The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 14:1-2 (HCSB)
1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 93:1-2 (HCSB)
1 The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; The LORD is robed, enveloped in strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
2 Your throne has been established from the beginning; You are from eternity.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Luke 22:31-34 (HCSB)
31 "Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33 "Lord," he told Him, "I'm ready to go with You both to prison and to death!"
34 "I tell you, Peter," He said, "the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!"
My observation:
The warning that Jesus gave to Simon is a warning that we should all pay close attention to. We need to be alert to the desire and the design of Satan. He had a desire for Simon, and his design was to sift him like wheat. Just like Satan wanted to test Simon, he wants to test you. He wants to prove that you are a phony.
The good news is that Jesus knows his schemes, and Jesus knows what it takes to overcome the schemes of Satan.
However, be alert because you are no match for Satan in your own strength. Simon Peter tried, and he failed. Peter's pride got the best of him. He thought he could be faithful, but he failed the faith test.
The blessed hope in this story is that Satan does not have the last word. I am so grateful to God that Jesus had the last word concerning Simon Peter. Jesus could see repentance in Peter's future; Peter turned around.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that we have an advocate in heaven who is praying for us. Father, I pray that pride would not blind me to the desires and the design of Satan. Father, help me to stay on the lookout for Satan; help me to always remember that I need to watch and pray that my faith will not fail.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (HCSB)
12 So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
--
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (HCSB)
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment