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Matthew 4:1-3 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

When Satan came to tempt Jesus, he tested Him on the three following things:

1. His identity

2. His faith

3. His trust.

Identity

Satan already knew Jesus was the Son of God, but in times of trials, Satan tested Jesus’ identity by saying “IF thou be the Son of God.”

Our Lesson: In times of trials, tribulations, or troubles we need to know who we are in Christ. We need to know we are still righteous even after we did something wrong. We need to know we have a blood-bought right to receive the promises of God. We need to know we are sons and daughters of God Himself.

If Satan can talk us out of our identity, he can talk us out of every uplifting thing God said about us or our future. Ultimately, Satan’s end goal is for us to feel low, unworthy, and wanting to die. Don’t allow Satan to mess with your identity.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Praise God, by the acceptance of Jesus Christ, we’ve been brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light. We are no longer bound by sin, under the curse of the law, or doomed to death. Since God called us out of darkness, let’s not voluntarily go back to the ways of darkness from time to time. 

Through the acceptance of Jesus Christ, we’ve been blessed with the Spirit of God living and leading inside of us. He’s letting us know where to go, what to say, what not to do. When we get that urge to go back in the ways of darkness, if we’re seeking His advice, He’ll let us see the consequences of those actions or explain how those dark ways don’t honor God.

Praise God He called us out of darkness. Let the Holy Spirit keep us out of darkness. 

Psalms 126:2-3 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad.‭‭

If you’re reading this today, God has done some great things in your life. However, what is our response to those great things? Are we saying anything? Are we letting the world know how good God’s been to us or are we keeping it to ourselves?

Another trick of the enemy is to have us keep silent after we’ve been blessed by God. He’s made it seem as if it’s wrong or a form of boasting to speak on the goodness of the Lord. Unfortunately, the main people who adopted this philosophy are some members in the body of Christ.

When we speak on the goodness of the Lord, we’re not boasting. We’re giving credit, glory, and honor to God for all He has done. We are the only forms of advertisement for the Kingdom of God. How else do we think the lost will be attracted to the body of Christ? If we don’t let the world know about the goodness of God, who will?

From salvation to a new car, don’t ever be ashamed of what God has done for you.

Lamentations 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

God’s compassion never fails. Since we’re made in the image and likeness of God, we have the ability to be compassionate towards others for the rest of our lives. 

The enemy’s job is to magnify negative life experiences to remove our compassion towards mankind. The enemy will use racist individuals to make us less compassionate towards people of that race. The enemy will use radical religious extremists to make us less compassionate towards people of that religion. The enemy will use the emotional pain caused by a man or woman in a relationship to remove the thought of compassion towards anyone we get close to.

Don’t allow the enemy to remove God-like compassion from our lives. Be that person who prays over someone who is sick. Use that compassion to not only forgive that person who wronged us, but as the Spirit leads, continue to be a blessing in their lives. 
People of God, it’s time to let our God-like compassion shine brightly. 

We may know sweet devout believers who have served the Lord for many years. Every time we see them, they’re going to church, talking about the goodness of the Lord, or reading the Bible. If those people become sick, die suddenly, or something tragic happens in their lives, people around them question the existence of God, ask where was God, and how come.

Christ has made a great number of promises for us (healing, deliverance, etc.), however, if we don’t believe and receive those promises, we can never experience those promises on earth. 

Those sweet people mentioned above may have believed Jesus was the Son of God, but did they believe by His stripes they were healed? Or, did they believe whatever happens concerning their health (good or bad) is the will of God? If they believed the latter, they may be subjected to all sorts of diseases. Why? It’s according to their faith. Not God’s will, but their faith.

The same concept applies with protection, desires, or any other promise. Are we confidently believing we are protected and nothing shall hurt us (Luke 10:19) or are we fearfully hoping nothing bad happens? Are we believing to receive our desires the moment we ask in prayer (Mark 11:24) or are we accepting whatever life hands us? 

However we experience life, it’s going to be according to our faith. Don’t limit or reduce your faith to the standards of your logic. Raise them to expectation of the Word of God. 

Matthew 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Acts 20:2 “Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece”‭‭

Paul encouraged his disciples. 

Living in this world as a believer is not always the easiest thing to do. We have people questioning the validity of our faith, people making a mockery of what we’re standing in faith for, and so called close friends leaving our lives as we mature in our relationship with God.

Understanding the Christian walk is not always easy; it’s important for us to encourage each other.

We must encourage each other to keep the faith even when it seems like nothing is working. We must encourage each other to walk in the ways of righteousness even though the world seems so enticing. We must encourage each other to know God loves us no matter what we’ve done wrong. 

As we seek God for ourselves and walk in our purpose, don’t forget to encourage someone else.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The delays and detours in life rarely make sense in the moment, but as our patience is developed and our trust in God increases, we learn the meaning of Romans 8:28. 

