.5:16 that is His Spirit..His Strength!

Richard says 2.20.2013, 11:09 a.m.

James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Vs. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Steve says 2.20.2013, 10:06 a.m.

Word up! Put God's word on the temptation, and Satan has to flee! Thanks BGEA for all you do each day to share God's truth. God bless this great ministry!

MARK says 2.20.2013, 09:47 a.m.

I face this every day and fail i am by far from being strong I need the the LORDS power to help me. the closer I get to be as GOD wills the more i am hated and called mad. pray for me.sighs in the sky show your return. califonia russia and more to

weak says 2.20.2013, 09:43 a.m.

I try and pray but I'm still weak. Pornography is the devils' way of owning us.

Joe says 2.20.2013, 08:38 a.m.

Amen.

Gerry says 2.20.2013, 06:02 a.m.

Satan was soundly defeated at Calvary. As a child of Almighty God you can overcome temptation utilizing God's Holy Word. Never attempt to fight temptation on your own power. Satan is a master of deception. Victory is yours relying on Christ's power.

Josiette says 2.21.2012, 2:12 p.m.

Thanks again my son needed those word . He told me Mom I wish I could have receive it a few seconds early. I told him its never to late Be ready the next time to make a A on the test. Attacks comes on both side just hide the word in your heart.

Jessica says 2.21.2012, 06:30 a.m.

i once heard Dr. Edwin Cole preach that pornography was an artificial substitute for prayer as it attempts to falsely fulfills a desire for intimacy on a spiritual or subconscious level - draw close to God in prayer - renewed regular prayer will help.

Philip says 2.20.2012, 3:17 p.m.

My problem deals with pornography.The enemy is very subtle in this area for he actually gets you to believe that it's not actually a sin. Once you open that door to pornography I've found that the images stick in my mind and it progresses even further

Ed says 2.20.2012, 2:46 p.m.

I too am addicted to porn and need prayers from my brother and sisters in Christ! Praise God.

Belinda says 2.20.2012, 2:03 p.m.

I am praying for you Jay! God tells us to "put on His armour daily so that we can resist the evil one! Ephesians 6verse 13-18 - JAY THIS REALLY WORKS!!!! When satan comes with his pornography resist the devil in the name of Jesus! Stand on the Word!

dawn says 2.20.2012, 09:06 a.m.

I ask that the Lord be with my husband and myself as I too see the temptations in this world can break even the best of marriages apart. We have overcome such battles in life with Gods help and on this day I ask the lord protect us from all evil.

Jay says 2.20.2012, 08:51 a.m.

I am married, great wife, belong to a great church, but find myself at times tempted by pornography. I have pleased with God to deliver me. I'm to ashamed to approach anyone about this. It used to be weekly, now its monthly, please pray for me.

Joe says 2.20.2012, 08:33 a.m.

Amen Brenda.

Annie says 2.20.2012, 08:30 a.m.

Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I be not ashamed (Psalms 119:80). The Word of God, the Living Word is the mightiest weapon God has given us to overcome all the temptations. My Jesus,You are the Living Word......A Million Thanks, Amen!

Gerry says 2.20.2012, 08:24 a.m.

The only way to avoid temptation is through the power of God's Holy Word . Don't be deceived by thinking you can stand up to Satan on your own power.........you will fail.

RD S Lura says 2.20.2012, 05:42 a.m.

Amen...

Caleb says 2.20.2012, 04:22 a.m.

Pornography is one of the major tools that devil is using for this generation, it is everywhere. It make us act even against our own will, its subtle yet destructive. We need to focus more on this, I pray God help us.

Jiten says 2.20.2012, 03:01 a.m.

Thank you, Lord...my saviour..Amen

Annie says 2.17.2012, 5:30 p.m.

We can overcome all the temptations because the Bible teaches, And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword (Leviticus 26:7). Thank You LORD, Your Living Word..... Precious Holy Word....., Amen!

Tara says 2.27.2011, 03:23 a.m.

I have seen the destruction of my own marriage through the devices of the enemy. Pornography is very subtle. At the beginning it is hard to notice and then it eventually takes over and becomes an addiction that most men involved in do not want to admit to. If the one in the marriage does not agree to the appropriate type of help to overcome this stronghold then in my case and many others there is no other option but to end the destructive behavior and habits tearing the family apart. A Christian..yes I am....called by God to be abused by a man with issues after praying for 13 years, NO! God has not called us to be doormats, slaves, or to be degraded in the bedroom. Get a plan and get out and gain the true FREEDOM that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for you to have. It's not your fault you could never have predicted the outcome but face the reality and move on with God's strength. He says in His word you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you...so do it! A Domestic Violence class or counseling service can help you tremendously. Please utilize all the resources that are avaiable. I did it with four young children so whatever your situation. be encouraged that God will lead ad direct you every step of the way and you Will Know when you are released from the situation by God. If you don't know Jesus Christ as your savior Now is the best time ever because you cannot attempt this journey on your own strength. Ask him to forgive you of yor sins and ask him.

