O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. —Psalm 139:1-2 ESV
In our last blog, we learnt that the devil cannot read our minds and has no clue what we’re thinking at any given time. Only God can read our minds and knows what we’re thinking at any time.
The devil is just like website algorithms. He studies our behavioural patterns, what we say, our actions and what we’re interested in. He then uses that knowledge to suggest things to us and tempt us. He only throws out the bait and waits to see which one we bite.
Jesus’ mission was and is still about the kingdom of God. He came announcing, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of Heaven, urging people to repent and identify with it. I believe the devil knew about Jesus’ mission; that’s why he tried to distract Him by tempting and throwing everything he had at Him, and hoped that Jesus would bite. “…the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ‘I will give it all to you,’ he said, ‘if you will kneel down and worship me.’ ‘Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him”’ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” Matthew 4:8-11 (NLT)
God’s kingdom was the focal point of Christ’s ministry, the only message He focused on while He was here on earth — “… ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.’” Luke 4:43 (NKJV). By tempting Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, the devil thought Jesus’ focus must be on worldly kingdoms and their pursuit of power, possessions, and prosperity.
When we align our thoughts with God’s will, and we renew our minds continuously in His Word, we can overcome every distraction and temptation, not satisfying the cravings of our flesh. When we are soaked in God’s word, it will reflect in our words and actions, therefore denying the devil a foothold in our lives. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
The apostle Paul encouraged believers: “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” Philippians 4:8 (Amplified)
All glory and praise to Jesus our Saviour and King, who did not fall for the lies and deception of the devil.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 