July 22 Scripture Reading

Scripture Readings:  Psalms 119:153-160, 2 Chronicles 6:12-7, Luke 4:1-13

Reflection Verses:  Luke 4:3-4

Reflection: Satan enticed Jesus to use the power of God for selfish purposes. By this, we see how temptation often works. The adversary, the devil, will most often appeal to a legitimate desire within us as he did with Jesus (the desire to eat and survive). But he tempts us to fulfill that legitimate desire in an illegitimate way. The proper response to the temptation of the devil is to effectively resist temptation in the same way Jesus did: being filled with the Holy Spirit, we are to answer Satan’s seductive lies by shining the light of God’s truth upon them. That is why it is so important to study the Word of God (The Holy Bible). Beloved, if we are ignorant of God’s truth, we are poorly armed in the fight against temptation.

Prayer:  Father God, the devil is busy today testing and tempting Christians. Please help me to respond properly to every temptation and to resist the devil by Your Word. Forgive me Lord, when I am not properly prepared to meet each test. Give me a mind to study Your Word daily and diligently, that I may apply Your Word accurately to my life and be able to resist temptation. Holy Father, I know that I am not able on my own, so please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that He may direct me in what I am to do… In Jesus’ Name.  Amen