Brenda says 2.20.2011, 8:54 p.m.

Dear Lost In Pornography, Pornography is everywhere and it so hard for many people. My marriage ended due to my ex's obsession. Please get some help before it destroys your life. I wish you the best and even though it is a hard addiction to fight just remember you can do it with God's help. Brenda

Kiana says 2.20.2011, 5:14 p.m.

To the BGEA:I feel that in a time of deep trouble; I am being led by your daily devotional ministry. I have been pretty good at resisting temptation for the past three years. My problem is a lack of support from the fellowship of Christians. What I mean is that: by resisting temptation a lot of Christians misinterpret it as a sign of pride or being gay. I am neither.

LynnfromVa says 2.20.2011, 4:22 p.m.

Thank you Bro. Graham. If I never meet you here, I shall see you at HIS throne!!! REJOICE!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! ALLELUIA!!!

Ritu says 2.20.2011, 10:33 a.m.

My dear bro./sis.-lost in porn! You r too brave to have accepted it. If u r a believer, u have won half the battle. I suggest, whenever such an urge comes, start reading the Bible and pray to God to take the urge away. It works. Love.

Nyasha says 2.20.2011, 09:49 a.m.

I praise the Lord for the Calvary, and it is my prayer that as the body of Christ we put on the mind of Christ for the word urges us to change the way we think in Rom 8:2.

Renee says 2.20.2011, 09:19 a.m.

Commit yourself onto the Lord! We r living in the last days! Isn't it worth! It's worth it now to commit ourselves to the cause of Christ Jesus who died to save us all even you my friend! Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and Life and NO MAN comes to the Father except through me! Remember those who are sold as sex slaves not at their will but against their will! Save them as being an example that you r a true follower of Christ Jesus and help rescue them from the doors of pornography! GOD BLESS! Receive HIM today and HE will give u the mind of Christ Jesus! Read John 3:16 for God loves u!

Carol says 2.20.2011, 08:22 a.m.

God Bless You Billy Graham for being a Light in this dark world for many generations! You are Loved and Appreciated!

Ivory says 2.20.2011, 07:24 a.m.

Temptation is strong; God is stronger. He said His Name is "I am." Let us use His name as the beginning of our conviction and as a first step to defeating temptation. I am lost in the Lord; there is no room for anything that will compete with that. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.

Gerry says 2.20.2011, 07:23 a.m.

We must be aware that Satan knows our individual weaknesses and is the master of deception. Scripture states that he waits as a roaring lion .......(1 Peter 5:8 ) We are told to stand firm in faith and count on God's power to fight the temptation, whatever it is (including pornography). This will only work if you have accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If have you have not yet, then I would plead with you, to do so immediately because God will break the chains that bind you. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and find yourself trapped in sin then confess it to the Lord and sincerely re-dedicate your life to Christ. Join a bible believing church and explain your situation to the leadership. You are not alone in whatever sin has its grip on you. God loves you and wants the very best for you.

sam says 2.20.2011, 03:28 a.m.

Every temptation is a ploy of the devil as it was to Eve in the beginning. Eve gave in then but we have the surety of the Cross of the Lord to overcome every temptation.

mayowa omotoso says 2.20.2011, 00:19 a.m.

thank GOD 4d sword of d Spirit.

lost in pornography says 2.19.2011, 6:08 p.m.

I need the Lords help since I am 39 single and I am lost in pornography.

Andrea says 2.19.2011, 3:32 p.m.

Celebrity distorts reality and makes small things big; our perception and image (imagination) plays a very important part. We can see that in the world today. We need the Word of God to guide us so our perception does not become distorted so big things become small and trivial things become important. Deception can take root whenever we loose our sense of proportion and when we not follow His word. We need constant exposure to the Word of God to keep us from this kind of imbalance and wrong imaginations. Our Lord Jesus helps us and His word shapes us and helps to have a right perception. Yes, our Lord has given us an example how to overcome. I pray that He gives us His wisdom and help us to follow Him in His way day by day.

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