FRESH START TODAY - (Blog 18)

FRESH START TODAY – The proactive decision to be transformed

You need to decide today to not surrender to the selfishness that the world encourages.  I am reminded this morning about the temptation that Jesus encountered with Satan during the 40 days in the desert.  The devil tempted Jesus when he was extremely hungry and physically weak during those 40 days with promises that an average person could not resist.  When we get desperate we tend to grip and hold on to things that could be harmful to us.  This study on the topic of FRESH START TODAY is intended to encourage you to ‘Let Go and Let God”.

The first temptation asked of Jesus was to turn a stone to bread if He was truly the Son of God. (Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’.” NIV) The devil took Jesus next to holy city and they stood on the highest point of the temple saying if you are the Son of God throw yourself down. (Matthew 4:7, Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’.” NIV) The devil then showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Jesus if He would bow down and worship him?  (Matthew 4:10, Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!  For it is written:  “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’.” NIV) Then the devil left Jesus immediately!

Did you notice that Jesus won this battle with the devil over the promises that seem to be part of what the world offers? (Romans 12:2, Do not any longer conform to patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV) Did the battle that Jesus experienced and His words tell you how and what we, as believers, should be doing?  Jesus clearly stated that we are to devour the Word of God, we are not to test God for unreasonable requests and we are to Worship God only!  We do not do it, because we get busy doing what the world wants us to do. (Bent Under Satan’s Yoke.) This acronym is not my original quote.

I received a phone call the first thing this morning from our son regarding serious circumstances that he is facing right now.  I could not handle the phone call, so I turned the call over to his dad.  It was the best thing I could have done because during their conversation a call interrupted their conversation that relieved the current situation.  The activity of the Holy Spirit took over and now I praise the Lord for His intervention. 

The devil is active, but Jesus has already won this battle for believers a long time ago.  My first thought was not to write a blog today, but I just could not allow God’s enemy to win.  My reasonable service to the Lord is to write out of obedience to Him.  People need to know that we should not surrender to the lies that are thrown at us, as believers.  The power of the Holy Spirit in us is our strength.  Do not surrender to the world and what it throws at you!  Surrender only to the Savior who has our backs covered.  You first must proactively confess your previous rebellion against God and trust in what Jesus has already done for you.  Problems happen to test our faith in the love Jesus totally provided for us on the cross, so praise Him in these times that seem to be out of control. (Psalms 145:1-3) 

What would happen if every believer in the world today would completely surrender to the power that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ?  Humanity alone cannot do anything without Him!  Our best performance alone is useless.  Decide today to be proactive to understand and grasp the mind of Christ.  Read the Word of God, pray and believe it!