Admit it, you have times where you give into temptation. You have times where because of anger, frustration, depression, or loneliness you make a bad decision. You do something that you know is wrong (or at least you know it’s not right), but you go through with it anyway. Those choices sometimes start with the phrase, “What the hell…” and even end with that same phrase as a question, but in a more somber way like, “What the hell did I just do?”

There’s a reason why the word hell is surrounding those choices. You can be sure that every time we purposefully make a bad decision, the devil himself is saying, “Thank you.” You’re doing exactly what he wants you to do. But it’s so easy to give in to temptation, isn’t it? It’s easier to give in than it is to fight it. After all, sinning is something we naturally want to do anyway. It’s more seductive and sometimes even fun, but understand that with that fun also comes consequences. We trade a moment of pleasure here and there for a life filled with pain. That’s not at all what we were created for, but it’s easy in the moment to forget that.

The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are God’s masterpiece, each of us a singular work of art. We oftentimes don’t feel like it though. This world beats us down to where we forget how special we are. When we forget our worth and we allow ourselves to succumb to those temptations. It’s as if we are unlocking the front door of a great mansion just to allow the devil to come in and take whatever he wants.

We need to stand guard over our “gates”, such as our eyes, ears, mouth, and especially our heart. Be careful what you let in. You and your soul are items of great price. Don’t think that’s true? Realize that nobody fights so hard for something that is worthless. Why rob a bank for pennies? The devil is sly and knows what he’s doing. If he gets you to believe you are worthless, your guard comes down. That’s when your soul is ripe for the picking.

Remember the acronym HALT. Whenever you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, we tend to make bad choices. Start recognizing certain warning signs within yourself so you won’t be as able to make bad choices, and when you see those signs, do something else quick! The Bible says that choosing what is wrong sends us down a certain path. That path is wide and there are many people that are on it. That path almost calls out to us and becomes a part of us over time, but it is a road straight to hell, both on earth and for all eternity. Even if you have reasoned with yourself thinking that what you are doing isn’t really hurting anybody, realize that sin always hurts somebody. And when you think that it’s not hurting anyone, then it’s hurting you twice as badly.

The devil wants you to hurt and to be in pain emotionally, mentally, and physically. Sin can’t add to your life, it can only take it away. To tell his dirty little secret, the devil really wants God to hurt. However, if he can’t have that, he will settle for someone God loves, YOU!

The Bible proves that God loves you. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. That tells you right there what you are worth. You are worth everything to God. He’s proven that. The same God who created the universe also created you and loves you so much that He would do anything to have you in Heaven with Him for all eternity.

You deserve the best and highest things, no matter what this world makes you feel like sometimes. That best and highest thing is Heaven. True peace, true joy, and a comfort like you’ve never known awaits us there. Don’t settle for anything less and please don’t settle for the wrong choices now that can sacrifice your forever home. Remember that whatever you are going through, you have a Savior who has been where you are and has made it through.

Are you lonely? Jesus Christ knows what it’s like to have everyone, even His own Father, turn away from Him in His hour of need.

Are you hurting? Jesus Christ knows about true pain and suffering, the suffering that he took for us on the cross.

Are you depressed and cutting yourself just to feel something again? Jesus Christ was lashed by whips and cut to ribbons so that you don’t have to be.

Are you wanting to kill yourself because of the sin and the overwhelming pain in your life? DON’T!!! Jesus Christ died for your sins so that you wouldn’t have to. You can have life and have it more abundantly.

It’s done! it’s over! Jesus Christ said it is finished! Your sin and pain can stop right now!

When you turn from your sins and give yourself to Jesus Christ, accepting His finished work on the cross, He takes your sins away. They are buried with Him, and just as He was raised again, so shall you be. Born anew, completely free from that sin. Free to live again for God and not the devil. Free to live in peace.

The Bible says that whoever the Son sets free is free indeed. Completely, eternally, free. Accept Jesus Christ into your life and be free!

God’s blessings to you.

DH