From “The Word For You Today” by Bruce Christian – Temptation

          Part of dealing with temptation is in how you view it.  A good word here.

 

TEMPTATION (1)

     Christ’s temptation in the wilderness answers two questions: (1) Who is tempted?  Everyone!  If Jesus was tempted, you’ll be tempted too.  Now, you can be victorious over temptation, but you can’t pray temptation away.  Satan tried different approaches with Jesus and he will do the same with you.  Being tempted doesn’t mean you’re not in the will of God, it just means that Satan doesn’t give up his rule in your life without a fight.  The battle begins the moment you decide to serve God, and the attacks come at you every day.  So, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11 NIV).  (2)  When are you tempted?  When you have an important role to play in God’s plan you’re a high value target to the devil.  Matthew records, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”  But notice what had just taken place before this: “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'” (Mt 3:16-17 NKJV).  So temptation is a compliment; it proves you are called by God.    And it’s also a confirmation; it’s evidence that you are walking in His will.  Following His temptation, we read, “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee” (Lk 4:14 NKJV).  And you will too!

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From the “Writings of James Ryle”

     This is where it all begins for the christian.  By saying yes, we allow God to work in our lives, to work through our lives, and by doing so open open our lives to the blessings He has in store for us both now and through eternity.

Never Hesitate to Say Yes to God’s Plan for Your Life

 

“Be it unto me according to Thy Word.” (Luke 1:38).

 

Os Guinness writes, ” Our passion is to know we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All standards of success — wealth, power, knowledge, position, fame — grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing.”

 

Nothing short of God’s will obeyed can both ground and fulfill the truest human desire for significance. And we are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts and callings that are truly us.

 

Abraham was called by God out of a dead religion practiced by pagans, and became the Father of Faith. He was without children until God spoke a promise. Abraham believed God and became the Father of Nations. He said yes to God.

 

Moses was a stuttering stammering sheep herding Bedouin in the high deserts of Midian, when a burning bush caught his eye. Approaching the Bush, he heard a voice. That Voice spoke of great and mighty things to come. Moses answered, “Who am I?” The Voice called him out of his own sense of inability and limitations, and ushered him forth into the great drama of human history as one of the greatest and most influential men who has ever lived. He said yes to God.

 

David was the runt of the litter; the eighth born son in a family where seven was enough. Last on the food chain, there was usually nothing left when his turn came along. God spoke a promise to his young heart in the isolated fields of unseen worship. He believed God and rose to become the greatest King Israel has ever known. He said yes to God.

 

Mary said yes to God and rose from humble surroundings to be the mother of our Lord.

 

Now it’s your turn. Whatever the situation of your life, or the circumstances in which you presently find yourself — it is never too late to say yes to God’s will for your life. He can still do the impossible with the improbable.

 

He CAN do what He says He can do. And He WILL do what He says He will do!

 

Never overlook the extraordinary potential of the ordinary! Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! And, never hesitate to say yes to God’s plan for your life! These are the three great lessons we learn from a peasant girl named Mary.