Why Suffer If God Is With Us: Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

Topic: Why Suffer If God Is With Us

Text: Judges 6:11 – 18                                      

Most Christians believe that they can’t suffer if God is with them. But this is not the true case. God was with Joseph even in the prison (Genesis 39:23). He was there in the prison with Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25ff). The presence of these men in prison turned out to glorify God and grant them favour as in the case of Joseph. God was in the Lion’s Den with Daniel and we have so many other examples.

This is what we should understand that suffering, temptation and trials are never signs that God has forgotten us or is no more with us. When we have this understanding, it will help us to weather all storms of life in faith and optimism that our God will bring us out of them at last.

Gideon queried the Angel of the Lord when the angel greeted him saying, "The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valour (Judges 6:12b)!" The reaction of Gideon to this greeting did not come from distrust, but from weakness of faith. No man in this life can have a perfect faith because we falter most times: yet the children of God have a true faith, by which they are justified.

The way Gideon reacted is the way most of us react when we hear some preaching about God’s faithfulness while we are suffering from lack, sickness, bondage of Satan, etc. We easily rebuff the message that God cannot be with us and the devil is dealing mercilessly with us.

Beloved, remember that God is not unmindful of what we suffer (compare Psalm 111:5). Keep trusting Him for at the appropriate time, He will send help/deliverance or salvation.  

Food for Thought: Why do you complain? Did God promise us life free from suffering?                          

Memory verse: Judges 6:13                   

Prayer: Lord, grant me proper understanding of your will for me so that I will not complain over things I pass through in life.

Ways Temptations Come To Us: Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

Topic: Ways Temptations Come To Us                         

Text: James 1:13 – 15

According to Matthew Henry, “Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if He were the author of sin.” Whenever God brings trials on our way, His aim is always to draw out the graces He has bestowed on us.

James shows us here that the origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts and not God or even Satan. Thus we can stop sin from onset by resisting the things that leads to sin (James 1:14) or we will be charged with all the evils that follow. If the bible says that the consequences of sin is death (Romans 6:23a) and God is not pleased with the death of sinners (Lamentation 3:33; Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11), how can He tempt us into sinning which will lead to our death?

Most times we easily blame the devil for every sin we commit but James 1:14 underscores the opposite of our usual claim that devil is author of our sins. We are therefore to look for the cause of every sin, inside us, not out of ourselves. Even the enticements of the devil cannot hurt except we yield to them.

Everyone has desires arising from his own passions, tempers, habits, and ways of life. Do your ways of life entice you into sin? Remember any Christian without self-control is not a true child of God.  

Food for Thought: Proverbs 4:23

Memory verse: James 1:14

Prayer: My God, grant me the grace to moderate my desires never to be enticed by things that will lead me into sin in Jesus name.

Why Trials Come Our Way: Devotion for Wednesday April 22, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday April 22, 2020

Topic: Why Trials Come Our Way                                               

Text: James 1:12

In our bible reading for today, James shows the reasons for trials and reward of passing through it faithfully. As athletes persevere in training in order to improve their abilities and endurance for competition, so Christians persevere in spiritual training as they patiently endure testing that will bring out maturity and completeness in them. Most times, today’s trials are training that prepares us to tomorrow’s challenges.

The way to get into God’s winner’s circle is to love Him and stay faithful even under pressure. James noted that there is always an ample reward for us. The reward is crown of life. James asserts that a Christian, who is patient and endures trials and afflictions in this life, shall certainly be rewarded with a crown of life.

It is pertinent to note that it is not every man who suffers receives blessing but he who patiently endures all difficulties that comes his way without disobeying God. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it does not come as a result of our fault. A tried Christian shall be a crowned one if he endures. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in the world to come, where love is made perfect.

Beloved, what are you currently suffering because of your faith? Are you in prison now because of the crime you didn’t commit? God will certainly vindicate and reward you. Note that “God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial” according to Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A trial is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith” – Henry in Power Bible Online 

Memory verse: Proverbs 3:12

Prayer: Almighty God, strengthen me never to lose my faith in time of trials for there is always a blessing when one endures trials.

Did God Really Say? Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

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Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

Topic: Did God Really Say?                               

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

Everyone struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan (Genesis 3:1-6) who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic.

Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world and everyone born became a sinner. Satan is still busy trying to get us to fall into temptation in various ways. Can you mention some of the ways he tempts us?

Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling what God had commanded them. Being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation.

To resist temptation, we must

(1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13),

(2) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and

(3) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12).

James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God and God will continue to bless you.

Action: Write down some ways Satan tempts us as a guide to protect you from giving in to temptations

Memory verse: Matthew 10:16

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O Lord, to obey you always.

