Warriors Arise: August 10, 2023
Matthew 4:5-6 (NKJV) Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and,
‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
The devil is quoting Scripture. It is one many have read and clung to during very difficult times. I have prayed this prayer on more than one occasion. I had to look it up to remember where it was first mentioned. When we were in the hospital with Lydia, battling the enemy for her life, because she was struck with A.L.L. Leukemia, many people message me saying they were praying Psalm 91 over her and our family.
The devil knows Scripture. He was hunting just as frantically as Herod to find the Messiah, the Christ, the prophesied to come. It was probably no surprise to Jesus that the devil used Scripture. Although I am sure it was offensive to hear the devil quote Scripture to tempt Jesus. It would have offended me, "How dare you, the arch enemy of God, use Scripture to tempt Me. At least come up with your own words." I have no doubt the enemy wanted to be offensive. He was trying to provoke Jesus. It was part of the temptation. He was trying to get a rise out of Him.
The devil quotes a Scripture that is dear to myself and so many Christians. Since it is used today so readily by Christians who are in the midst of a battle, trauma, trial or temptation, I am sure Believers prior to the time of Christ used it as well. It is known as declaring God as all-powerful, El-Shadday. Terrible things happen in life and Christians want the assurance God is in control. He is the mighty One. He can protect them and get them through this atrocious time.
Psalm 91 is powerful. Which is why it is odd, to me, that the devil would quote a part from that Scripture. Jesus might have laughed when the devil quoted Psalm 91:11 and 12, because before verse eleven and after verse twelve the chapter is full of declaring God's power and how we are to hide under His shadow, He will deliver us, cover us, His truth is our shield and buckler. That is just in the first four verses. I wonder if Jesus thought, "Really, you're going to quote those verses? Are you just trying to sound like you know something? Do you remember what comes before and after what you just quoted?"
You may take the opportunity to read through Psalm 91. Then think about how Jesus would have been completely encouraged by the devil trying to tempt Him with verse eleven and twelve.
This is why we need to know the sum of God's word. When the devil tries to pull a fast one and quote Scripture to confuse us, we can remain steadfast in our position in Christ by remembering the complete Word. Yes, God's angel are given charge over us. We can trust they will do what God has instructed. There is no need for a demonstration. The word is true yesterday, today and forevermore.
Father, I know I have been confused at times with Your Word. I am thankful for the desire to search it out. The enemy's desire to twist Scripture is straighten out when I position myself before You in the Word. You reveal the truth and the understanding of the Word. I am grateful You speak to me. I am thrilled You want me to understand Your Word. Thank You for teaching me of Your ways and Your word. Thank You for removing the confusion by revealing Your Word. When You speak Your word my thoughts are clear. I may have to allow my mind and faith to be stretched by they re not twisted. Therefore, I position myself before You to learn in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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