Flashback Friday Devotion #16 [Temptation]

Hi, Everyone.
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. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated April 24, 2007.

Flashback Friday Devotion #16 [Temptation]

     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 my life coach. 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

Wonderful devotional.  Very insightful.  You do such a great job every day, and I always enjoy your thoughts.

Thank you,
Vickie

Thank you, Vickie. I'm grateful that you read daily. Please pray that I'll be faithful to listen and write. :)
Blessings,
Mary

Just wanted to let you know that I do pray for you daily and Thank God for you. Not only do I benefit from getting into God's word everyday and your devotions, but a friend of mine also benefits. She did not have WLS but struggles everyday with the last 10 pounds she must get off to keep her job with Weigh****chers and she so loves your devotions everyday.  Also you wanted verses for your arsonal beside I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me my favorite it James 4:7-8
⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 ⁸Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Thanks again Mary and I thank God for sending you to me.

In Christ
Karyn

Thank you so much, Karyn. The fact that you pray for me just brings tears to my eyes. I covet them (in a good way). What a blessing that you share my devotions with a friend and that she finds them helpful in her journey. I'll pray for her, that she will experience the victory of losing those 10 lbs., which I hear can be harder than losing much more than that.
I love James 4:7-8! I don't know about you, but I've been known to conveniently "forget" the "Submit to God" part and just focus on the "Resist the devil" part. Then I wonder why he isn't fleeing like he should. Submission to the Lord must come first. Great verses for one's arsenal! Thanks for sharing, praying, reading, and replying.
Blessings,
Mary