It Renews Our Hope: Devotion for Monday January 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday January 27, 2020

Topic: It Renews Our Hope           

Text: Lamentations 3:21 – 36            

Having stated his distress and temptations (Lamentation 3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify God in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:8) should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us.

God's compassion fail not; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation because the portion is forever. Affliction has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world; otherwise, they would have been proud and unruly.

There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. These are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray, etc. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Psalm 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11).

You may be going through afflictions, troubles, trials or temptations now. Just be of good cheer and put all your hope on him. The Lord is your strengthen and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24

Memory verse: Malachi 3:6

Prayer: Lord may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

What Entices You Comes With Temptation

Devotion for Tuesday July 24, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: What Entices You Comes With Temptation

Text: James 1:13 – 18

This text draws our attention to the fact that God cannot tempt us rather it comes through the desire of our heart. James had his eye on whatever there was in trial of any kind to induce us to commit sin - whether by complaining, by murmuring, by apostasy, or by yielding to sin. So far as that was concerned, no one should charge it on God. Indeed James enjoined us to strive to overcome trials and temptation but that does not suggest that God will bring the temptation to us so that we can overcome and become perfect; temptations and trial come through the things we see and wish for. Satan thought to take advantage of Christ's humanity by urging Him to submit by obeying his tricks. Satan can solicit us to sin but he cannot compel us to do it. He said to Jesus, "Throw yourself down," knowing that he could not throw Him down; for God would intervene to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force Jesus to throw Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to such temptation coming your way, it could not overcome Him. Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to depart from the will of His Father. The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us. But every sinful desire we cherish affords him a foothold in our lives. Every point in which we fail in meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us. And every failure or defeat on our part gives occasion for him to reproach Christ. Therefore, let us live our lives as Christians, allowing our will to be lost in His; then we will overcome every trial and temptation that the enemies will bring our way.

Food for Thought: Enticement and temptation are meant to draw you away from God, stay focused and never give in.

Prayer: O God, give me the grace to live above sin and temptation

Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Devotion for Tuesday March 13, 2018

Topic: Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

In life, every one of us struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic is always after us. Temptation is Satan’s invitation to live his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world, and every person thereafter has been born a sinner. Today, Satan is busy trying to get us to give in to his temptations in various ways. Can you mention 5 ways he does it? Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling and standing on what God had commanded them. We must realize that being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. 

To resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13), (2) we must read our bible regularly (3) stand on God’s word about such situation (4) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and (5) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12). James 1:12 tells us about the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God. Sing A&M 300

Food for Thought: Whom you obey is your master

Memory verse: Genesis 3:1

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to obey you always.

Our Righteousness Guards Us

Devotion for Friday November 24, 2017

Topic: Our Righteousness Guards Us

Text: Proverbs 13:6

There is no virtue without reward and there is no vice without punishment. Anything we do has its recompense whether good or bad. Righteousness is a sure guide as it helped Joseph in times of trials. It leads the soul unto blessedness but sin flatters men only to reward them with disappointment and ruin. There are two facts to note in our bible passage for the day.

1) God secures people who are righteous from ruin. Those who are righteous in their ways, honest in all their actions, adhering faithfully to the sacred rules of equity, and deal sincerely both with God and man, will be kept from the temptations of Satan by their integrity. Temptations shall not prevail over them neither will the reproaches of evil men, come upon them, to do them any real mischief (Psalm 25:21). Are you in this group who are living righteous and blameless life before God and man?

2) Sinners secure for themselves ruin. Those that are wicked, even their wickedness will overthrow them at last, as they are held in the cords of their wickedness in the meantime. They will be corrected and destroyed by their own wickedness. They shall bear the consequences of their wickedness (Proverbs 11:3, 5 – 6).

Piety benefits while sin injures. Are you living the life of evil and wickedness, dubious in your character? Repent now! There are consequences ahead of such life. It may seem good to you now but the end is what counts. It is better to avoid evil now than suffer the consequences later.

Food for Thought: Will the life you are living now secure you against evil?

Memory verse: Proverbs 13:6

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God, to live a righteous and blameless life that will secure me against ruin and evil in Jesus name.

Reasons Behind Trials

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 29, 2017

Topic: Reasons Behind Trials

Text: Deuteronomy 8:1 – 3  

There are reasons God allows us to pass through tests and trials. We don’t go through them without a purpose. In the book of Job, we saw that all the problems, losses and sickness that came upon Job were to test his fidelity unto God because He had boasted to Satan that Job was ever faithful to Him. When Job was going through them, he never knew that what came upon him were tests. He endured them to the shame of Satan, thereby proving God faithful. Thereafter, God restored all that he lost.

