"The devil made me do it!"  A phrase coined by comedian Flip Wilson in the 1970's, sounds like a good excuse when we fall into sin.  However, that statement gives the devil entirely too much power and authority over our lives. While he is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, we must remember he is limited - he is not all powerful, he is not all knowing, he is not sovereign, he is NOT God.  The devil cannot make us do anything.

The truth is we always have a choice.  The circumstances that tempt us to sin are the same as people have faced throughout history.  Every temptation can be faced, endured and resisted by depending God, who is faithful. When faced with temptation, we must decide whether to give into the temptation or resist by choosing the way of escape God has provided.  The problem is that instead of looking for the way out so we can endure the temptation, we often give in and indulge our sinful nature.  

So how do we resist the enemy's attempts to entice us to sin?  By looking to the One who is faithful and His Word for instruction.  Here are just a few:

• Read and study the Bible, meditate on it throughout the day and you will be less vulnerable to the enemy's schemes - "Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Tim 3:16  
  
• Memorize Scripture, Jesus was able to overcome Satan and his temptation by accurately quoting Scripture - "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
• Pray, pray, pray - "Never stop praying."  1 Thess 5:17  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Heb. 4:16
  
• Submit to God's sovereignty, humble yourself before Him, surrender your will to His, yield to His Lordship, then you will be able to resist the enemy of your soul - "So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you."  James 4:7
  
• Know, believe and trust - when you waiver or are uncertain of the Truth, Satan gains control.  Remember how he deceived Eve - don't entertain any thought or action that is contrary to God's Word! - "Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."  1 Peter 5:9 
  
• Don't allow anger to fester or control you.  Anger is a stronghold Satan will use against you, convincing you that you are justified or entitle because you were mistreated.  Decisions you make in the heat of anger cannot be undone and are most always poor choices! - "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity."  Ephesians 4:26-27
  
• Never go to war without your armor!  Put it on daily, you never know when the enemy will attack - "Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion." Ephesians 6:11-18
  
• Grow in your knowledge of God, deepen your relationship with Him - "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4
• And finally, remember - "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."  1 John 4:4

When I look in to the night sky and see the millions of stars in such a wondrous display of God's glory, I am reminded that as His children we are called to be light . . . 

 “You are the light of the world.  A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.  People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16 

Today's verse admonishes us to do everything without complaining or arguing so that we can be points of light in the world of darkness around us.  However, complaining indicates we think we know better than God does, or that what He has provided is not good enough.  The message we are sending is we don't really trust God.  If we, who are Christ’s followers don’t trust Him, then why should a lost and dying world?  Arguing shows that we are not putting the other persons needs above our own, that we think more highly of ourselves than we ought, that we are not at peace with one another, and that we don't really love each other.  Jesus said, "Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”  John 13:35

Do we want the world to know we are His disciples?  Do we want to be blameless and pure children of God? Today, let us strive to live in such way that we shine His light as we hold fast to the Word of life.