DAY 87 - Follow Jesus' example to win over Satan

Today’s Reading: Luke 22

(Please read Luke 22: 1 – 71 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Luke 22:
Chinese: http://www.o-bible.com/cgibin/ob.cgi?version=hb5&book=luk&chapter=22
ESV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022&version=ESV
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022&version=MSG

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed. Luke 22: 39- 41

The worst idea for a Christian is to think that we have the ability to win over Satan. In today’s reading, two of Jesus' apostles failed. Are you better than they were? Only if we admit that we are unable to beat Satan and only by following Jesus' way can we lead a victorious life for Jesus.

What I heard from Jesus is in three parts:
1. The two steps for Satan to control us are:
a. Satan enters –

Judas - Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. Luke 22:3
Peter - “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. Luke 22:31

b. Make consent to Satan’s trick

Judas - They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Luke 22: 5-6

Peter - The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22: 61-62

2. The two steps for getting back to follow Jesus
a. To turn back-
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, Luke 22: 32
b. To strengthen your brothers
And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 32

3. Jesus' secret to win over Satan – go out to pray as usual
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, Luke 22: 39- 41


Jesus' apostles and disciples did not learn Jesus' secret until Jesus’ ascension. It is so difficult to learn this so simple but yet most important lesson for any Christian. They turned back, they gathered together to strengthen their brothers and sisters. And the most important thing was they gathered to PRAY!

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1: 12 - 14

All Christians know that we need to pray, but not a lot of Christians really pray daily like Jesus did. How can we win over Satan? A Christian leader wrote to me three days ago reflecting his heart: Are we used by Jesus or are we 'using' Jesus?

All Christians know that we need to have daily devotions but only less than 10% or even 5% are having daily devotions. But Jesus did His daily devotions “as usual” daily!

Brothers and sisters, I don’t know how many of you are reading my blog and how many are blessed by it. But Jesus told me today that I need to have another phase of 100 days of prayer. We have two weeks time to complete our first time ever 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign and I am calling you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ to fill in your names in the new list below to pray for 100 days more. Many wonderful things have happened in the past 86 days. Can we follow our King, our Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ to use an hour’s time to pray for His protection and blessings to my new ministry as the Bishop of ACiC/AI, all our ACiC/AI clegy, leaders and people? Pray that in the Holy and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we can win over Satan's tricks, in order to strengthen our brothers and sisters so that His Kingdom will be extended.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Only you can call us to join this second phase of 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign. Call us that we are willing to pray. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Please click this link to participate in our 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign (August 20 to Nov. 28)

Please click this new link to participate in our 2nd phase 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign (Nov 29, 2009 to March 8, 2010)