The trial of Job is an eye opener for us never to become unfaithful to God when we are in problem. We should remain focused because God may have allowed that problem; death of a benefactor, sickness, gang up against you in the office, etc, as a way of trying our faith.

In our text, Moses told the Israelites that they should remain faithful and obedient to God because when He took them through the wilderness, it was aimed at humbling them so as to know what was in their hearts, whether they would keep His commandments or not. In the process of humbling them, He allowed them to go hungry, and fed them with manna which they didn’t know nor did their fathers know. This issue of manna was to make them know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Remember the case of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 9. That problem made Paul not to exalt himself above measure. All we pass through in life are for lessons and experiences; go through them faithful and God will certainly reward you at the end.

Food for Thought: God permits tribulations to come upon us which He turns to our advantage and to the glory of His name.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 3 - And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Prayer: God, turn tribulations I am facing to my advantage and to your praise, and glory in Jesus name. Amen.

BEAR ONE ANOTHER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2016

Topic: BEAR ONE ANOTHER                      

Text: Galatians 6:1 – 5                       

No Christian should ever think that he or she is totally independent and doesn’t need help from other Christians, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping others because what Mr A has (talents and gifts) Mr B may not have. This understanding is very important if we are to maintain the unity of faith Jesus Christ prayed for. The body of Christ (the church) functions only when the members work together for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:12–26) one another.

In our bible reading for the day, Paul addressed the problem of individual sin by explaining corporate (group) responsibility towards the sinner. A Christian may sin alone, but because he or she participates in the body of Christ, his or her sin affects other parts of the body. Our reaction to other Christians’ sins ought not to be how we can get rid of them from the church rather we should help them who are fellow members of the body of Christ in their battle to come out of sins. This is a challenge for us in the present day church.

The phrase, ‘if a Christian is overcome by some sin,’ pictures a believer being trapped or caught by sin which literally means not a deliberate act. Whether it was deliberate or not, we should carefully and cautiously handle such cases because the way it is handled will go a long way in helping others to own up to their sins and repent of them. Burden as used in Galatians 6:2 means heavy or oppressive burdens that a believer cannot carry alone. It could be financial burdens or burden of temptations. We must help share the loads that others find too heavy to carry alone. 

Do you know someone who needs help? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person (John 13:34–35). Don’t wait until such person comes to you, cap at hand kneeling and begging before you render help. Kindly do something for someone today as you go into the world. God will bless and reward you. Amen.

Food for Thought: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Memory verse: Galatians 6 verse 2

Prayer: Grant me the understanding, O Lord, that I should help people in their needs especially when overtaken by temptations.

YET, I WILL TRUST HIM: Devotion for Tuesday September 20, 2016

YET, I WILL TRUST HIM: Devotion for Tuesday September 20, 2016

Text: Job 13:13 – 23      Memory verse: Job 1 verse 15

Only those who are fools blame God for their woes and eventually turn their backs against Him. Luke 20:18, says "Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." This verse is true of what will be our portion if we break out of our relationship with God. He will crush us with His anger if we try to strive with Him (see Isaiah 49:5).

If we run from Him, we are in trouble. If He hides His face, we are also in trouble. Therefore, no matter the situation in life we should keep following and trusting Him for that is the best thing for us. Contending with your maker will only amount to more troubles and problems of life. This is the mind of Job here. Job and his friends thought that his problem was from God as an affliction for his sins. But Job resolved to cleave to the testimony his own conscience gave of his uprightness and also steadfastly trust God for salvation despite all he was going through. He relied on God for justification as he had been accused by his friends and salvation because it was only God who could deliver him from the problems facing him.

When we show great confidence in God in times of trials, temptations, troubles and problems we pass through, it will certainly turn out as our greatest safeguard in those times of trials, troubles, temptations and problems of life. Job sees God as his source of salvation (Job 13:16). He didn’t say there is no more God because of the problems of life he was passing through even when the wife pressured him into doing such. This is a great lesson for us. No matter the problems of life we may be going through, it shouldn’t lead us into turning our backs against God or else we will worsen our situations. We should keep on trusting Him. Job did and was rewarded at the end. If you do, you will certainly be rewarded.

Food for Thought: Psalm 23:4

Prayer: Grant me the grace, my Lord and my God, to trust and depend on you no matter the problems of life I may be passing through in Jesus name. Amen.

