October 23

Jesus said that we have to live on every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. I coupled this with John's response to the Pharisees who had been sent to question him, which was something like Jesus did many times. They asked a pointed question and he answered them with a point fairly unrelated to the answer they were looking for. God is teaching me to not answer man (or the devil) according to their questions but according to His Word that He gives me. It is not just the written Word that we answer with (although it is mucho important to know the written Word and answer the tempter and anyone else with it - even your own questions) but with what God is speaking to our spirits. That means I have to slow down my response until I hear from Him. That is a formidable task no doubt, but it is a must!

Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit in order that the devil would tempt him. God doesn't tempt any man according to scripture, but He definitely sends us there. Crazy huh? Not really - it is our training ground and proving grounds. Temptations change as you mature, but they are still there and God's Word is powerful and active and able to get us through the desert. I have got to learn more, memorize more and be prepared for the temptation seasons ahead. Why not prepare now?