Devotion #16

Hi, Everyone.
I took Sunday off in posting a devotion, because I figured people may be too busy to read. To all you readers, please let me know if you think I should post on the weekdays and not the weekends. Thank you, in advance.
Today's topic is one that we tend to think affects us only in spiritual ways. However, it can certainly affect us in physical ways, in my opinion. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated April 24, 2007.

     This has been such a busy day! I didn't even have time to finish my Quiet Time before leaving to teach small group ladies' Bible Study. After getting home and finishing my Quiet Time, I had to get ready for an appointment with Dean (my counselor and mentor). The busyness of the day had me feeling somewhat jittery inside, so I was tempted to graze eat.
     I had a feeling that the Lord wanted to talk to me about the topic of temptation, so when I got home, I let the Lord know that I was finally ready to get quiet and hear whatever He had for me.
     I'll be honest, I was too tired to do much "searching" in the Word, so I asked the Lord to just show me the scripture on which I should focus. The passage about Jesus' wilderness temptation came to mind, and I found that in Luke 4:1-13. It was familiar to me, of course, but the Lord really helped me to see it in a way that I know will help me in the days to come.
     Just like Jesus, I think all of us are most easily tempted during one of the following times:
          --After a mountaintop/spiritual experience
          --At a time of physical weakness
          --When we are alone.
     This wilderness temptation happened right after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and God's voice gave His words of approval, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." Satan hates spiritual experiences, so he will try his best to pull you back down, down as far as he can get you.
     Jesus had fasted for days (40 by the end of the fast), so His body must have been physically weak. When we are physically weak, ill, hungry, or tired, Satan knows we are vulnerable to temptation.
     Jesus was "alone" in the wilderness desert. No disciples...no people to minister to...no crowds to teach. We can be busy all day and not experience temptation but then come home to a quiet house, only to experience direct temptation. Perhaps it's because it's easier for Satan to get our attention.
     Jesus was tempted in three areas:
1) Physical. It's interesting to me that the first temptation involved food. "Command this stone to become bread." The nerve of Satan saying, "IF You are the Son of God..."!
2) Spiritual. Satan reminded Jesus that "all the kingdoms of the world" had "been handed over to [Satan]," but he'd give it to Jesus if Jesus would "worship before [him]."
3) Emotional. Satan tempted Jesus to presume upon the promises of God, by mental or emotional manipulation. "IF You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here, for it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully...'"
     Christ resisted and overcame temptation by:
1) Refusing to comply
2) Replying with the Word of God.
Christ is our example, so when we are faced with temptation, even temptation involving food we should not eat, we can refuse to give in and speak God's Word outloud, so Satan knows we mean business!

Today, consider how Satan may tempt you with food, as he'll use anything he thinks he can use to cause a stronghold in your life. What scriptures can you use to counteract him and strengthen your resolve? [Consider posting those verses, so we can add to our "arsenal."]

Blessings,
Mary