Thoughts for Life: #33 Pastors Are More Subject to Temptation

C. Peter Wagner tells us in his book, PRAYER SHIELD, to "make no mistake about it, the higher up you go on the ladder of Christian leadership, the higher you go on Satan's hit list.

The devil is characterized as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

If he has a choice, he will devour a leader before he will devour anyone else.

And he will use every weapon in his arsenal to do it.

Satan used the world Eph. 2:1,2. He tempts pastors with greed and power and pride.

Money and power team up with sex as some of the strongest lures for ministers.

It took recent investigative reporting by the secular media to uncover some of the greed among Christian leaders, which others of us have not particularly wanted to face.

And I believe more such news is to come.

The love of money is the root of evil, and Satan has been getting in at that point more than some have suspected.

Satan uses the flesh Eph. 2:2,3. Enough has been said about illicit sex. [See my post by Wagner, #31 Pastoral Indiscretion]

Satan also perverts the mind with pornography. Other ministers are tempted to fall into gluttony or alcohol and substance abuse.

Satan also uses 'the devil' 1 Peter 5:8; cf. John 13:27. This means demonization, spells, curses and incantations.

To imagine that pastors are only subject to the world and the flesh, but not the devil, is in itself a clear satanic deception.

It is true that all Christians are subject to all of the above. But Satan is more specific, persistent and intentional when it comes to pastors and other
leaders."

{We need to support our pastors in prayer, my friends!}

Today’s post -#33 Pastors Are More Subject to Temptation, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines.(pgs. 67,68) By Regal Books

The next post 10/30- Pastors Need Intercession

Let’s pray:

Father, we are aware that all Christians are subject to all of the above. But Satan is more specific, persistent and intentional when it comes to pastors and other leaders. May we be mindful again that our pastor(s) is a human being, and he does have temptations that we aren't aware of, and we are responsible before You, to pray for them. May our prayers help to keep them strong through each and every temptation, to do things that would displease you, and bring harm to them, their families, and also to others who look to
them for a good example to follow. In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray, amen.

"Keep us hungering and thirsting for more of You so that we remain steady in our Christian walk and undeterred by the daily temptations and hindrances the devil hurls at us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen." info@yourverses.net

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint."

Today’s quote: C. S. Lewis – “The most important thing is to keep on; not to be discouraged however often one yields to the temptation, but always to pick yourself up again and ask forgiveness.”

Some thoughts today: Simple, ordinary ministry is valuable in God's sight. Sow into lives around you. Profess godliness with good works.

- As Jesus qualified for blessing, we must be blessed! We are seated in heavenly places, so we don't have to accept a curse from Satan. Resist whatever appears to be one, and turn to God for deliverance.

- Jesus didn't raise me to allow Satan to lay a curse on me, or my pastor!

Thursday’s post: #34 Pastors are More Targeted by Spiritual Warfare C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: Mysterious Ways: Biblically Guided to a Place of Comfort Patricia Hartmann

Sunday's post: House On a Rock author unknown

A popular post: MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING "One thing is for sure: the process that altered a ceiling, [by Michelangelo], from plain to fabulous required a lot of time, great discipline, and the hand of a master artist. The same is true for us. The journey from broken into beautiful is a lifelong transformation that requires both discipline and a Master Artist."