Tag Archives: temptation

Are You Ready to Walk this Walk Out Together?

I am reminded of the words of Amos 3:3, “can two walk together, except they be agreed?” These words conjure up thoughts of individuals not able to work out a problem. Or someone who’s not ready to do a thing when the other person is. Or maybe someone who is part of a team is ready to commit to the team and the other is not. Maybe they have many personal problems, or they’re not ready to let go of the life they’re living. Yet, still their heart says yes, but their mind is saying no, not yet.

That brings to mind a very familiar chapter in the book of Hebrews:

6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Hebrews 3:6-15

Look at your neighbor and say “Are you ready to walk this walk out together?” Some of us might be thinking of that old Winans song, in which the lyrics go like this: “ Tomorrow, I’ll give my life Tomorrow…Tomorrow might be to late.”

Even the Bible in the book of James says: 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

James 4:13-14

You know what? We are helpers one to another. If you or I stumble, we can helper each get back on our feet again, not just stand there and make fun of our stumbles or falls. In this life, I’ve learned one thing about people: They always have an excuse for everything in life, no matter what it may be. Here at Ark of Covenant Ministries (AOCM) we have a motto: Never give up and never surrender, no matter what comes. How many times have you ever had to stand alone to face a situation or failures in your life? Well, if you don’t know or have become some what disconnected from Him, it’s never to late to get reconnected to Him. We all started out saying, “Lord I’ll follow You where ever it may lead,” but some how things got twisted.

We started to sound like the individual in the book of Luke: 57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:57-62

In my conclusion, I’ll leave you with this: 1 Corinthians 1:10 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Remember this: Proverbs 24:1-3 1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

1 Corinthians 1:10 & Proverbs 24:1-3

Let this word be accepted by all who read it, and it is so. In Jesus name.

Be Thou Enlightened, Reminded & Encouraged

As we move along our walk in Christ, we cannot soon forget that Satan and his minions never sleep like men do, nor do they require substance to exist. So while their mission is to defeat you by placing stumbling blocks in your christian walk, they do not rest or take vacations. For their sole purpose is delay your understanding and purpose with God. They do not give up on their quest. This way we have to be aware of the Devil and his minions tricks, and antics. The Word of God 2 Corinthians 2:11 says 
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Let us not forget to stand strong and be not dismayed at the things we’re going through. It is the trying of our faith and the hardening of our resolve to never give up nor surrender to the systematic attacks of the devil and his minions. 

It seems like when it rains it pours. In our life when we go through one thing, it seems like a succession. Don’t think it abnormal because Satan is attacking us constantly. We ask the Lord “Why?!” But think about this, when you know that you can go through and get through the other end of the test, you know that you are going to succeed and be victorious, because your faith outweighs you being scared. Know this, the trying of your faith makes you have patience to hang in there. When your patience is secure and strong, no matter what people do to you, those individuals who are used by Satan don’t know that they are being used. Don’t get mad at them, the only time you should get mad is at yourself is when you fall for what they’re doing, via Satan. 

Matthew 4:1-11 

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Matthew 4:1-11

It says in the Word that He was hungry; He was fasting for so long, and in the process of being hungry Satan came. What does that mean? Satan won’t attack you at your strongest point because he’ll have a battle on his hands. He’ll attack you at your weakest point. He comes like the snake that he is, slithering in, whether through people, situations, or through your mind. He attacks, and attacks you at your weak state, and begins to consume you. Satan knew the state Christ was in. Satan knows the state you’re in. His minions are constantly watching, knowing what state you’re in. So Satan is looking at Christ, knowing who He was, the Son of God. Satan wanted Jesus to use His authority to change stones into bread. To change something for His flesh. But Jesus said man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. If you think that going to work everyday so you can go buy groceries to eat is living, then you don’t even know what you are or who you are, or aware of what you can be because you’re caught up in the cares of this life. You are not in tune to who God wants you to be. The only way to do that is to look for your life in Christ, not your flesh and the world. Its by the Word of God that you have life. Out of His mouth He’ll give you things of understanding, direction, focus; its when we get at that cross roads, one to the right and one to the left, and you’re at the fork of it, and you ask “where do I go from here?” At the crossroads of life is where Satan appears. That crossroads doesn’t mean life is over, but comes down to the point of making a decision or situation in your life.

Satan comes and show you a short term picture, not the long term. We who move in society today, we don’t want to wait for anything. Satan knows that, that is why he shows you a short term, glorious picture of what can be or could be, but he never shows you the consequences until after the fact. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. Satan will show you some good things. Take a little time from your prayer life; take a little time from going out to help others; take a little time from doing Church work, and you will have all the things you want. But what opportunities will you miss? The opportunity to witness to a soul who was just about to take its life, or the next move of God. But Satan won’t show you these things, he only wants to show you what will please your flesh. Jesus threw the Word of God to that temptation and that is what we should do. Satan always reminded Jesus He was the Son of God. Satan will do that to you too. You are a Child of God, so its like an indictment. So whatever you do from this point on, you already know the consequence of your actions. So Satan says “whenever I go before your Father, I will accuse you.” Satan wants to openly shame you before your God. 

