Beware of the Enemy!

by John Tilton on January 04, 2021

Today's Reading:

Luke 4:13

Scripture

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Observation

I’ve ready often of how Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit and was tempted by the devil. We read that Jesus could not be tempted by the devil. What caught me this time as I read the chapter is that when the devil had finished his tempting, he left Jesus until an opportune time. Thus, the devil did not plan to give up but planned for a future opportune time.

Application

This scripture is a very profound and prudent reminder that I need to be cognizant and mindful that the devil is always awaiting an opportunity to pounce on us with the temptation to hopefully lead us into sin and destruction. To know that the devil waits and watches for an opportune time brings to life the reality of the battle in the spiritual realm and how I need to protect myself by being aware of the devil’s ways. I need to be vigilant and aware of the enemy’s tactics and my fleshly desires. I need to be diligent in studying the Word so that I will be aware of the enemy’s attempts to blindside me. I need to keep up my guard by using the word of God as my armor and shield.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of the devil’s ways. Please guide me through your word and enable me to beware with my eyes and ears open to temptation and things that are not of your will.

About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College.

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.