Conquering Me

by Jennifer Jefferson

Christianity Religion

Season 2

The Son without Sin part 3 ; I will do anything for your glory?

We sing or say to the Lord, "for your glory I will do anything? but will we? Following God requires sacrifice, Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Jesus tells us in order to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow HIm. But can we say that in the mist of temptation not just any temptation... but the very thing you have prayed for. It looks like any answered prayed but it is from the enemy himself. vs 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Are we willing to wait and go through the sanctifying process in order to be like Christ? or Will we take shortcuts that ultimately led to our fall. Scriptures reference: Matthew 7:8-11 Matthew 6:30-33 Matthew 6:19-21,24 Luke 14:28-30 Mark 8:34-38 Matthew 16:24-26 Genesis 1 or Genesis 3

The Son without Sin:part 2 "Why did He allow this?"

As we explore the second temptation. I got stuck on why? Why did Christ allow the enemy to carry Him away? Why would Christ, who is more powerful than the tempter be carried away by him. Jesus knew he would only see evil from the devil so why did he dare I day entertain it? Yes, Christ was man but yet He was still powerful. He could have instructed the enemy from the beginning to leave and never return. But I want us to think about why Jesus went through these different temptations. Can you see yourself in Christ? He was carried away by the tempter knowing that it was no good. Were you ever curious about certain temptations? Desire to explore something that was from your flesh? Let’s not read this as another bible story we have heard before. Let’s mediate on the scripture and see Christ. See His meekness, see His sacrifice, see how he responded to the enemy in this moment of weakness. Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:1-3 Matthew 4:5-7 Hebrews 4:15 Ephesians 2:8-9 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 John 6:37 John 6:44

The Son without Sin (4 part series) #1:Don’t fall into pride

The Son without Sin Have you ever thought about what does a life without sin look like? As a kid I thought temptation and sin were the same but as I grew I learned the truth. I didn’t have anyone tell me that sin and temptation are 2 different things but I did learn if I follow temptation it will lead to sin. Jesus was tempted throughout His life but yet he did not sin. How? I followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and quoted scriptures. He called things as they were. In this 4 part series we will discuss through scriptures the temptation of Christ after His 40 day fast. We will see what the enemy said in an attempt to pull Jesus away from His purpose and make God to be a liar. But JESUS BEING JESUS!!! Gave us perfect examples on how to fight against the enemy and not fall into any fleshly desires. Scriptures reference: Matthew 4:1-4 Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 5:6-7 James 1:13-15 John 10:10-11 1 Peter 5;8

Obedience = Peace

In the Enduring Word Commentary is states, “The peace of God: This is the peace spoken of in Philippians 4:7. It is beyond “all mind”; that is, beyond our power of thinking. i. “What is God’s peace? The unruffled serenity of the infinitely-happy God, the eternal composure of the absolutely well-contented God.” (Spurgeon)” Can you imagined being in an eternal state of being unruffled!! Unbothered!! And being in the presence of “ the eternal composure of the absolutely well-contented God. I absolutely enjoy the way Spurgeon described God’s peace. After reading this description it gave me a better understanding of why I just want to feel His peace all the time. I can not stand when I am anxious. I just want to feel His peace. Can we live a life with only peace and with no anxiety or fear in life? Possibly. In order for any of us to live or experience “the peace of God the surpasses all understanding”, we have to live in faith. According to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The more I move in faith the bigger my expectation is regarding God's peace. We will have issues in life that will try to rob us of God's peace but we have to stay desiring to feel His peace even when chaos is all around.

Free me from Money!

Money is not the root of evil BUT The LOVE of money is the root of all KINDS of evil accord to 1 Timothy 6:10 This scripture has been misquoted so many times which has led to false teachings or beliefs around money. Money is a resource that God has allowed us to use to obtain the things we need and want here on earth. Unfortunately, money continues to be center of too many preachers or pastors messages instead of Christ. Sometimes we paint God like a genie that will grant our wishes to obtain wealth. We have lost the beauty of teaching Christ Center message or how my mom would “ teach Christ crucified.” Money has its place but it should not be worshipped. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:24 “ No man can serve tow masters: for either he, will hate the one, and love the other: or else. He will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Side note: mammon means the god of money or money. When we serve an idol we begin to transform ourselves for it. Our character changes to please it. Have you ever heard the saying “money changes people.” Truth is money is a spotlight. Whatever was in you prior to financial increase will be magnified after. Money is not bad , it is a tool or a resource but we have to stop putting all of our hopes and dreams into it. Have you ever said “The moment I have “x” amount of money, I’ll finally be able to do “xyz”? We can’t keep putting all of our hope in this man made paper. There is a line between financial wisdom and financial worship. Check your heart. When you are free from money that is when you can truly walk in financial wisdom which will please and honor God. Scripture Reference : Matthew 6:19-21 Matthew 6:24 1 Timothy 6:6-10

How do you spend your time?

