I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Fight Back with Truth
At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, a strange thing happened: He was led into the wilderness, by the Spirit, where He encountered the devil.
After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—taunted by the enemy to satisfy His craving for food. Essentially, Satan tried to provoke Jesus to prove that He was God’s Son by turning rocks into bread.
Can you sense the manipulation?
If you’re really the Son of God, do something. Take matters into your own hands. Give in to your desire. Provide for yourself. Is God even good if He holds out on you?
But Jesus refused to be bullied.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4 NIV
This pattern continued throughout two more temptations—where the devil temped Jesus with protection and power, but Jesus rebuked him with Scripture.
So what are some things we can learn from Jesus’ encounter with the enemy?
- Jesus knew that life is more than having a full stomach. Though He surely longed to satisfy his physical craving, He knew that true sustenance comes from God.
- Jesus knew that engaging in debate with the enemy isn’t wise. Instead, He relied on the power of Scripture, quoting from Deuteronomy as His weapon of defense.
- Jesus knew He had nothing to prove. Unlike Adam and Eve in Genesis, who doubted God’s goodness and gave into temptation, Jesus was able to resist the enemy.
- Jesus knew He was being tempted by the devil and acted in accordance. We must learn to recognize when we're under attack, and remember to fight back with God’s Word.
So, how is the enemy tempting you this week? How is he enticing you to doubt God’s trustworthiness? Remember, God has enabled you to fight back with truth by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...
