NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

Lead us not into temptation is the theme for our reflection. Temptation is anything that influences or lures us to disobey God. Temptation leads us into sin or disobedience, and sin fractures the relationship we have with God, thereby making us vulnerable and powerless in the face of spiritual attacks and evil schemes of our enemies. When temptation overcomes us, we fall from grace to disgrace, and our enemies cease the opportunity to destroy us and further make all manner of allegations to completely keep us in the pit of shame and agony. It is for this reason, we must always pray to God to lead us not into temptation and pray with the Psalmist, “Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence” (Psalm 27:11-12)

Dear friend in the Lord, the only way our enemies can harm us or defeat us is when we turn away from the way of the Lord and take a path of disobedience. It is the will of our adversaries or enemies to see us fall into temptation. In fact, it is their prayer and desire to see you stop praying, doing the will of God, and going to church. They would rather wish you become a drunkard, a fornicator, adulterer, a thief, a dishonest and an unfaithful person at work and in your relationship, which will lead to your fall, disgrace and retrogression in life. These are the wishes of our enemies, both spiritual or physical.

How can we overcome temptations and remain focused on God from this lent season and beyond? The Psalmist has taught us to learn the way of the Lord when he wrote that “Teach me your way, O Lord…” (Psalm 27:11). The way of the Lord is the knowledge of His Word. There is no way temptation will overcome us if we learn the way or the Word of the Lord. The Psalmist confirmed that the way of the Lord is the Word of God when he wrote in Psalm 119:105-106 that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,to keep your righteous rules.” During Jesus’ temptation, in Matthew 4:1-11, He overcame the tempter or Satan’s temptation with the Word of God by always reminding Satan that “it is written”. How often do we study the written word of God, and how often do we remember it as the way of the Lord in overcoming temptations? It is impossible to overcome temptations without following the way or having the knowledge and obeying the Word of God. Indeed, prayer becomes effective through the power of the Holy Spirit if we are filled with the knowledge of God’s Word. When we dedicate our time to studying the way or the Word of God, the Holy Spirit “…will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:13) and “…you will know the truth and the truth will set you free…” (John 8:32) from all temptations. My dear friend, no matter the sin you are struggling with, God is able to deliver you if only you take the firm decision to repent today and a take a deep dive into His Word and allow Him to teach You His ways for the rest of your life on earth. When we do this, we shall overcome temptations and surely be victorious over the evil schemes or plots of our enemies. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we acknowledge our weaknesses and vulnerability, therefore, we completely rely on Your Word for wisdom, strength, and divine direction to overcome the numerous temptations on our path to Salvation. May the Holy Spirit lead us in understanding Your Word so that Your Word will eternally live in us. Amen