Applying Biblical Teachings

When Jesus was about to start his ministry, He was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil. But before facing the temptations, He went without food for forty days and forty nights. So He was at His weakest when the devil tempted Him.

But Jesus still overcame the temptations, using the Scriptures to outwit the devil. When, for instance, the devil asked Him to turn stones into bread, He said, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Deuteronomy 8:3)

I will emulate Jesus by using the Scriptures to rise above the petty conflicts and worries that litter our everyday living. Okay, let me tell you how.

When I feel bitter over something someone did to me, I will remember Ephesians 4:31-32 which says "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

When I feel afraid of someone, I will remember Isaiah 50:12-13 which says, "Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the Earth?"

When I fear the future, I will remember Jeremiah 29:11 which says, "'For I know the plans I've for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.'"

When I start feeling guilty over a sin I did, I will remember Psalm 103:12 which says "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

When I feel like giving full vent to my feelings, I will remember Proverbs 19:11 which says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offence."

When I get concerned with what other people think of me, I will remember Proverbs 29:25 which says, "It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe."

And finally, when I fear facing death, I will remember Psalms 23:6 which says, "So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward when my life is through, I will return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!"

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