Knowing Him Daily

05.July.2025

Part 3: Pride & Temptation – The Traps That Look Like Protection

Not every trap feels like danger. Some look like safety.

God tells you to give something away as a seed of sacrifice but it’s not comfortable, risky, or holds special meaning to you.

Some sound like wisdom, but it holds the opportunity for God to be able to bless you bigger than you could imagine.

And, some… sound like you.

The enemy isn’t always loud—he’s subtle. And two of his sneakiest weapons are pride and temptation.

They show up looking like confidence and opportunity. But they’re strategic distractions designed to block grace, delay destiny, and drain spiritual strength.

Pride is one of satan’s favorite setups. Pride is the original downfall.

“Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.” ~Ezekiel 28:17 (ESV)~

This is the description of lucifer who was once glorious, now fallen. And he wants to drag us down the same way.

Pride masks itself as: “I’ve got this,” or “I don’t need help,” or “I know better,” or “I’m right.”

But here’s what pride really does:

“And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
‭‭~James‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬~

Pride resists the very help we need. It makes us unteachable. Unreachable. And eventually—unmovable in the wrong direction.

Temptation is tailored to You! Temptation isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s customized—tailored bait based on your past, desires, and weaknesses.

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” ~James‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬~

Temptation rarely starts with sin. It starts with justification such as: “It’s not that bad,” or “God knows my heart,” or “I deserve this.”

But even if it feels harmless, its purpose is always harmful.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” ~I John‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬~

Temptation isn’t just about behavior. It’s about delays, distractions, distribution, and keeping you just far enough off course to miss what God has tailor made for you.

https://youtu.be/UNbGT3s7PI0?si=_quolTUJhfc7I0u5

This is a brave prayer—asking God to burn away everything that isn’t from Him.

“I wanna be tried by fire, purified… You take whatever You desire. Lord, here’s my life.”

Let Him refine the pride. Expose the bait. Strengthen your yes.

“Pride blocks grace. Temptation delays destiny. You weren’t made for either, you were made to walk free.”

Where has pride disguised itself as strength in your life?

What temptation have you been excusing or minimizing?

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any bait you’ve taken, and let Him reset your heart.

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, or if you’ve walked away, trying to do life your own way-it’s not too late. He’s calling you back. He’s been waiting.

Return to Him today. Surrender your plans, your pain, and your past. He’s ready to restore, renew, and realign you with your divine purpose.

~ Dear Heavenly Father ~

Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the Cross just for me. I admit that I have sinned, and I repent. I ask You to forgive me. I believe that He died and rose again. Right now, I make Him the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. My sins are washed away, my past is forgiven, and my future is bright. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Make today count and see you tomorrow.