(by pastor Jean)

Isn’t it interesting that satan tempted Jesus in the same way he does us. He tried to speak confusion to His mind (see Matthew 4:4-11). That is just the way it is with us; satan whispers his lies into our minds and then it’s up to us what we do with those thoughts. They are usually in the form of doubts, fears and questions which are contrary to faith, truth and the word. 2 Corinthians chapter 10 gives us specific instructions as to what to do with those troublesome thoughts. Firstly, we are told that this isn’t a battle we fight with our fists but this is spiritual warfare (2 Cor 10:4, Eph 6:12). The battle is in the mind. We are then told to bring, “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 19:5; NKJV). Basically, that means every time our minds wander off onto those negative thoughts we have to say, “no I won’t think on those things” and then replace them with the word of God. That is exactly what Jesus did each time the devil came to tempt Him. He said, “it is written” and then quoted appropriate scriptures. In order to do that we have to have the word in our hearts so we can speak it out, which means spending time in the word each day. We may have to do this many times a day but the word is powerful (Heb 4:12) and that is how we achieve victory!