I have more thoughts on the subject of the previous post, "Public Enemy #1". By the way, if you go back to see the previous post, you will see that the Devil is following the post and he made a comment! Actually, someone has a pretty good sense of humor.
In Mark 4:1-11, we read that right after Jesus was baptized he was tempted by Satan. It was also right before he started his public ministry. I think that shows that Satan was trying to defeat Jesus' purpose and of course, will try to defeat ours also.
Growing up, I had the mistaken impression that because he was God's son, the temptation wasn't as powerful, but we know that the Bible says in Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was tempted as a human. Jesus resistance of the Devil is proof that we can resist him also.
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness has several lessons. First, we see how Satan tempts. We also learn how Jesus was able to resist temptation. Notice with each temptation, Jesus replies with, "It is written.." Jesus quotes scripture to Satan. He used the power of God's word to defeat Satan's wiles.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
More thoughts on Satan.............
I was thinking............. Satan is happy when..........
*a person lies.
*a curse word is spoken. (especially when it includes God's name!)
*an alcoholic takes their first drink.
*a husband and wife argues. (especially in front of their children.)
*someone gossips.
*a husband or a wife breaks their marriage vows.
*a lapsed Christian falls through the cracks.
*a Bible gets dusty.
*a country outlaws worshipping God.
*a parent is a bad example to their child.
*a Christian purposefully misses worship.
*some one's heart is hardened.
*a Christian makes a poor choice and a non-Christian observes it.
*an unsaved person dies.
The list can go on. I appreciate any additions that you would like to make to this list. On a happier note,.............
The devil is mad when.....................
*a Christian stands up for their beliefs.
*a song of praise is sung.
*a prayer is said.
*Jesus' crucifixion is memorialized.
*a Christian shares their faith with a friend.
*a prayer is answered.
*someone is baptized.
*a child stands up for someone who is being bullied.
*a child sings, "Jesus loves Me!".
*a Christian calls someone who has missed church.
*food is delivered to the sick.
*a Christian family takes their children to church.
*a group of Christians gather together to pray.
*a missionary sacrifices to work in a impoverished area.
*the Bible is read.
*a faithful Christian dies.
This list isn't complete either. My church celebrated it's 50 year anniversary two Sundays ago. Our minister's sermon Sunday night was, "I'm Thankful, but the Devil is Mad!!" This sermon got me to thinking about the happy/mad list.
Special prayer request: A friend's 18 year old son is in need of prayers. Several months ago, he fell and hit the back of his head. He was briefly paralyzed and although he has made a gradual recovery, he still has many issues and struggles.
The family is thankful and many prayers have been answered in his behalf, but he is becoming discouraged about many things. He is getting overwhelmed about the thought of going to college because his mobility isn't totally back. The lack of mobility and medication has also caused him to gain weight. There are other things, but you get the picture. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS YOUNG MAN AND HIS FAMILY.
I hope you have a great rest of the week and here's to......................................SPRING!!
I'm pretty sure I borrowed this picture from a friend. Isn't their puppy cute!!!
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| Tueday, March 15 (Another silly self-portrait) |
In Mark 4:1-11, we read that right after Jesus was baptized he was tempted by Satan. It was also right before he started his public ministry. I think that shows that Satan was trying to defeat Jesus' purpose and of course, will try to defeat ours also.
 |
| I found this picture on the internet of the Judean wilderness where Jesus was tempted by the devil. |
Growing up, I had the mistaken impression that because he was God's son, the temptation wasn't as powerful, but we know that the Bible says in Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was tempted as a human. Jesus resistance of the Devil is proof that we can resist him also.
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness has several lessons. First, we see how Satan tempts. We also learn how Jesus was able to resist temptation. Notice with each temptation, Jesus replies with, "It is written.." Jesus quotes scripture to Satan. He used the power of God's word to defeat Satan's wiles.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
More thoughts on Satan.............
I was thinking............. Satan is happy when..........
*a person lies.
*a curse word is spoken. (especially when it includes God's name!)
*a husband and wife argues. (especially in front of their children.)
*a husband or a wife breaks their marriage vows.
*a lapsed Christian falls through the cracks.
*a Bible gets dusty.
*a parent is a bad example to their child.
*a Christian purposefully misses worship.
*some one's heart is hardened.
*a Christian makes a poor choice and a non-Christian observes it.
*an unsaved person dies.
The list can go on. I appreciate any additions that you would like to make to this list. On a happier note,.............
The devil is mad when.....................
*a Christian stands up for their beliefs.
*a song of praise is sung.
*Jesus' crucifixion is memorialized.
*a prayer is answered.
*someone is baptized.
*a Christian calls someone who has missed church.
*food is delivered to the sick.
*a Christian family takes their children to church.
*a group of Christians gather together to pray.
*a missionary sacrifices to work in a impoverished area.
*a faithful Christian dies.
This list isn't complete either. My church celebrated it's 50 year anniversary two Sundays ago. Our minister's sermon Sunday night was, "I'm Thankful, but the Devil is Mad!!" This sermon got me to thinking about the happy/mad list.
Special prayer request: A friend's 18 year old son is in need of prayers. Several months ago, he fell and hit the back of his head. He was briefly paralyzed and although he has made a gradual recovery, he still has many issues and struggles.
The family is thankful and many prayers have been answered in his behalf, but he is becoming discouraged about many things. He is getting overwhelmed about the thought of going to college because his mobility isn't totally back. The lack of mobility and medication has also caused him to gain weight. There are other things, but you get the picture. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS YOUNG MAN AND HIS FAMILY.
I hope you have a great rest of the week and here's to......................................SPRING!!
I'm pretty sure I borrowed this picture from a friend. Isn't their puppy cute!!!xoxo PJ
We are studying Luke in Community Bible study this year and when we studied when Jesus was tempted it was so humbling! Knowing that I can overcome temptation the same way Jesus did---and he will help me---and there are times I choose to give in.
ReplyDeleteI am reading a book called One Thousand Gifts--it is amazing! I love the way she writes---even though I know a grateful heart changes everything, this has taken it a step further and truly blessed me---and made me want to be a blessing as well!
Have a great Thursday!
Thanks Jan! I'm always looking for a new book!
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