September Script-Time: The door of temptation!

Hey LE Family, we are in the final leg of 2019. It’s been a really busy time at life essence with a lot of behind the scenes work, that we can hopefully share with you soon.

I feel someone needs to hear this; Sometimes it is important to recognise that not everything you do is seen by others, I’m sure you all do many good things that go unnoticed, not seen or even thanked. Today I want to encourage you, and remind you that God sees every good deed that you have done and are doing. All the thankless tasks you have completed, He sees and you will be rewarded. I don’t know about you, but if God is well pleased with me, that is enough! Don’t get tired of doing good people 🙂

Before you start reading you may want to find a quite space, and grab a notebook. As you read this scripture, really think about what your reading, note down any thoughts or feelings that come to your mind.

Once you have done this then read the passage again and note down anything else that you might hear or see.

Scripture:

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Reflection:

Now you will have all got different revelation that will be personal to you. Now reflect and meditate on what you have written, spend time asking God is there anything that you need to do with what you have heard or written.

There may be an instruction or a confirmation, this is personal between you and God.

After reading this Scripture, and if like me I am sure you visualised your temptations, be them way of people, finance, sex, work opportunities. Deep down we know our weak spots, and so does the enemy. I can bet your bottom dollar that when you have been on the right track in your life, relationship or work. Here comes the temptation, to knock us back down and keep us at a lower level.

Jesus was the best example of how not to give in to temptation, remember that Jesus had just been baptized in water. He was a young man and was ready to embark on his public ministry. Satan sought to destroy his ministry. Satan often tempts people when they are beginning to do something for God. He tries to derail God’s servants before they can accomplish his purpose.

Satan tempted Christ to seek immediate gain through unprincipled action. He wanted Christ to turn bread into stones, to cast himself off the pinnacle of the temple, and to fall down and worship him. In every case Jesus turned Satan back by quoting scripture. Let us follow his example.

Jesus does not reply by declaring, “I am the Son of God.” Moreover, he did not respond by performing a miracle. Rather, Jesus replies by citing the word of God. The Word of God is always a powerful antidote to temptation, our God will never leave us alone. In the middle of all the trials and tests he is with us. although we may not see him, we can feel and hear him.

Now go back and meditate on this scripture and ask yourself: where have you been fighting in your own strength ? Ask him to reveal this to you. Remember you have to be still and present to hear from God. Don’t forget to write down what you are hearing and seeing.

Action:

Take note of where I am life and my walk with God, be aware that when there is a plan to move forward in ministry or bringing fame to Gods name. To remember that Satan is real and He will try to tempt me, therefore I need to be alert and be strong in the word of God.

I need to find trusted ‘friends who are also walking in step with Christ, who can give me Godly advice and prayer. I need to recognise that I am only human, and it is human nature that battles with temptation, therefore its important to get back up if I even succumb and fall.

Prayer:

Please feel free to pray your own prayer as you feel lead to do so.

Lord, help me to recognise temptation when is approaches, not to get distracted by things that will cause me to become distant from you. Please cleanse my mind, body and soul of anything that is not pleasing to You.

Father I pray to walk in step with you, not to take short cuts or carry out destructive behaviour that leads to destruction. The battle against temptations is so strong, I struggle at times to fight it. Give me strength, Oh Lord, to walk away from the evil that tries to lure me in. Help me to follow in the footsteps of Christ and keep pure and holy, for my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

In Jesus name. Amen!

If you are not yet a born again Christian or filled with the Holy Spirit, but would like to find out more please email in or attend your local church.

Also don’t forget to visit resources and downloads to find more information.

Look forward to being with you next month.