 In hindsight God may provide revelation of the delay or detour and we get a hint at how well our Creator knows our hearts and how well He positioned us to receive the best instead of the mediocre we were once striving for. The best will include perfect timing and holistic betterment beyond just the object of desire. 

So be encouraged. Continue to seek and trust God. Remain in faith, holding on to the Truth of His Word and the promises there in. And, be assured that He loves us and has only the best for us, His children. 

James 1: 2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.

Salvation is free (Eph 2:8), but surrender costs. Salvation assures our position in heaven. Surrender gives us access to experiencing heaven on earth (Matt 6:10). Surrender will cost sacrifice for each of us: ideologies, acceptance from friends, career goals, familial relationships, sexual preferences, comforts, popularity, and more. This is where trusting God comes in. 

In the moment of surrender we must focus on God and not our loss. Because as we honor Him above ourselves, we have a guaranteed promise that we receive a hundred times better than what that surrender costs us both now and eternally. As believers, It’s time to stop denying the inner part of us that knows there’s more, and surrender ourselves to Christ (Phil 1:21). 

Mark 10: 28Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” 29Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭AMP‬‬ “For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers’ minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.”‭‭

When Adam sinned in the Garden, Adam gave his dominion and authority to Satan, making Satan the god of this world. The death, destruction and chaos we see, are a direct result of Satan’s operations in this world. How do we know this? Because Satan’s only plans are to steal, kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). 

With this understanding, we can shift the blame for all the problems in the world back to Satan, instead of blaming God. 

Christ was sent to undo the works of Satan, taking back the authority for everyone who believes. Satan is still the god of this world but to everyone who believes in the finished works of Christ, we not only are protected from Satan’s plans, but through Christ, we have the authority to undo his plans. 

With this authority, begin to remove Satan’s influences from all terrorist organizations. Begin to speak peace in a chaotic atmosphere. Pray that the blinders be removed from people’s minds and they see Jesus Christ as Lord. 

This is the authority we have. Use it.  

Over the past decade or so, the term “generational curse” has infiltrated the body of Christ. It’s a term that represents sinful behavior throughout generations. If a person’s father and grandfather were alcoholics then, the generational curse would state, that person and their children have a high chance of being alcoholics unless, the curse is broken. 

The term generational curse derived from scriptures such as Exodus 20:5 which states, You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. (Also see: Exodus 34:7; Deut. 5:9; Jer. 32:18)

The majority of these verses, if not all, are associated with the law of Moses. We are no longer under the law, but under grace. Under grace, every punishment of the law and sin has been poured out on Jesus. Christ rescued us from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). Sin is not counted against us (Rom. 4:8). Christ freed us from the penalty to of sin (Rom. 3:24). 

With all that Christ has done for us, how can we still say there’s a generational curse? Christ redeemed us from every curse and there is nothing that can harm us. 

Romans 3:24 Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 

Ephesians 5:22 Wives, place yourselves under your husbands’ authority as you have placed yourselves under the Lord’s authority.

In the first couple of years of our marriage, I realized that my lack of submission was because I had a lack of trust. I thought that I was not trusting Marvin to make the best decisions. But, God showed me it was a lack of trust in Him. God has told me to submit to my husband. So I trust God to bless my obedience to Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). 

Please note the following two points to Ephesians 5:22.

1.) Submission to God is first. If you refuse to submit to God you will not submit to your spouse. 

2.) And if your spouse wants to contradict God’s Word, your submission is always to God first. For example,

a) If one spouse wants to tithe and the other doesn’t. Tithe. God first. He has made a way for us to have access to ample promises in His Word, and not tithing would contradict your statement of trust and obedience to God and block the manifestation of those promises in your family’s lives. 

b) If deciding between making a right or left turn, submit to God. Don’t waste time arguing, or being disgruntled about his choice. And, if his choice led you into traffic, then don’t constantly remind him of how your route would have been better. Trust God when He said He will cause ALL things to work together for your good, even when it doesn’t look like it (Romans 8:28). That extra time in the car could lead to a great conversation, or that traffic may have diverted you from being in an accident, or you may show up right on time to get a perfect parking spot. Whatever the outcome, know that God blesses our obedience (Deuteronomy 11:8-15). 

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

God is the Alpha and Omega which means, He’s the beginning and the end. By God knowing the beginning and the end, He knows everything. He knows what’s good for us and He knows what’s bad for us. 

God said His plans are to prosper us, to give us hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Since God knows all and His plans are to give us the best in life, it’s just a matter of us trusting all that He knows and putting our lives in His hands.

We don’t know what tomorrow brings, but He knows the day we will leave this earth. We don’t know the traps the enemy set for our lives, but He knows our way of escape.

