WINNING WITH THE WORD
“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that will help you to be a winner in life by applying God’s principles for living the abundant life as found in the Bible, God’s manual for life.
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Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, novelist and life coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, July 26, 2021, and this is Episode #25 of Series 2021. This episode is titled “Are You Being Seduced?”
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When we think of seduction, we usually think of sexual seduction. But sexual seduction is not the only type of seduction that Satan uses to steal, kill, and destroy.
This week I’d like us to take a look at the four chief types of seduction: the Seduction of Pleasure, the Seduction of Position, the Seduction of Possession, and the Seduction of Power. But first of all, let’s define the word seduction so that we will all be on the same page.
The word seduction comes from the Latin word, seductio, which means the act of leading or drawing aside. According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, seduction is “the act of enticing from the path of duty.”
One reason I greatly appreciate Noah Webster’s Dictionary is that, when he defines a word, he often includes a Biblical allusion. As a Christian, he honored God’s Word. For example, in defining seduction, Noah Webster adds this admonition against it: “The best safeguard is principle, the love and purity of holiness, the fear of God and reverence for His commandments.”
Now that we’ve defined seduction, let’s take a look at the four chief categories or types of seduction. Most, if not all, forms of seduction will fall into these four categories.
1.___The Seduction of Pleasure. This is commonly known as sexual seduction and is a primary tool of Satan to destroy young people, single people, and married people. Women have powerful influence over men. At the same time, men are often clueless to the seductive wiles of women and can easily succumb to those wiles. Women have a great responsibility to be pure and holy in dress, in speech, in mannerisms, and in actions. Perhaps even more than men, a woman has within her the power to destroy or the power to build. Women, don’t take that power lightly. And men, be aware of that power in women.
Today, Satan is blatantly using sexual seduction to bring down families, churches, and institutions that should be the bedrocks of a moral society. Both men and women must be continually on guard against sexual seduction. So be alert to sexual seduction and flee from it. Remember 1 Peter chapter 5, verse 8: “Be alert and of sober mind.Your enemy the devil prowls around, like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Don’t be that someone!
2.___The Seduction of Position. We live in a status-sensitive culture. People jostle for position at work, in organizations, and, sad to say, even in the Church. Worldly position is not something to be desired. The only position we should desire is our position in Christ.
Scripture tells us that it is God who promotes. We read in Psalm 75: 7: “But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.” We also learn from Scripture that humility precedes promotion. In Matthew 23: 12, we read: “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
The ultimate purpose of any elevated position God may give us is to glorify Him and to establish His Kingdom. When we seek position for our own purposes, we put ourselves in spiritual danger. Promotion that comes from man can be taken away. But promotion that comes from God will last.
3.___The Seduction of Possession. Our culture is a money-hungry culture. We believe the lie that riches will offer us security and ensure a happy life. Yet, our riches could disappear in an instant. Already, we are seeing this happen as the cost of living soars and our banking system becomes unstable.
In Proverbs 23: 4 NLT, the Bible says, “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.” Yet, how many of us do just that? We work long hours at multiple jobs. Why? To maintain a lifestyle that is robbing us of the more important things in life, like cultivating relationships with our spouses and children.
So, stop being seduced by the lie that possessions bring happiness. I know of no one on his deathbed who regretted not having had lots of possessions. But I do know of many on their deathbed who regretted not having nurtured their relationships with their spouses or their children.
4.___The Seduction of Power. Finally, we have the Seduction of Power. According to Webster, power is the “possession of control, authority, or influence over others.” What makes power good or evil is the way it is used. When those in authority recognize that they are servants, then they use their power for the good of those whom they serve. But when those in authority use their power to control or subjugate those under their authority, then they are being abusive.
Abuse of power can occur in the family, in organizations, and even in the Church. Whenever a person in authority uses that authority for his own gain and not for the good of those under his authority, then seduction of power occurs.
