Run from Temptation's Trap

Temptation can be a subtle thought that lasts only for a moment or a fierce fire that will not be extinguished. Potiphar's wife was so attracted to Joseph, her passion became an out-of-control fire. Every day she enticed him with sexually provocative allurements that could not be misinterpreted. Still he resolved to remain faithful to God and his values.

On one occasion when they were alone in the house, she grabbed Joseph, determined to seduce him. With tenacious strength of character and will, he ran from the house to escape her grasp. To survive the snare of lust, he chose to run rather than face a lifetime of regret.

Joseph’s overriding priority was to keep his conscience clear and his integrity clean. When he could no longer avoid temptation’s trap, he removed himself from its presence. Temptation can be brutal in its persistent, enticing power, but it can never override God's promise to provide a way to escape. “Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.”  

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I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

~Isaiah 41:13 Contemporary English Version

Healing Rays of the Son

Without exception, we’re prone to forget that God hates every aspect of evil. He knows how destructive it is for those who develop a tolerance for it. One feature of human nature is our adaptability to evil, even while knowing it will result in hardship and suffering. So, avoid developing a tolerance for evil and doers of evil.

God expects us to develop an attitude of avoidance for evil and evildoers regardless of their appearance and promise. Tolerance for evil and love for God are incompatible. Proverbs 8:13 makes it clear that to "fear the Lord is to hate evil". When confronted with evil, remember God will provide a way to escape.

Malachi 4:2 gives God's response to evil. "Surely the day is coming when all evildoers will be consumed by fire like straw in a furnace. But for you who revere my name, my saving power shall rise on you like the sun with its healing rays." That promise is for those who refuse to give evil a place in their lives.  

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Never let yourself think you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

~Proverbs 3:7 Good News Bible

Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed. Take away my lust for evil things; don’t let me want to be with sinners, doing what they do, sharing their delicacies.

~Psalm 141:3-4 The Living Bible