overcome

Judges 1:3

“So Judah said to Simeon his brother, ‘Come up with me to my allotted territory, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I will likewise go with you to your allotted territory.’ And Simeon went with him.”

When the land was distributed among the tribes, Simeon was given a portion within the land allotted to Judah. The reason being, Judah’s lot was too big for any one tribe. Since Judah and Simeon were going to share the land, they would have to learn to stand together in battle, to defeat their enemies.

As the events recorded in Judges unfold, we find that each of the tribes, while facing different enemies, have a common struggle; some things are persistent and difficult to remove. This is the same struggle the believer faces today. Immediately upon receiving Christ, there are a number of things that seem to flee from our lives, and that we may never struggle with again. There are however, other things which will require constant and continual battle. Like Potiphar’s wife who daily tempted Joseph, there are certain sins that require daily battle.

We might learn a lesson from Judah and Simeon who engaged in the battle together. There are, no doubt, some struggles we must endure alone. However, much of our Christian life would be easier if we joined with others in the journey. The Bible speaks of temptations that are common to all men. Since we are facing the same struggles, it would be wise to have a few trusted comrades we can lean on when things become difficult.

Over the years I have found through serving Christ, I have been able to team up with godly believers who have been a tremendous help to my walk with Christ.

Pastor Jim

Matthew 4:1
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/b9a/30989304/files/2015/01/img_1294.jpg People seem to be fascinated with fighting. I can remember being in Jr. High School and hearing the word “FIGHT” resonate across the playground. All activities stopped and the whole student body ran in an attempt to get a front row seat to view the scene. Things have not changed; people gather to watch boxing matches, UFC events and even hockey games, all for the thrill of the fight.

Here in Matthew 4 we have a fight for the ages. It is the greatest of fights because it is between the greatest of opponents; the devil and Jesus. It reflects the fight we all face. I notice in this epic battle a few key elements that will help us as we seek to overcome the temptations the devil throws our way.

First, notice how the devil works. Jesus is hungry and weary, and tempted with food. The devil will always attack where we are weakest. We simply need to understand that. When we do, we can build defenses like accountability, to help withstand those attacks.

Second, notice how Jesus responds to the temptation. He quotes the WORD. Daily Bible reading will give you fresh ammunition to counter-attack the devil’s temptations. I am still amazed how, what might seem like an obscure passage while I am reading it, has tremendous impact on my life throughout the day. Keep in the WORD and you will always be prepared for battle.

Third, Jesus understood we cannot put ourselves in a compromising position and expect to come out victorious. It seems to me, when we fail in our walk with the Lord, it is because we were in a place we should not have been. Get off the pinnacle of the Temple! Do not tempt the Lord by putting yourself in a place where all you can expect is failure.

Let’s keep ourselves in the WORD, and our eyes on Jesus, as we press toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Jim