Notice how Jesus dispatches the devil and his temptations:
The devil "is a liar and is the father of lies" (Jn 8:44). When he tempts us, he makes promises, which he has no intention of keeping (see Lk 4:6). His promises are lies. Giving into temptation will not make things easier or more pleasurable for us, because Satan does not bring pleasure but rather destruction and guilt. Adam and Eve's tragic mistake was to engage the devil in conversation. They listened to his deceptions, then considered them, then tragically embraced them (Gn 3:1ff).
The only answer to the evil one and his temptations is that of Jesus: "Get behind Me, Satan" (Mt 16:23, JB). We immediately rebuke temptation and listen only to God. Therefore, abide in God's word (Jn 8:31), treasure it (Lk 2:19), and keep it in your heart to defeat temptation (Ps 119:11).
| PRAYER: | Father, fill me with the Holy Spirit. May I hunger and thirst only for You. |
| PROMISE: | "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." –Rm 10:9 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who died to set the captives free (Lk 4:18). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College