“Satan’s Desire is for You ”


BIBLE READING: Luke 22, John 13
DISCUSSION                                                          
                “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22.31).  We have all understood how those words must have haunted Peter for the rest of his life, but have we ever thought about how difficult it was for Jesus to say them to Peter?  Imagine this scenario, your child is about be faced with a temptation.  This temptation is so great that you know there is a strong chance that your child will fail this test.  Your child’s entire future is riding on this one test of their faith and in your heart of hearts, you know that your child is not strong enough to handle it.  You are now faced with the reality of it; are they capable of bouncing back after such a failure, or will they drift off into the world.   I don’t know any parent that would want to be placed in a situation such as that, but that may be just how Jesus felt.  He knew the power that Satan had.  He knew the lure that his temptation brought.  He knew that Peter wasn’t strong enough to handle it.  He also knew the pain and turmoil it would bring upon Peter until that resurrection morning. I am sure that it was very difficult for Peter to hear those words of Jesus and even tougher to have to deal with his fall.  However, we cannot overlook how hard it must have been for Jesus to see his servant and friend suffer so much as he fell into the Devil’s trap.  We must never forget that not only was that hard for Jesus to experience with Peter, He continues to experience it with all His children.  He knows that we are all susceptible to the wiles of the evil one and that at some point we all will fall.  Yet, He continues to pray for us, just as He did for Peter, in hopes that we can learn from our mistakes and bounce back.   Don’t ever forget, that just as Satan asked for Peter, he has asked for you as well.  Just as he prayed for Peter…He continues to pray for you!
Prayer Requests:___________________________________________________________________________________

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more