ESSENCE OF TRIALS: Devotion for Monday April 18, 2016

ESSENCE OF TRIALS: Devotion for Monday April 18, 2016      

Text: James 1:12      Memory verse: v 12

Here, James shows the reasons and reward of passing through trials faithfully. As athletes persevere in training in order to improve their abilities and endurance for competition, so Christians persevere in spiritual training as they patiently endure testing that will bring maturity and completeness. Most times, today’s trials are training when we face tomorrow’s challenges. The way to get into God’s winner’s circle is to love Him and stay faithful even under pressure. James noted that there is always an ample reward for us. The reward is crown of life. James asserts that a Christian, who is patient and endures trials and afflictions in this life, shall certainly be rewarded with a crown of life.

We should note that it is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy endures all difficulties that comes his way. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if they don’t come as a result of our fault. A tried Christian shall be crowned if he endures till the end. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above, where love is made perfect. What are you currently suffering because of your faith? Are you in prison now because of the crime you didn’t commit? God is not asleep. Your vindication and reward will surely come. Note that “God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial” according to Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A trial is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith” – Henry.

Prayer: Almighty God, strengthen me never to lose my faith in time of trials for there is always a blessing when one endures trials.     

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34      Memory verse: v 32   

Beloved, have you ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it? If you have, you will probably recall that you took that decision under pressure. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Gen 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of, one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it.

Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, but He could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent.

People often experience similar pressures and  make similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. A person might feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter and the person loses his or her perspective. What pressures do you face? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation.

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian rights for any material gain in Jesus name.

 

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE: Devotion for Wednesday January 27, 2016

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE            Wednesday January 27, 2016

Text: Lamentation 3:21 – 36             Memory verse: v 21

Having stated his distress and temptations (3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm as we have in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify to God in all situations (1 Thess. 5:18) God's compassion doesn’t fail; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation because the portion is forever. Affliction has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world. If not, they would have been proud and unruly.

There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. They are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray, etc. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Ps 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11). You may be going through afflictions, troubles, temptations or trials now. Be of good cheer and put all your hope on Him. The Lord is your strengthen and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24

Prayer: Lord, may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED: Devotion for Monday December 21, 2015

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED       Monday December 21, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:6 – 9       Memory verse: v 7

Every true Christian always has something wherein he may greatly rejoice (1:6).  Great rejoicing contains more than an inward placid serenity of mind or sensation of comfort but especially in praise and gratitude. The source of joy of a good Christian arises from things spiritual and heavenly, from his relation to God and to heaven. Above all the best Christians, those who have reason greatly to rejoice, may yet be in great heaviness through manifold temptations. There are but for a little while; they are but for a season.

God does not afflict his people willingly, but acts with right judgment. When we are thus tested, we should rejoice because it will lead to our good and God’s glory. While God may have different purposes in the trials that face his people, one overriding result of all trials is clear: they test people’s faith, showing that it is strong and pure. What can you say about your faith? Is it pure or contaminated?

Food for Thought: God does not have a child without trial.

Prayer: God, may I not be found wanting when tested in Jesus name.

AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US: Devotion for Friday August 7, 2015

AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US   Friday August 7, 2015

Text: Revelation 14:6 – 12        Memory verse: v 12

The four proclamations are plain in their meaning; that all Christians may be encouraged, in the time of trial, to be faithful to their Lord. The gospel is the great means whereby men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to Him. The devil and agents don’t like to see us preach hence they bring all kinds of trials and temptation. However, here is an encouragement for us. According to Family Bible Notes,

The patience of the saints is “Of those who should stand out against all the blandishments, wiles, and threats of the beast and his image, continuing steadfast in the faith of Christ, though it should cost them the sacrifice of life. The words contain a solemn intimation of the severe trials to which God's faithful servants would be subjected during the reign of the beast.”  We should not give up. May God, bestow this patience upon us in Jesus name.

The thought of 13:10 is resurfaced again. The great ordeal of persecution reserved for those who refuse to worship the beast will serve as a test of the faith and patience of the followers of Jesus. Patience suggests persevering endurance. Do you persevere under temptations and trials?

Food for Thought: Perseverance leads to glory

Prayer: God, continue to strengthen me as I go through trials and temptation.

THE SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED

SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED                    Saturday June 13, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:1 – 11                                    Memory verse: v 1  

God does and allows everything for a purpose. Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God led Israel into the wilderness to humble and test them; to see whether or not His people would really obey Him. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey but didn’t. This temptation of Jesus really showed that He is the Son of God. He was able to overcome the devil and his temptations. Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted because that is the way to prove that He is the Son of God. Most temptations are allowed by the Spirit to see how much we love God. Your ability to resist temptations of the devil is determined by the level of the word of God in you.  

When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life. Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the Temple or at his baptism but in the wilderness, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable—when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). He also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride.  We must guard at all times against his attacks by watching and praying.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:9.

Prayer: God, I know that when I overcome temptation, there is a reward for me. Grant me the grace never to yield into any temptation.