July 6, 2018

When You're Not Expecting It

​No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. (Luke 8:16)

Anne Graham Lotz writes: "In the course of a week, the hot-water heater broke, water pipes burst...the bathroom showerhead fell off. I was confronted with friction between family members and problems with my ministry staff. I was tempted to lose my temper, to worry instead of trust, and to neglect my prayer life. What looked like ordinary frustration was something more sinister. Satan attacks our weakened defenses in the mundane areas of our lives." The Bible says that immediately following the spiritual blessing He received at His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert "to be tempted by the devil" (see Matthew 4:1-11). There are important lessons here: (1) Don't rest in success. After the benediction comes the battle. What incredible blessing has God recently given you? Whether it involves your ministry, family, career, or your personal walk with God, watch out! Satan targets us when we're off guard. (2) Stay in God's will. Have you ever thought, "If it's this hard it can't be God's will" and decided to quit? Just because you're doing the right thing doesn't mean you're immune. Jesus was in God's will when the Enemy attacked Him. When things look bleak, don't lean on your own understanding; rather trust in the Lord with all your heart (see Proverbs 3:5). (3) Know the Scripture. Every time Jesus was attacked He countered with, "It is written." God's Word is called "the sword of the Spirit" (see Ephesians 6:17) because it's our primary offensive weapon against—evil (see Ephesians 6:16). Jesus used it to defeat Satan, and so must you. 

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But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

The King of all kings bore all of our mournful grievances and sorrows, and was afflicted for our evil transgressions. Though He was blameless and holy, Christ was beaten and crucified for our individual well-beings. Yet three days later, Christ resurrected and declared victory over all sin and death! Death has lost its sting and the evil one has been crushed for eternity. The blood of Christ has healed our iniquities and has given us abounding grace, peace, and a tremendous hope.

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This week's (#27) schedule for reading the Bible:
Sunday: (Law) Leviticus 10-12
Monday: (History) 2 Kings 1-5
Tuesday: (Psalms) Psalms 78-80
Wednesday: (Poetry) Proverbs 8-9
Thursday: (Prophecy) Ezekiel 19-24
Friday: (Gospels) Luke 17-18
Saturday: (Letters) Phillippians 3-4