Dear Family & Friends,

READ 2 SAMUEL 8:1 THROUGH 11:27

Today’s headlines often expose those who have conquered business or political empires but lack personal integrity.

In today’s reading, King David vanquished kingdom after kingdom. His success seemed unstoppable.

"The Lord gave David victory wherever he went" (2 Samuel 8:6).

Despite his military conquests, there was still one enemy—lust—that David needed to fear. He saw Bathsheba and desired her. He knew she was someone else’s wife, but he took what he wanted anyway. He failed to defeat sin in his heart. If David had sought the Lord about his battle with lust, as he sought the Lord concerning the enemies of his nation, the Lord could have given him victory over his temptation before it turned to sin.

Even the most powerful people often have a personal sin they fail to overcome. This “secret sin” often becomes their undoing. The only way to gain true victory over sin is to submit to Christ and let His power set you free.

The Bible promises help to overcome the temptations we face in life in 1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it".

Challenge for Today: Submit any “secret sins” to God for His forgiveness and overcoming power.