Trust in the Alpha and Omega in every area of our lives. 

There is a way to pray and get your prayers answered. Understanding how God wants us to petition Him and understanding all that He wants us to receive helps manifest our desires.

2.) Ask for what you want and believe you have received it.

John 14:13 whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.

When we pray a prayer of petition, the structure of our prayer should be: Father, I ask for… In Jesus’ Name. And I know I have it because Your Word says…

There is no need to ask repeatedly for the same thing. When the Word says pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), that means we participate in an ongoing conversation with our Father as we go through our day. When it says ask and keep asking (Luke 11:9), it’s saying to continue bringing our different requests to the Father, not asking for the same thing repeatedly as if we don’t believe His Word is true when it says He hears our prayers or that we have what we’ve asked for (1 John 5:15). There’s no need to ask for it again because that would be like doubting (James 1:6).

Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

~Inspired by the teachings of Dr. Frederick K.C. Price

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

In today’s society, the Holy Spirit gets an unfair assessment. He’s either considered spooky or He’s a joke. This is mainly because of a lack of understanding. Unfortunately, some believers in the body of Christ added fuel to the world’s thoughts of the Holy Spirit. 

As we can see from above, the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit didn’t display some of the antics we see today. The disciples heard a sound of wind and they began to speak in other tongues or languages as the Spirit gave them utterance. The disciples were not convulsing on the ground with their eyes rolled back, they were not running into things, and they were not out of control. 

They were filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose. That purpose was to fulfill the will of God in the earth. Don’t be afraid of the filling of the Holy Spirit and don’t think of Him as a joke. The Holy Spirit is real and He wants to lead and guide every part of our lives. 

Acts 11:12 “Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.”‭

The number one job of the Holy Spirit is to give us something to do that aligns with the perfect will of God.

What has God told you? Did He tell you to start a business? Did He tell you to go back to school? How about ending that relationship with that man or woman? What about being positive instead of negative?

Whatever God instructs us to do through His Spirit, it’s for our good and for the glory of God. It may not be convenient, comfortable, or celebrated but when God’s desires come first, we’ll reap the reward in the end. 

Time continues for all of us. The older we get, the more we start to think about our past and the decisions we’ve made. Some of us thought we would be further along in life than where we are currently. We thought we would have a better career, have a spouse and children, or have finished our degree. The decisions we’ve made or didn’t make have caused us to be where we are. 

For all those who are not satisfied with where they are, there is hope. God knew the decisions we would make and if we would just trust Him, He will cause all things to work for our good (Rom. 8:28). Instead of living in regret, thinking certain promises have passed based on our age, understand that as long as there is breath in our bodies, every promise of God will come to pass if we believe. 

Abraham was 100 before he received his promise of a child (Gen. 21:5). Joseph was a slave before he received his promise to rule in Egypt (Gen. 41:41). Hezekiah received 15 years added to his life (Isaiah 38:5). 

God is waiting on us to look to Him, and not our past, to receive what He has to offer. 

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 9:26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

If we owe $10,000 for a loan we’ve taken out for a car, we are considered to be in debt. As long as there is a balance, debt will be attached to us, debt will show up on our credit report, and debt may affect future purchases. Once that loan is paid off, we are no longer considered to be in debt. Debt is not associated with our name and we are debt free. 

The same goes with sin. Sin was charged to our account because of the fall of Adam. Jesus took all sin and paid it with His life. For everyone who believes and receives this gift, we are no longer considered to be in sin. When God sees us, sin is not associated with our name and we are sin-free. 

Without sin being associated with our lives, we are righteous, perfect, and holy. Our behavior, at times, may not make us seem righteous or holy, but remember, Jesus took and paid for all of our sins. So, that lustful time we looked at that woman or man, Jesus paid for that sin. That person we cursed out, Jesus paid for that sin. That person we don’t give to in the future, Jesus paid for that too. 

Understand and recognize, for the believer, sin is not associated with our lives and it should be eliminated from our vocabulary.

Psalms 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Making God our help requires total submission from us. It requires that we humble ourselves, letting everyone know, including ourselves, that we cannot handle a certain situation using our own knowledge, strength, and understanding. It requires that we rely on this invisible being who we hear about in the bible that can do anything.

Asking God for help may be difficult in the beginning. When we’re not used to relying on someone for help, it can make us feel vulnerable or inadequate when we do rely on someone. If we don’t keep our pride and ego in check, we can find ourselves trying to fix the very thing we gave God to handle.

Just remember, no solution we come up with will be better than God’s solution. It doesn’t matter how many times a solution worked in the past or how many times a solution worked for another person. If God is not involved, it has the potential to fail and put us in a worse situation than when we started.

Rely on God for help and no one else.