Time is a hot commodity. It seems like everyone wants your time, including the algorithm. LOL. These major tech companies have creates systems to make you stay on websites longer, social platforms longer because they know the longer you stay on the better. I am not here to bash technology because it is a great tool but I am aware that they want our time. Time is precious, we can’t reverse it, can get it back… nothing. Yes you may feel young again or the Lord has restored so much that you feel nothing has been lost. Wow what a blessing! But time is far more valueable than gold. How people have lost a loved one and said “I would give everything to spend so more time with them!” That is a strong statement. God has graces us to experience 24 hours on a daily basis. A large chunk of it, is spent asleep and working but where is our time with God? Have we carved out intentional time to rest in our Father’s arms. God created the heavens and the earth, and on the 7th day He rested and saw it was good. Do you rest in Him and reflect on HIs goodness? Reflected on the things you have created? Spending time with God has to be more than asking Him of things or venting but resting (trusting) in His time, season and power. Scripture Reference: Gen 2:1-3

Desire His Wisdom and Strength

Welcome to 2023!! We are so excited that God has graced us to see another year. Whatever you are desiring and expecting from God this year, ask for His wisdom and strength. You never want your blessing to become an idol, a distraction or possibly be consumed you. In time we are living in, we need His wisdom and strength. We can no longer think we can google our way out of problems. We have to lean on our wonderful counselor... Christ himself. Truthfully it is easy to think that we can live this life without the strength of God. Isn't that what every article says. 5 ways to overcome_______ OR 11 steps for a better life. The list goes on. We are constantly bombarded by information that leads us to excluded the wisdom and strength of God. Family we need Him. In every aspect of our lives. We need the Holy spirt to fill us and consume us. These battles we are facing can not be won through our strength but by His. Zechariah 4:6 So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of Armies. Philippians 2:13 (AMP) 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] [a]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

Mental Health-Let's Pray and Speak Scripture

Lets us Pray!! Mental health is nothing to overlook or minimize. But we can not allow it to become our identity. Let’s pray for people to become whole through faith and instructions guided by God. Scripture Meditation: Philippians 2:5 2 Timothy 1:7 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 10:5 Psalm 1:2 Proverbs 4:23 Philippians 4:8 1 Peter 2:9 Zephaniah 3:17 Psalm 139:13

Don’t Get distracted

Distraction come in all shapes and sizes. Some distractions are valid excuses that most will understand and justify. Distractions may appear to be good for you by the way it is clothed in traditions or norms. Distractions may appear like relaxtion when you should be working and justify your action with some form of reasoning. Distractions may not always appear bad but the point of it is to move you slowly but surely away from the purpose at hand. As believers, we do not operate from conventional wisdom but only the wisdom of God. The wisdom of God instructs us to......"5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Acknowledging God in all things, all your decisions or choices will keep you on the right path.Distractions come to get you off course. To delay your promises, to make you feel like I have wasted to much time. Get focused on today!! Today is here and now. Today is ordained and orchestrated by God himself. But have you asked Him about His plan on today? Not that big plan for your life but just today? Jesus instructs us, “not worry for tomorrow, for it has its worries of its own.” Those who are mature in the faith have to wrestle with becoming focused on the will of God. Jesus said more than once in the Bible, “I must be about my father business” Don’t get distracted. Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Don't get distracted. Scripture reference: James 1:12-16 Philippians 3:12-16 Matthew 6:33-34 2 Peter 3:5-8 1 Corinthians 2:6-11

The Cost of Being Chosen

Season 2 Esp 11. The Cost of Being Chosen Being “chosen” is a choice. When you heard the voice of the Lord to become His child, you accepted that invitation. Maybe you did it privately at home, car, work or an unusual place. Maybe it was public, at a revival church service or in prayer. Where ever you where saved and what got you to that place, you made the decision to be chosen. Being chosen by God sounds great and grand, somewhat like a mystery. We have often narrowed chosen as your purpose but it’s truly is you being saved. You have accepted Him, no what? Being chosen comes with self-disciple, responsibilities that is usually not glamorous or desired. Only a few will walk down the path of being chosen. Being chosen means I choice to accept the will of the Lord for my life. I want to represent Him on earth. I want to bring more people into the kingdom of God. It’s more than having the key to eternal life but following Christ while here on earth. Being chosen is realizing that a you were made to fight and conquer any demonic presence in your life through Christ Jesus. I encourage you, all of us to discover God more. Learn as much as possible about Him, His ways, desires, truth and promises. What does it cost to be chosen ? Scripture Reference Matthew 22:1-14 2 Peter 1:5-8,10 Ephesians 6:11-18 Hebrews3:7-8 Revelation 19:8

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