Satan usually attacks, one after another. You’re so tired after one test, that you stumble into the next test, and you ask the Lord what you’ve done to get the next test. Satan thought that because God was in flesh form that He was tempted easily by the things of this world. So what does that tell you? As long as your mind is locked on the flesh things of this world, then Satan can tempt you. God keeps those in perfect peace who’s mind is stayed on Him. If your mind is to be something in the world, and with other people, then Satan has you in his back pocket. If your desires are for this world and the things of this world, Satan has you, and you will fail every test that Christ allows to be placed on you. Satan roams about this world seeking whom he will devour. He can only do so to those whose mind is not set on Christ. The cares of this life are not my concern. I pray for this world and the leaders in this world, but the cares of this life are not my concern. 

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


Matthew 5:1-16

We are suppose to exemplify Christ upon this Earth. It is not for our glory but for His glory. When people look at you and you exemplify Christ, people see Christ through you, and glorify God, not you. When you get a bottle of water do you look more for the water or the bottle? We are the bottle, and the water is Christ within us. People can see Christ through you and they will glorify God. 

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.


Matthew 5:17-20

You are representing Christ, because you should be doing more than what other religions of the world are doing because you belong to Him. All things are possible if you believe. If you don’t believe then things will not be done in His name for what you asked. Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of everyone else who isn’t under Christ, you won’t go to Heaven. Well what have you done to bring someone else to Jesus? We didn’t have time, we didn’t have money; Did you ask? Yes. But with what intention did you ask? To satisfy your flesh to impress. 

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.


Matthew 5:21-48

As we go about our daily walk in our Christian walk, we should always remember to be mindful of what we say, do, how we act; this is what we have to give an account for at the time of an offence or situation. However, more than that, what is your attitude in your time of testing and trial? Are you in a prayerful state, or are you complaining and whining through the whole thing? Did the Lord at one time complain and whine when He was being whipped for us? What is your attitude in your test? If the Lord allows you to go through, know this, He will bring you through because He won’t put anymore on you than you can bear without giving you a way of escape. As children of God going forth in Him, we are too emotional. We have a central mindset on us. Our cenergy, is focused more on how we feel and how we’re being treated. Very few people care about really how they’re hurting others. Its always “what they’ve done to me” or “what they’re doing to me.” As Children of God, we can’t have a selfish nature, because that leaves us open to the tricks and antics of Satan. It makes opportunity for him to defeat you. 

It’s Only a Test to See Where You’re At

In other arenas some call it a wake up call. Has there ever been a time in your life were it
seems like nothing was going right for you? It appears that ever time you take two steps
forward, sometimes it fills like you got kicked a yard backward. Even when you just got freed from a
thing, here comes a person, place or thing popping back up in your life again, trying to remind you
of what you did in the past. Then all of a sudden your mind starts to reminisce of what had
transpired in your past, weather good or bad, and the more you reflect on the past, you begin to
live in that past again, drawing from all the emotions, either good or bad. Then once
again you’re bound, forever looking behind you, never in front of you. As you know no one can ever
grow in their life looking behind themselves. Even as the Bible say that a person can’t plow
their field looking back (Luke 9:62).

Luke 9:59-62
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

“It’s just a test too see where you’re at!”

When you look at the word “It’s”: This denotes an advent in your life that has caused you to slow
down or even halts your process in your Psyche (soul or mind) but heighten your sense.

Now when we look at the word TEST: which is the procedure intended to establish the quality
performance, or reliability of something before wide spread use.

Now in the case of a Christian it is becoming self-awareness in your Spiritual walk and growth before the Lord can use you. You must remember Jesus is making you into someone He can use for the kingdom but
breaking and disconnecting from your attachment to this world. So if your going through any situation and it seems like there is no end and no answer, just remember that the Lord Jesus will not put no more on you then you can bear without giving you a way of escape.

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

We must remember that Jesus is making a new creature in you for Him; a vessel that holy and acceptable for His use and His will. What greater faith and love the Lord Jesus has in us to make us just like Him?!

Example:
The old samurai sword maker spent months and sometime even years to make the ultimate
sword that any emperor or king would use and pass down through out generations.The blade
would be almost perfect. But the process to achieve that end takes a lot of heating, folding,
beating, cooling over and over again; thousands of time over months and years. Don’t refuse the heat and don’t refuse the beating. In other words don’t complain because of your tests or your trials of temptation, health, finance, and any affairs of the heart.

James 1:1-4
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

He will not put nothing on you that will cause you to sin or to turn from Him. We just have to see it through to the end no matter what. He already saw the best in you when you on saw the worst in you. You saw failure and He saw victory in you. Remember your are that samurai sword that’s being made into perfection, ready to be used by the king of glory!

Reference scriptures:
1. Ephesians 6:1-14 putting on the whole Armor of God
2. Phil 11:29 believe and suffer for him.
3. Gal. 5:1 be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage
4. Rev. 3:20 he’s knocking at the door.