During the temptation in the desert, the devil wanted to put on a show before the One who will astonish everyone in eternity, when He will show how He created everything out of nothing (Revelation 4:11). Knowing he would lose the battle with his lies, the enemy, desperate, had the audacity to tell Jesus that he would grant Him power and glory, for these had been given to him. Well, who had given them to the evil one, if the Creator had neither promised nor delivered anything to him?

By offering power and glory to Christ, the devil claimed: I give it to whomever I wish. Faced with this, the Master did not engage in a struggle with the liar, but simply responded with the Truth, and it triumphed. The adversary said that everything had been given to him, but he did not explain when this happened or how he stole Adam's inheritance.

Every time the tempter approaches you, draw near to the Word of God. The Lord will show you the exact answer to drive the enemy away from your life. Reject any interaction with the wicked; after all, everything that comes out of his mouth is lies and words of hatred. Never approach him, but if that happens, pray firmly based on the Scriptures.

When David stopped going to war, he was already suffering the attack of darkness. He should have been praying for his army, which was in the battlefield. The devil had set a trap that would hurt the king: David had lunch, went for a walk on his terrace, and suddenly saw a beautiful woman bathing. Instead of going back and crying out to the Lord for what he had seen, he stayed there, contemplating her beauty.

Perhaps, David condemned the woman for the simplicity of bathing in the open air. However, he was unaware that this episode was a trap from Hell to fill him with malicious desires. Thus, the king continued to see how far she would go. Well, the king was already being contaminated by the lack of modesty of the one the devil used to make him sin. David then asked his servants who she was and ordered them to bring her to the palace, which was across from her house. She went, they sinned, and David's life changed (Read 1 Samuel, chapter 11).

Many saved people have also sinned in this way. They act with complete foolishness and then, when they see the consequences of their own choices, they are overcome with sadness. Why do many get involved with drugs, theft, or commit adultery? Why don't they allow themselves to be guided by those who are aware of the wicked snares and have the power to prevent His saints from sinning? We are the people of the Lord to live in holiness and peace!

The woman informed the king that she was pregnant, and that was exactly what the devil wanted. Those who give in to temptations have their lives ruined. But God will protect those who seek Him when they encounter the snares of evil. However, many wish to experience error. These poor lives will suffer forever if they do not repent in time. Remember: it is better to flee from sin. Believe and pray!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares