Temptation

Whitney Houston's death was a tragedy that never should've happened. It's a tragedy we've seen over and over with celebrities. Anna Nicole Smith, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Kurt Cobain. These are just a few of the celebrities who died too early because of drugs or alcohol.

The point is.... Actions matter. What we do today sets the course for the rest of our lives.

We all have things we must deal with -- temptations and trials. It may be drugs and alcohol, or it may be something else.... We all have a cross to bear. The devil has a trap made for each of us, and it's easy to fall for his tricks. The good news is we don't have to face these temptations alone. God is ready to help us.

One of the things that helps us relate to Jesus as a personal savior is that He has been there and can relate to us. The Bible says Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. Yet, He was without sin. He underwent trials and temptations so He would be fully able to help us when we're tempted.

Many times, we think we can handle temptation on our own. I've tried, and it doesn't work. It's too big for us to handle by ourselves. We have to turn it over to God and let Him take control.

I keep thinking about the passage in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus who has any chance of entering heaven. Jesus said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." (Mark 10:27 The Message version)

Whitney Houston had a problem with drinking. She tried to handle it herself, and it may have cost her her life. If only she had turned it over to God....

Are you holding onto something? Give it to God and let Him help you.