I was sick with some type of bug last week. I was miserable. On the second day of my illness, as I recovered, my sweet husband brought me ice cream to make me feel better. He knows it’s one of my favorite things. Well, a small bowl of ice cream turned into 3 or 4 larger bowls over the next few days and finally, as I scraped the last few glistening drops of chocolate from the sides of the carton, I was filled with regret.

Sin is like that. We engage in sinful behavior in order to feel good–and we often do!–in the moment. Then a small act of sin turns into a larger one or becomes a sinful habit that we cannot kick, and we eventually have to face the consequences.

And I’m not just talking about ice cream here.

What is it in your life that started as just a small “cheat” and yet has become a pervasive and habitual sin?

Satan is crafty and can be very subtle as he leads you almost imperceptibly away from God’s best for your life onto a path of destruction.

Recognize that you have veered off of God’s path. Pray that God will free you from the bondage of sin in whatever area you have become enslaved. Know that God is all-powerful and sees your heart. He is faithful to help those whose hearts are tuned to Him. And, in the future, when Satan entices you with just a little sin (after all, it’s not hurting anybody and I’m just going to do it this one time), well, as our buddy Barney Fife used to say, “Nip it in the bud, Andy. Nip it in the bud!”

Just don’t allow Satan a foothold at all!

Praying God’s best for you as you journey down the path of life and peace.

“Direct my footsteps according to your Word; let no sin rule over me.” Psalm 119:133 (NIV)

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)

“Whoever sows to please their flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 10:11-12 (NIV)