THE FINAL SAY

Our faith walk is not based on feeling. It's based on the truth. Looking at the very life of Jesus who set the right examples for us, you'll learn to walk in, live by, and act on the Word, instead of acting on feelings. Jesus was tempted by the devil when He was extremely hungry but He did not succumb to it. Instead He resisted the pressure of the temptation, or the negative force, with the truth. So whenever you are consumed by your feeling, go to the truth, which is the Word, and locate what is written. It always has the final say concerning every situation you find yourself in.

Reference: Deuteronomy 8:3 New International Version (NIV)

'...Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.'

The Christian life has to do with speaking, living and doing the will of God. To walk in perpetual victory, we must always apply the divine truths or respond to situations with the truth of God's Word. When the devil came to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, all of the Lord's answers were taken from the Biblical principles. For instance, in Matthew 4:4, Jesus responded with what is written in our above reference (Deuteronomy 8:3), "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

In the process of Jesus' temptation, the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said to Jesus, "throw yourself down." For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."' This Scripture the devil quoted was Psalm 91:11-12. He was absolutely right but interestingly, in Matthew 4:7, Jesus responded and answered him, "It is also written: 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God..."' Jesus sourced His response from Deuteronomy 6:16 (KJV).

Notice that the Scripture the devil quoted is true but Jesus overrode it with another truth. In other words, He refused to honour that Scripture because it was coming from the wrong source - the father of all lies (see John 8:44 NIV). This was exactly what happened to Eve in the garden of Eden. The devil subtly showed Eve the wrong interpretation of what God told them to avoid, and he did it with another truth (read Genesis 3:1-7).

This is where we all need the Spirit of discernment because Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light (see 2nd Corinthians 11:14 NLT). But thank God, we can always detect the wrong source by staying in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit and following His guidance. In another way, always be smart by walking in the Spirit, because the devil uses the truth against the truth. Always hold on to the truth from the right source - the original voice of God's Spirit, deep down in your inner man!

Every time Jesus responded to the devil, He said, "It is written…" Jesus stood firm on the Word, and we must do the same because it is our sure foundation! It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, or what the 'ifs' are, or how we feel in any given situation, the Word of God must be taken as the final say. It has 'valid power'. Therefore your pure and undivided devotion to the Word must never be taken for granted because it always delivers what it talks about.

When it seems like your feeling overwhelms you, go back to the Word. Locate and read the Scriptures applicable to your situation or desire - again and again - until you sense faith and courage arising in your heart. Then speak them forth to establish your victory, Just like Jesus.

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 21:18; Luke 4:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12.

Guided Prayer:

Thank you, my heavenly Father, for revealing to me that my victory lies in the power of the Word, and I as speak it forth, I see the transcendent results in my life. I am up always; challenges bow and crumble before me, because the Word of God on my lips makes me more than a conqueror. I walk in victory now and always and I live triumphantly to your glory, in Jesus' Name, Amen!