It is the subtlety of Satan, to send temptations to us by the unsuspected hands of our best and dearest friends. Thus he assaulted Adam by Eve, Job by his wife, and here Christ by His beloved Peter.
It concerns us therefore not to be ignorant of his devices, but to stand against his wiles and depths, by standing always upon our guard against sin, whoever moves us to it. Even the kindnesses of our friends are often abused by Satan, and made use of as temptations to us.
Those who have their spiritual senses excercised, will be aware of the voice of Satan, even in a friend, a disciple, a minister, that dissuades them from their duty. We must not regard who speaks, so much as what is spoken; we should learn to know the devil's voice when he speaks in a saint as well as when he speaks in a serpent.
Whoever takes us off from that which is good, and would have us afraid of doing too much for God, speaks Satan's language. (Matthew Henry)
Christ had just revealed to the disciples that He would be crucified and then resurrected. Peter was upset and told Him no; that didn't have to be done. This is when Christ rebuked Peter. I hadn't really thought about the fact that Satan can speak through believers as well as nonbelievers. I'm afraid I have been guilty of being used as his mouth piece more than once.
My husband is an elder of the church, teaches, and is involved in several things within the church. On more than one occasion I have voiced my "displeasure" that his time was being taken by things of the church. Now the Holy Spirit did bring it to my attention that our precious "time" is to be given to the Lord. And I'm not talking about being out of balance; Christ provides a harmonious rhythm to our lives if we let Him. This was the first time I was aware of this being in the scriptures though and it blew me away.
Happy Birthday to my first born child! You came right on time with no problems. We named you Richard because it means warrior--and I wanted you to be a warrior for God's kingdom. You had the energy of triplets wrapped up in one small bundle. God has blessed you with a good disposition, kindness of the heart, and loyalty to things you deem important.
I always think of you when Mary stated in the Bible that she hid the things of Christ within her heart. Sons are a mother's heart when they are little; you were always quick to confine in me about things that were on your heart. As you became a man your father was one in which you confided more and that is the way it should be.
You have generations on both sides examples of Godly men; and my prayer for you will always be that your heavenly Father is the one in whom you reach out to for everything. May God's blessings and Grace pour out upon you and loyalty to His kingdom will never leave your heart.
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