Hello Everyone. How is the continual progression going? I know we have a lot going on in our Nations as well as in our own personal lives. I want to challenge you to hold on and keep the faith. Build yourself up in the Word of God so you won’t be affected by all the bad news on the news.
It’s so predictable. As soon as we make choices to lead better lives and lives according to the Word of God, the enemy comes quickly. he comes to challenge us for our faith and for our identity in Christ.
I was talking with a young lady yesterday who told that she never had any major life problems when she was out running the streets, getting high and just tripping. But once she decided to change her life, she ran into all kinds of problems.
I also spoke with a young man who said that every since he has decided to get serious about living the word of God, temptations were coming at him left and right. Stuff that didn’t even used to tempt him was tempting him now.
I thought about Luke 4. In this chapter, Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy. Jesus had been fasting and praying and then up jumps the enemy. There is lot in this particular chapter but I just want to keep it simple. The emeny outwardly tempted Jesus in basically four areas: The Physical need (I know you’re hungry, if you be the Son of God, then turn these stones into bread–You know You’re hungry. You know You want it); Materialistically (the enemy took Jesus up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. All this could be yours along with the power and glory of them if You just worship me); Emotionally to question His identity (If you really are the Son of God); Spiritually (You know what the Word of God says, jump off this pinnacle and let’s see the Word in action. It is written that God would give His angels charge over you.)
WHATEVER! The enemy was trying to capitalize on Jesus’ weakened state. The enemy thought that he could get Jesus to try and prove who He was and to question who He was and who God was. The enemy thought he could give a false appearance of being much more powerful than he really was or is. However, Jesus knew who He himself was. He knew that His Father was God and He knew the enemy was no god and had nothing to offer Him. Jesus knew He had nothing to prove! Jesus spoke the Word which kept Him from entertaining the thoughts of the enemy.
What about you? What’s going on in your dialogue with the enemy? Have you given him your ear? Are you giving into temptation? Is he getting you to question who you are or who God is? Remember, when you know who you are, you don’t have to prove anything. Do you think that the enemy has anything to offer you? Well, he doesn’t. The enemy is a thief. All he wants is to steal from you- especially your faith. That’s what he is after.
Arm yourself with the Word of God! The Word of God is your authority in the earth. It is your weapon. Arm yourself with the knowledge that every thing you need- every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of light- that’s God! The enemy has nothing to offer you and you have nothing to prove to him.
When the enemy discovered he wasn’t gaining in ground with Jesus, he left Him for a season. I guess he had to try and put together a new game plan. But look what Jesus did:
Luke 4:14 Then Jesus went back full of and under the power of the [Holy] Spirit into Galilee, and the fame of Him spread through the whole region round about.
Yeah, Jesus returned full of power and fame of him was spread though out the whole region.! So, when the enemy starts talking to you, remember to:
1. Speak the Word of God as your response
2. Recognize that you have noting to prove (You know who you are in God and who God is) and the enemy has nothing to offer.
3. Recognize and walk in your God given authority
4. Return full of power or powerful!
Alright, I’m done-for now (smile). Stay encouraged! Stay full of faith and power! Stay in God’s presence!
Wendy M. Reynolds