Good morning! Throughout my life I have been tempted to do things that I shouldn’t do or should not have done. Temptation comes in many forms. Have you ever been tempted? In today’s devotion we will read on Satan’s attempt to tempt Jesus with an appeal to Jesus’ physical appetite. Enjoy today’s devotion.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 4:1-4 NLT
“1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

REFLECTION
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. He was obedient, yet hungry. Then Satan began to test Jesus.

The test or temptation from Satan was “you may eat by changing stones to bread, v.3” which was a temptation that is often compared to Eve’s temptation in the Garden which was, “you may eat of any tree, Genesis 3:1” As you read and compared, it is no surprise that Satan was up to his old temptation tricks.

This is very similar to our own relationship with the Lord. Sometimes when we make a decision to follow the Lord in obedience unexpected things in our lives may occur, and that’s when Satan steps in with negative talk or temptations to side track us from following God’s plan. However, we must learn from Jesus to armor ourselves with the word of God. Just as Jesus quoted “Deuteronomy 8:3 – Man does not live on bread alone, but by God’s Word,” we must remember to speak the truth/Word of God into our situation, over our lives, and do not lies of the enemy to settle in our hearts or minds. 

So brothers and sisters if you are facing difficulties today or temptations you are not alone, let me suggest that you pray and armor up with the words from the book of  Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT:
“13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for your Son Jesus. Thank you for the love you have shown us. Lord, keep us aligned with your word. Guide us as we walk through the deserts and valleys of our lives and teach us to rely on your truth so that we are not overwhelmed by the things of this world, but overflowing with your truth and peace. 

Lord, as our nation begins a new chapter with a new president in office we ask in prayer for our nation to turn to you. Lord, we ask that you take over the office and shift our nation into a better place for all people. Lord, as leaders are put in place and as decisions are made, we ask that you lead those leaders. Lord, give them the wisdom and discernment that they need to align themselves to your will for our nation. Lord, we pray for unity within our communities, churches, and leaders around the world.

Lord, as we continue this week, give strength to those who are weak. Heal those who are ill with undiagnosed and diagnosed conditions. Lord, heal those with chronic medical conditions. Lord, heal and restore families and give them peace that only you can provide. Lord, be with those who are traveling, those going to school and work, and those who are not. Lord, comfort their spirits and keep them safe.

Lord, we pray for those who are in areas that are experiencing floods, those who have snow and frigid conditions, those recovering from the fires, and those who have been impacted by earthquakes. Lord, our hope and trust is in you. Lord, teach us your way. Change us Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

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SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 19, 2025 we will host our next Women’s Retreat. Our theme for the retreat is taken from Ephesians 6:10-17.

Our Theme is: She is Armed & Dangerous  – “Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the spirit.”

Thanks to our faithful donors, the retreat will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual participation. Stay tuned for more updates.

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and also to fill an open Board position.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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