Category Archives: Will

40 Days

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

Since this week is the beginning of Lent season, today we are taking a look at the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. This is symbolic of the 40 days before Easter (Lent  Season) originated. During this journey we see that Jesus was tempted with three temptations that all of us face in our daily lives.

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Matthew 4:3-4

The first temptation we see is the lust of the flesh. Jesus , who has been fasting for 40 days, is obviously very hungry and vulnerable at this point. Satan tries to tempt him by enticing him to make stones into bread. Jesus replies with scripture and says “Man shall not live on bread alone” meaning as Christians we deny our physical temptations which are sinful, to live holy and be a true disciple of Christ.

This could apply to many physical temptations in our lives such as drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, gluttony, ect. However by the Holy Spirit we can overcome these temptations and avoid sin

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” Matthew 4:5-6

The second temptation comes from human pride. Satan tries to challenge Jesus, by saying if you are the Son of God, then prove it. Often times in life when our pride is challenged, we might make a bad decision just to prove that we are the boss or in charge. Jesus however didn’t fall for this trap

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” Matthew 4:7

Satan was even quoting scripture to try and lure Jesus into the temptation, but Jesus responded by saying “Don’t test God”.  Jesus demonstrated this humility also later in John 13, Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. Instead of Jesus being a dictator leader he was leading by example.

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9

The final temptation Satan was trying to tempt Jesus into the lust of the eyes. Look at all these beautiful possessions we can have if we just sell our soul. Jesus didn’t fall for this but sadly we see people do this every day. We see actors and musicians sell all their morals and values just to become rich, what they don’t understand is they are worshipping Satan and his worldly system

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” Matthew 4:10

Again Jesus overcame this temptation and told Satan to go away! As the Bible tells us “Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7) Worship God and serve him only!

We need to remember Jesus was in human form, susceptible to Satans temptations and overcame by The Holy Spirit. We can overcome also because Greater is he living inside of me than he that is living in the world (! John 4:4) in Jesus Name Amen!

Gods Will or Our Will?

 

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Many times in life we try to make our own path, make our own destiny, and then fail and wonder why? The first question is Was It Gods Will or your own will? See God has given us the gift of “Free Will” however when we choose this path, we are on our own. (Proverbs 16:9)

Some examples are when Adam and Eve decided to follow their own will and eat from the forbidden Tree, the result was sin and death. (Genesis 3) But when Jesus followed Gods Will and sacrificed himself on the cross, the result was grace and eternal life (Luke 22:42)

So what is Gods Will for your life? To truly know Gods plan for our life we need to connect with him through prayer and scripture. Remember all things work together for good for them that Love God (Romans 8:28)

We must learn to “draw near to God” (James 4) when we submit ourselves to God, Satan flees from us and then God can work his purpose in our lives. But when we follow our own will, it usually leads to our own destruction, but If we acknowledge God he will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6)

So are you doing Gods Will or your own Will? We must remember Gods knows all our needs and will provide them (Matthew 6:8) if we put our trust in Jesus Name Amen

God’s Will

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39

The night before Jesus was crucified, he asked God to change his mind three times because he knew the suffering he was going to endure. But Jesus willingly laid down his life for us all because it was Gods will for his life.

How many of us are following Gods will for our life? Or are you following your own will? Sometimes Gods plan doesn’t always seem like it’s the best plan, but just like Jesus, his plan is for the greater good of his Kingdom and not our Kingdom.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Some might say why is Jesus acting like this? Isn’t he the Messiah? The Son of God? Yes he is but he was human at this point, he felt everything just as we feel.

It’s a great statement when he says “the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”, doesn’t that sum us up mostly? We all want to serve God but we get sidetracked whether it be temptation or pain or depression..there are many things that keep us from Gods will

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Matthew 26:42

Again Jesus asked God again to change his mind, but as he said if its Gods will then let it be done. Jesus knew Gods plan was greater than his plan and he stayed obedient and fulfilled Gods will

We also need to trust Gods plan for us and have the same attitude, “if its Gods will then let it be done”, because we know God knows best for us.

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Matthew 26:44

Jesus prayed a third time for God to change his mind, but he knew Gods will for him and faithfully accepted his assignment.

Notice how Jesus casted his cares to God thru prayer, we should do the same. Build a relationship with your Heavenly Father, let him know your thoughts and feelings. He knows every hair on your head and every tear that you cry.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Just as Jesus prayed in the Lords prayer, its important to remember its Gods will and not our will. Truest your Heavenly Father for his plans are greater than our plans in Jesus Name Amen