Matthew 4 & Psalm 23

This is a new day, and God loves you!   Your destiny is greatness!  But what is greatness?   To the world, it is position, power, and purse.   To the believer, it is, at times, how we compare ourselves to others.  It is how we compare ourselves to God.  It is having a pure heart, walking in obedience, and fulfilling our assignment in life. 

You are destined for God’s greatness, and as you embrace His purposes and view, inside you prosper, and out of that inner prosperity comes outward manifestation.   That is why John could pray they would prosper and be healthy even as their soul prospered.  True health and prosperity begin on the inside and work their way to the outside.  That is prosperity that prospers the soul and contains no sorrow.

Matthew 4 tells us that after 40 days of fasting, Jesus became hungry.  In the moment of need, then the tempter came.  He did not come when there was no place to tempt. Jesus had been fasting, so He had a physical need – the temptation to make stones bread and use the gift and power of God for personal benefit.

Jesus had been considering His eternal destiny and purpose.  Thus, the place for temptation was to call attention to Himself misusing the power and gifts of God.  He knew He was to rule the nations as the Son of God. Therefore, the temptation to make it happen the easy way.  The devil had legal authority over the earthly kingdoms, but Jesus would strip him of that at the Cross.

The Key: Temptation comes in a time of need or a time when we have the opportunity to take a shortcut or the easy way.

Psalm 23 – Because of who He is and what He has done, we live with no sense of lack.  No reason to take a shortcut. In Him, we are restored, refreshed, and renewed Daily.  He is our guide and defense.  He is our provider; no matter what we face, He is There!

If we, as Jesus, cling to the Word and Purpose of God and walk in total obedience, we Will receive His provision and reach the desired destination.   Do not seek shortcuts; seek Him!  It may not be easy, but it will be victorious!  Never Give Up, and Never Give In, He Will Not Fail!

Have a fantastic day and walk in the fullness of Whom God has called you to be!