MAY 8, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MAY 8 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Temptation is part of our everyday experience in this sin-fallen world. As followers of Jesus, it is not a matter of if we will be tempted today and every day, but when and how. We have an enemy of our souls; the devil, he and his demons are always active putting temptations into the path of those who follow the Lord. They desire for you to stumble and fall. They seek to destroy your testimony. It gives them pleasure to destroy individual lives, families, churches and even nations. Don't be deceived, the devil prowls around seeking who he may devour. He cares nothing for us; he will lie to get us to follow his tempting. It does not bother him to offer you something that he never intends to give, in order to tempt you to walk contrary to God's will. He is a deceiver, as he will even imitate the Lord in your life in order to lead you astray.

I have heard people say, "Well, I don't believe in the devil!" One’s lack of belief in the Devil doesn't change the fact that he exists and he exists to destroy everything that is good and holy. Some might say, "Well even if he does exist, I don't believe in that temptation stuff." When one makes such a statement they are playing right into the devil's hands. Listen, if he had the audacity to tempt the Son of God, then he has no problem tempting us. He looked right into the face of Jesus, who he knew was the Son of God from eternity past and attempted to tempt Christ into being disobedient to His Father. Jesus dealt with the temptations offered to Him by speaking and obeying the Word of God. We have the same promise from God, as His children, temptation will come against us, but the Lord has promised that there is no temptation that is greater than His protection (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are to be on our guard, for the enemy is there to tempt us to stumble. As we submit ourselves to the Lord, put on the full armor of God and stand in Him, we will be able to withstand the temptations of the enemy.

Please share your thoughts.