Memorize: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22: 31
Devotional Reading: Luke 22: 31-40
Everyone need strength to perform or become productive, it can either be spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, mental or even financial strength, whatever form of strength you can be to others, be strength to someone.
Before Jesus revealed to Peter that Satan had desired to have him, Jesus must have observed the life of Peter and noticed a change or tendency to change and drift back to his old person.
This was an indication that Satan was already at work behind the scenes in the bid to pull him down and make him look back. This was further corroborated by Peter’s involvement in the argument that ensued amongst the disciples about who would be the greatest, which happened at a time that they should have been more concerned about who will betray Jesus. Why did the devil target Peter out of all the disciples? I believe it was because Peter had assumed the leadership position and he was the one that got the revelation from God that Jesus is Christ. By receiving this revelation, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter signifying that he had been delivered from every negative influence associated with his former name by which Satan held him captive. What negative name has been associated with you or your family? What label have you been tagged with, resulting in a situation you are going through? As you receive the revelation of CHRIST, you will be delivered from that situation today, and your entire life will be turned around and rebranded for good in Jesus Name.
In John 21:15; After Jesus had dined with his disciples, “He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. We all know that food produce strenght, whatJesus was saying to Peter was that, he should be strenght to others, the sheep Christ would give to him. I ask you today, are you a source of strength to others, or are you a strenght drainer? Are you an encourager or do you discourage others from achieving their good dreams or visions? Are you happy at the progress of others or do you feel sad and unhappy if you are not the one celebrating? Some people are selfish, they just want all the good things of life to happen to them and let others have the left over if they get any at all. This is not the attitude that is expected amongst God’s children. There is a rule in the kingdom of God, and the rule according to Proverbs 27:17; is “Iron sharpeneth Iron” You must be a compliment and added value to others and seek the good of others regardless of your personal interest.
Another great rule in the kingdom of God is “Love” You must love everyone around you especially those of the household of faith and prefer one another; Romans 12:9&10; Let love be without dissimulation, Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. This rule is for everyone in God’s kingdom to follow and obey, I ask you today, do you follow that rule, or do you jealous others. The attitude of some people even believers is – ME-ME-ME: this is not the attitude Christ want you to have, you must think about others, help others, encourage others; be source of joy and strenght to others, give good advice to others, help others achieve their positive dreams and goals and be a blessing, as you do this, the LORD will make others be source of joy to you too and be blessing to you in Jesus name.
Jesus states in Matthew 26:31 to his disciples “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad”. If you are a leader, you must come to the realization that Satan will always target you, which means you must continually remain connected to God to secure yourself against his wiles. From verse 33 of our text, we can deduce by Peter’s response that he did not believe that Satan could have him. However, unknown to Peter, he had been exhibiting signs of his old self and he did not even know it. You must beware not to return to your old self.
This is because when Satan wants to pull us down, he comes to us in ways that are not obvious, especially from our blind side, which is why we must continuously take heed to ourselves. The devil makes the old habits attractive to us again, the way to avoid falling into the devil’s temptation is by continuously maintaining a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and the study of God’s Word so that we do not become vulnerable to wiles and devices of the devil. We must also obey the commandments of God. Remember Lot’s wife Luke 17:32; don’t be a snare or discouragement, you must be strength to others
May the LORD help you to be strength and joy to others in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Almighty father, uphold me by your powerful hand and help me be strength and joy to others in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Don’t be a snare, be strength and joy to others.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
