Overcoming temptation

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God' "

[Matthew 4:4, NIV]

Temptation is described as something that seduces or has the quality to seduce. It is the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire, to have or do something that you know you should avoid. Temptation can be subtle, fierce or irresistible, often targeted at an area of weakness. It usually appears as the absolute best position to take in a given situation, except that a sixth sense and a nagging conscience tells us it's wrong.

Jesus' first temptation in the wilderness was related to hunger, right after a prolonged fasting and prayer session. It would have been the logical thing to do but for the source of advice and the hidden intentions behind the advice. Jesus carefully resisted and overcame his temptations by words of God written in scripture. His knowledge of the Christian's reference standard saved him from wrong.

Our knowledge of God's word is the first line of defense we have against the myriads of temptations facing us daily. The Holy Spirit searches our sub conscious database and brings to our remembrance the word for the moment, by which we can overcome. As we study and meditate on the word of God, it is stored in us for the day of need. Little wonder lessons of God's word learnt from way back still remain relevant in leading us out of trouble today. May the word of God continually be our delight in Jesus name.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant me the grace to know your will and your ways that I may walk in light. Holy Spirit of God I give you room in my life to remind me of your counsel and to obey you. I let go of my sinful pleasures, I invite you to take over. Let my testimony be like that of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - June 7 2010 - Ezra 6-10 (OT), 1 Corinthians 12 (NT).

Pray for someone today - Pray for Christian marriages, that the Holy Spirit will be a part of the home and guide the family by the word God. Pray for these families to overcome temptations that seek to tear the home apart. Pray that the fruits of Christian families will shine as light in the world today.

God's love and mine...

Light For The World

You are light for the world...

[Matthew 5:14, GWT]

If you are away from the city, the light from the stars appear more conspicuous and a full moon is bright enough to find your way around in the night. In our world today, we have moved from darkness into light and we are to reflect the light we have found in Jesus. Light shines on dark things and exposes what is there. When Jesus spoke about His followers being the light for the world, His point was that we are not just to shine our lights in our own little circle of influence, but we are to shine them so that every place of darkness is either brought to the light or is exposed for what it is.

You can bring light when you help people see an issue from a biblical (God) point of view. You can be light when you are the first person in your family to surrender your life to Christ and as a result, you bring God into the home. You are light for the world.

Most times we hide our light when we stay silent in the face of discussion that is contrary to what we know and believe from the word of God. We hide our light when we conform with behaviours that are not in line with Jesus' teaching. We hide our light when we do not care for the needs of others, and walk by on the other side: since we have missed an opportunity to let the light of Jesus' compassion shine out in acts of kindness. It is Your Loving Father's desire that your light will shine to others. If we let the light of the Holy Spirit at work in us shine through, then we bring glory to God, and there can be no greater joy than being able to give glory to the Father as we go through our daily lives.

Prayer: My Loving Father, help me not to be discouraged by any situation that seems to tell me I am not light for the world. Help me to be a light to those near and far. Reveal to me if there is any area of my life where I have been hiding Your light in me. Lead me into ways of service that will bless people in the name of Jesus.  (If you know any person you want to reach out to or you know that needs to become a Christian, please pray for the person today). Help me to be Your light of joy and salvation that will help them come to know you as their Heavenly Father. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Saved by Grace

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse

[Matthew 1:5, NIV]

Ruth is an example of someone who found breakthrough. Her background was nothing to write home about. She hailed from Moab - a nation of idol worshippers, a nation under divine condemnation. Despite her past, she was singled out to be the great grand-mother of Jesus Christ.

Ruth, Rahab, Tamar and Bathsheba are among the women listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Two of these women (Ruth and Rahab) were gentiles but made it to the list. In our father's book of records, there is no discrimination on gender or nationality. As you stand out wherever you are for the good of the Kingdom, you are remembered and listed in Heaven's hall of fame.

Ruth was an idolater, Rahab a notorious harlot, Tamar was a victim of incest while Bathsheba was an adulteress, yet they never allowed the sins of the past to hinder their future. Do not allow the events of the past decide your present or future. Instead allow your past to be brought under the cover and cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, so it will not hinder you from entering your next level. In Ruth 2:11, she kept a good report after her salvation that won her favor and breakthrough.

Having confessed Christ as our Savior by grace, let us put aside old sinful habits and grow our Christian character to testify of God's goodness through Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Dear father and Lord, I commit my name into your hands. I pray save me by your grace as you have saved the women in your word. Lord I lay my life before you, wash my sins and my past with the blood of Jesus. Make me a brand new person to carry the mandate of your Kingdom as I live. Let your name be glorified in the life I live, and let your testimony remain with me everywhere. Holy Spirit I invite you to be my strength in every area in which I find myself weak. Be my helper; let me indeed be saved by your grace in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - June 5 2010 - 2 Chronicles 34 - 36 (OT), 1 Corinthians 10 (NT).

Pray for someone today - Pray for people who desire to know Christ and live by His word, but are afraid of circumstances around them, their friends, family or colleagues. As many as are struggling with making a decision to stand for Christ, may they find positive energy to break out of such resistance and begin living the victorious life for Christ Jesus. If you know any person with this challenge, lift this person up to God.

Gods love and mine...