Ephesians &:10-17

Saturday, March 28.

When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, the Lord didn’t utter anything without first saying, “It is written.” Matthew 4:1-25. Jesus knew Satan could not stand under the power of God’s Word. 

Ephesians 6 describes the believer’s spiritual armor—God’s provision for His children when they face pressure from the enemy. Most of the armor is defensive equipment; the sole offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible, and it’s our best shot in spiritual battles. However, you can’t remember to do something you don’t know, so it’s important to spend time with the heavenly Father every day, studying Scripture and committing its truths to heart. 

Start “putting on” the armor of God every day. Try praying through Ephesians 6:10-17 in the morning. And if you struggle with a particular sin, steer clear of situations that make such a temptation more likely. You may even find it helpful to have an accountability partner—someone who can be honest and with whom you will be comfortable. Steps like these help us resist Satan, who we know from Scripture will flee in the presence of God’s Word.

Memory verse: Ephesians 6:18

“Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.” Mahatma Gandhi

Friday, March 27.

Matthew 4:11

The Bible states that after Jesus was baptized, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness in order to face temptation by the devil. But why would God direct His own Son to endure temptation? 

Just prior to this experience, Jesus had participated in John’s “baptism of repentance” (Matthew 3:11-13), even though He was sinless and didn’t need that symbolic cleansing; He chose to be baptized in order to identify with the world He came to save. Then He fasted 40 days and nights in the desert, where Satan tempted Him. God allowed this time of testing, and Jesus willingly submitted to it so that He could also identify with the struggles and trials we all face. But while so many of us stumble and give in to temptation, He remained faultless even through the full pressure of Satan’s challenges. 

We have a Savior who endured the same types of struggles we face today, and that gives credence to the fact that He understands what His children encounter. He sits at God’s right hand, where He intercedes for us. He is fully God and, at the same time, fully man, who willingly identified with us. Don’t hesitate to bring your greatest difficulties to Him. He truly understands. 

Memory verse: Matthew 4:11

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” Napoleon Hill

“Surviving Life’s Problems”.”                                                                                                   Thursday, August 10.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statute of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precept of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous…..” Psalms 19:7-11 

In a telephone conversation, a friend informed another of the difficulties of life.  He informed the friend about money troubles-bills, inflation, the insecurity of jobs, and the lack of descent housing.  He also complained about marital issues.  Many of us will agree with him.  There are also problems of sex, alcohol, and drugs among many young people the world over.  Some other problems in life come as a result of death of one’s spouse, divorce, marital separation, personal injury, or illness, retirement, change in health of family member, and the list goes on.  All of these problems give rise to stress and depressions.  Some stress is a normal part of life.  Even getting up in the morning can be stressful.  It is the severed, prolong stress that is damaging.  How can we navigate through these problems?  What reasons are there for hope for a happy future?  How can one get God involved?  The Psalmist in Psalm 19:7-11 makes it clear, that advice from God’s word is the key to the many problems in Life. You maybe in a family, or on a job, where there is tension.  As you deal with people in a loving way, there is a high possibility that peace will begin to come.  An atmosphere of cordiality and joy will develop.  You can begin to take the Bible’s counsel on love found in Luke 6:33 (“Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you.”) While it remains a fact that some people will just be mean, some people will like you.  You can never change the fact, that some people will put you down for no sensible reason, but there would be less friction, when you follow God’s word.  God loves you and wants the best for you.  As you read His Word, you will discover truths that will help you overcome some of the most difficult problems you will ever encountered.

Memory verse:  Romans 15:4

“Humility and Patience are the surest proofs of the increase of Love.”