Saturday March 19, 2011
Today's Passage: Matthew 3:13-4:17
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13
In your opinion, what may be the single most difficult thing to have success in as a Christian? Ah yes, being tempted. That was my choice too. Many, and I do mean many, have fallen to temptation. The important thing to do is find out what tools God has given us to keep us from falling again.
Let's face it folks, if the devil brings temptation it means two things: he knows who you are, and he knows what you desire. In today's passage, Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. The Bible said the fast left His body in a state of extreme hunger. His fleshed craved to be nourished, and time was of the essence. The devil played upon this. He knew Jesus' flesh was weak. So, the first temptation of course, was bread. My friends, the body of Christ cannot afford to draw its strength from the desires of the flesh(get it?). Think about it for a moment. If Jesus had fallen into that temptation, the example He would've set would've have launched us into flesh mode for everything we do. I mean, gosh, don't we have enough flesh issues already? Jesus would've sent a clear message that flesh comes first. Feed it, consult it, give in to it, do whatever is necessary to "feel" better and you'll have power. But Jesus knew better. He knew investing that much into the flesh would be like giving your life savings to a teenager. It's not going to last.... It's The Word of God that sustains us. It's the ONLY thing that provides like a savings account with interest!!! Secondly, the devil tempted Jesus with the use of Gods power. We can't use Gods power to mock Him. Satan knew that suicide was the fastest way to destruction. One step off that cliff and it would've been over. Consequently, you'd have no need to read this devotional because we'd all be in Hell. But, Jesus knew better. He knew we shouldn't have the authority to decide whether we should live or die. Those decisions are God's. Test passed. Third, the devil tempted Jesus with love of self. This is a hard one. Even people who struggle with love have no problems loving themselves. The devil showed Jesus all the Earth's kingdoms and told Him He could have it all if He'd only worship him. Now, for ME, I would've said to myself "Self", myself would've said "huh", and I would've said that's a lot of stuff. And stuff makes us feel good. Houses, property, money, power, all if it would've been mine. But thank You Jesus for knowing better. First of all, what the devil was offering wasn't even his to give. It's mind-boggling how we cut deals with Satan about stuff that belongs to God. If we'll just ask the Father and wait, we won't have to pay the devil's prices for things we've acquired with our health and emotions.
Finally my Friends, God has given a way of escape for every temptation the devil brings. For practical ways to escape, follow these instructions. One, keep your priorities in order. Let God's will be the most important thing in your life. Remember, when we covet, it gives the devil access. Two, fall head-over-heals in love with The Word. Let it nourish you. Loving the Word will reduce the things of the world to being the next seed for sowing. Following these instructions will assure your escape when faced with temptation. Jesus set the example. So if He can do it, so can we.
Prayer: Father, You have given me a way out of everything. If I follow You, I can have victory over the enemy's traps. Let my eyes see what Yours see. Let wisdom be my utmost desire. When I'm in You, the devil doesn't stand a chance. You are the Most High....in Jesus' name. Amen
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