All of us must be on guard against being seduced by pleasure, position, possession, or power. Satan’s seduction is subtle. Those who are being seduced are blind to the seduction. Otherwise, they would not succumb to it.
Seduction will lead to death if not resisted. Ask God to give you discernment so that you will recognize seduction and flee from it.
The only way to avoid seduction is to know Jesus Christ. He is Truth, and Truth alone will keep us from seduction. If you do not yet know Jesus, I urge you to accept Him now. Don’t wait another minute! Jesus could return for His own at any moment. Don’t be left behind!
To receive Jesus Christ Who is Truth, pray this simple prayer with me now:
Lord Jesus, I need You to free me from seduction, to forgive me, and to save me. So, I invite You into my life now. I receive You as my personal Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank You for forgiving me and bringing me into Your family. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me eternal life. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a free e-booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every single day. The Bible is God’s love letter to you, His manual for your life. In the Bible, God reveals Who He is, and He teaches you how to live.
Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and have fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers. It is critically important in these last days to fellowship with other believers who are mature in Christ and who can guide you as you grow in Him.
If you are not yet a subscriber to the Winning with the Word blog and podcast, I urge you to click on the link below to subscribe now so you will not miss a single weekly episode:
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PLEASE TWEET: “Are You Being Seduced?“ (CLICK TO TWEET)
Now it’s your turn: Have you lost the fire for your First Love, Jesus Christ? If so, what are you going. to do to rekindle it? Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you.
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For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about many of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. My latest novel, Miracle in Milan, has been released in both print and ebook formats and deals with the issue of unforgiveness. It is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler. You will find Miracle in Milan to be a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. To order your copy, go to Amazon or to my website bookstore at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. You will also find Miracle in Milan on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
This podcast is funded by listeners like you. If you have been blessed by Winning with the Word, please consider becoming one of my special patrons on Patreon.com. For only $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 a month, you can help me proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Winning with the Word now reaches 55 countries on six continents, by God’s grace, because of the faithful support of my patrons. So please help me to keep Winning with the Word on the air by becoming one of my valued patrons. Your patronage helps to cover the costs of producing, hosting, and distributing Winning with the Word to the four corners of the earth. Patrons receive special benefits, including free books, short stories, podcasts, and videos. So, join my wonderful team of Patrons and become a part of something great!
To become a patron, go to https://www.patreon.com/winningwiththeword
I would like to thank all of my patrons who are making this podcast possible. I could not do this without you!
Finally, be sure to check out my latest non-fiction book, The Iron Saint. This book, modeled after The Iron Man triathlon, talks about the coming persecution of the Church in America and how you can prepare for it. The Iron Saint is available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major book purchasing venues. You may also find it on my website at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. Get a copy for your pastor as well.
Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are and that He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word!
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Now Available for Purchase: Dr. MaryAnn’s latest novel, Miracle in Milan.
When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.
Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted Masters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?
Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy Torelli be the reason he changes his mind?
Miracle in Milan
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THE IRON SAINT by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD
The Church in America is on the verge of a tremendous spiritual awakening, an awakening that will first be fueled by persecution unlike anything we have ever seen before in this land. Indeed, a prophetic word given in my home church during the month of November gave this warning to the Church: “Prepare for the fire of persecution!”
But the Church is not ready for this persecution. For the most part, the Church in America has been weak and lukewarm. Flabby and lazy. Consumed with the world and not with the things of God. As a result, the Church has been deceived and has subverted the divine order of things.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio seeks to help equip the saints for the work of true, integritous, and effective ministry. As a teacher in the Body of Christ, it is her burning desire to help correct this devastating error.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. Diorio has outlined a plan of action for strengthening the Church through uncompromising obedience to the Word of God. This plan of action is based on her own 50 years of walking with the Lord and being led by His Holy Spirit.
If you are a born-again believer and member of the Body of Christ, make this book a top reading priority.
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