What Do You Consider

Temptation?

“Watch and pray, that you do not enter into temptation:  the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  This is spoken by Jesus in Matthew 26:41.  You may recognize this quote if you spend time in the Word.  I have read it for years but this week I saw it in a different light.

Temptation is defined by Webster as, “something that causes a strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong, or unwise.”  I do not know about you, but I always thought that the verse meant simply not to fall into temptation seeking worldly desires such as illicit sex, alcohol, drugs, larceny, things that seem quite obvious.  From a spiritual perspective you may not want to pursue such temptations but often the flesh is weak.

Let’s Go Deeper

When reading it this week I saw it in a deeper context.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to live unlike the world.  For example, in the world a particular health challenge is deemed incurable but in the Kingdom of God all things are possible.  Jesus is performing health miracles every day across the globe.  So, if you or a loved one is challenged health wise, you watch and pray.  You do not enter into temptation.

The temptation here would be to receive the world statistics as gospel rather than believing and trusting the Gospel.  The temptation here would be to walk in unbelief of the power of God to move in your situation.  The temptation here would be not to trust that God is who He says He is and He can do all that He says He can.

The temptation to continue to operate in the world system, not to believe without doubt and not to trust is the temptation you want to watch and pray about.  This applies not only to health issues but also to financial challenges, job needs, relationship trials and anything that requires you to walk in the fullness of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior when all looks questionable if not bleak.

Stand Your Ground!

The flesh is weak so it is not easy to believe when all around you says no way.  It is through faith and determined commitment that you will not enter into temptation.  Believe me; it takes repeated, daily, sometimes minute to minute faith commitment to be able to not enter into the temptation of unbelief, discouragement, doubt and even a desire to give up.  Jesus says there will be trials in life so it should come as no surprise when you encounter such.

The key is to stay Kingdom focused and not to fall into the temptation of worldly thinking and giving up.  Do not listen to those who live with worldly mindsets as they will surely lead you into temptation to not believe and to not trust.  To walk in Kingdom you must be set apart from all that the world offers with opinions and statistics.  God’s ways are not our ways.  Enter not into temptation.

It Is Never Too Late!

If you have not yet made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart, do it now.  Do not wait another minute.  Speak to Him from your heart (for it is always a heart issue).  Tell Him you have fallen short in your life.  Sincerely apologize for your sins.  Ask Him to cleanse you and come into your heart and be Lord over your life.  From this moment forward let His Spirit guide you along the narrow road that leads to everlasting life.

Quotes to Ponder This Week

 “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”  ~Jesus, Mark 11:23

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  ~Jesus, John 16:33

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”  ~Exodus 15:26

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  ~Proverbs 3:5-6

“…One of the great themes of Christianity is triumphant hope…the kind of hope where all things end right…Because, in the end, God does indeed win.” ~Charles R. Swindoll, Esther, A Woman of Strength and Dignity, 1997

“You are Lord and You are mighty and You are merciful.  Raise up all who would call upon Your name.  Raise up those that love You and seek You and trust You.  Lord, we need an army of believers that would stand on Your Word above all else.  Raise up warriors, Lord, who will fight on their knees; who will worship You with their whole hearts, Lord.  Lord, call us to battle that we may proclaim the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Raise them up, Lord.  Raise them up!”  ~Miss Clara, War Room the Movie

Please Join Me in Prayer

“Our Farther in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For Yours is the kingdom and power and the glory forever.  Amen.”  ~Jesus, Matthew 6:9

A Prayer Request

These are treacherous times and now more than ever we must maintain our walk. Fail not in this hour.  #Pray for America. #Revival.  Please join us in prayer:  https://drmicheleburke.org/esthers-warriors-ministry/

We thank You , Father God,  that You keep Your hand on America.  Forgive our sin and heal our land that we will remain One Nation Under God.  May God richly bless the United States of America, bring to light every single crooked place and keep her safe. May we arise united once again as One Nation Under God in this auspicious season in our country’s history. We continue to pray for truth to prevail concerning Benghazi and all issues as we saturate this country in prayer and stand for all that is right in America and for all of us who call ourselves American. We pray this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen and Amen.

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