Christ Embassy De Aar Branch

17/06/2026

Wednesday, Jun 17 2026

THE REAL SOURCE OF TEMPTATION

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed (James 1:14).

The Word of God reveals something profound about temptation and how it comes. Temptation doesn’t begin outside; it begins from within. We just read it: “… every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust....” It didn’t say by someone else’s actions or external pressure; it says you’re tempted when you’re lured by your own lust.

That means the source is internal. Only what your heart already craves can tempt you. So, when people fall into temptation, it’s not the environment that caused it but the inclination of their heart. It’s not what they were exposed to but what they were already attracted to.

The Bible gives us the progression: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). First, there’s attraction, then contemplation, followed by conception, and finally, manifestation. It doesn’t start with the act; it begins with what was allowed from within.

That’s why the focus should always be on your heart. The Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). It’s about what you permit to take root within you. Many try to avoid temptation by avoiding situations; while that may be helpful, the real issue is the condition of the heart.

A man is not tempted simply because something exists; he is tempted because something in him responds. This is why blaming others for your slips, errors, or temptations is disingenuous. The Scripture is clear: you’re tempted when you’re drawn away by what already has a hold on your heart.

That means the responsibility is personal. And this isn’t to bring condemnation but understanding, because once the source is understood, the solution becomes clear. You don’t deal with temptation through fear; you overcome it with the light of God’s Word and by walking in the Spirit. When you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that gives me understanding. I’m not led by wrong desires; I walk in the Spirit and manifest the nature of righteousness. I live above every influence of the flesh, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
James 1:13-15 NIV; Galatians 5:16-21 NIV; Matthew 5:27-28

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 7:1-53; 2 Chronicles 29-30

2-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Isaiah 3

16/06/2026

Tuesday, Jun 16 2026

SET YOUR AFFECTION ON HIM

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).

The Spirit, through the Apostle John, gives a clear and uncompromising instruction that must be understood in its full weight and implication: love not the world. This is a direct call to absolute separation in affection and alignment from the things of this world.

The world, in this context, isn’t the physical earth or the people in it but the godless system of the world that’s governed by the senses, driven by lust, sustained by pride, and opposed to God’s divine will and purpose.

It brings to mind the profound admonition of the Spirit in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Your love should be on the Father; your affection should be set on heavenly realities and not on the things of this world.

Read again the latter part of our opening verse; it says, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It shows that the issue isn’t merely the external association or relationship with the world but internal affection. This is why the example of Demas in 2 Timothy 4 is so instructive.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Demas was listed among Paul’s fellow labourers and companions in ministry, a witness of divine power. Yet, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul declares, “...Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world....” Demas’ detour from the work of the ministry was a result of his affection; he had loved this present world.

Worldliness, therefore, is not first a matter of conduct but of inclination. It draws, it appeals, and presents alternatives, and over time, it produces separation from one’s calling and divine purpose. But as a Christian, you’re crucified to the world, and the world is crucified to you: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

Therefore, don’t think like the world or live by its standards. Love the Lord wholly and truly, and live in the consciousness of your oneness with Him and separation unto Him. Let His Word guide your life. Let your love for Him compel and constrain you at all times (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that aligns my heart with your will. My affections are set on you, and I walk in the consciousness of my dominion over the systems of this world. I live unto you, to fulfil your call and destiny for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
James 4:4; Romans 8:5-9 NIV; Matthew 6:21; 1 John 2:15-17

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 6:1-15; 2 Chronicles 26-28

2-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Isaiah 2

13/06/2026

Saturday, Jun 13th 2026

HE BROUGHT US OUT TO BRING US IN

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers (Deuteronomy 6:23).

There’s always divine intentionality behind God’s actions. When He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, it wasn’t to abandon them in the wilderness. The exodus or “coming out” of Egypt was never the end goal; it was the pathway to their inheritance. The “bringing in” was the ultimate purpose. His purpose for bringing them out was to take them in!

This foreshadows what God accomplished for you in Christ Jesus. Salvation is far more than deliverance from sin; it’s the entrance into righteousness. It’s induction into liberty and dominion. Colossians 1:12-13 says, “Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

Notice He didn’t bring you out of darkness and leave you at the mercy of Satan and the circumstances of life; rather, He brought you into His marvelous light, into a life of ever-increasing glory and unending victories. So, it’s not enough to celebrate that He brought you out of sin or out of darkness; the real deal is where He brought you into, where you are now.

He brought you out of pain, sickness, disease and infirmities that He might bring you into health. He brought you out of poverty that He might bring you into wealth. In Acts 26:17-18, we see this divine pattern again; it says, “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God….”

He emphasizes the transition into something higher, a divine relocation. He’s brought you into Himself; you’re in Him now. You live in the realm of divine authority, love, glory and power. Therefore, reign and rule in righteousness, dominating the forces of this world. Blessed be God!

Prayer / Confession

I live in righteousness, health, abundance, wisdom and dominion. I’m in Christ, and I’ve embraced my inheritance in Him. I reign in life, fully aware of my translation into the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son. Thank you heavenly Father, for the redemptive work of Christ and the glorious life it has ushered me into, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
Deuteronomy 6:23 AMPC; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:12-13 NIV

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 4:1-31; 2 Chronicles 16-19

2-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 3:1-10; Song of Solomon 5-6

13/06/2026

12/06/2026

Friday, Jun 12 2026

DISCERN THE SOURCE

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan… (Matthew 16:23).

Not everything that sounds right is from God. Not every thought, idea, or opinion that comes nicely is inspired by the Spirit. You must learn to discern. In Matthew 16, for example, the Lord Jesus asked His disciples, “… whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

Peter answered, “...Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Then the Lord said to Peter, “…Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

But shortly afterwards, when the Lord Jesus began to speak about His death, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “...Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee" (Matthew 16:22). Notice what happens next: immediately, the Lord “…turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23).

This was the same Peter: one moment, he was speaking by revelation from God, the next moment, Satan is speaking through him. But the Lord Jesus discerned the source of the words Peter spoke. He didn’t address Peter as a person; He addressed the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

That means you must discern the source of every word, inspiration and action. When you speak, it should always be from God. Your thoughts should always be inspired by the Holy Spirit so that your words will synchronize with God’s perfect will.

Peter spoke from personal desire. He wanted an earthly kingdom. He wanted a position. He wanted a system that favoured him. What sounded like concern was actually self-interest. So, don’t judge things by how they sound; you’re to discern them by the Spirit.

Not every good-sounding word or emotional reaction is spiritual. That’s why you must stay filled with the Spirit and let the Word of God dwell in you richly. 1 John 4:1 declares, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God….” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us not to despise the Word (prophecies) but to test everything and hold fast to that which is good and edifies. In other words, discern the source.

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for granting me spiritual discernment. I’m not led by appearances or emotions; I’m led by your Spirit. I recognize the source of thoughts and words, and I walk in alignment with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
Matthew 16:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 3:1-26; 2 Chronicles 12-15

2-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 2:8-17; Song of Solomon 3-4

11/06/2026

Thursday, Jun 11 2026

DON’T DELAY TO APPLY GOD’S WORD

…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

It’s unfortunate that, out of indifference or lack of spiritual discipline, some Christians neglect to confess God’s Word concerning their lives, assuming they can always do so later. But spiritual things don’t work that way.

When you delay to apply God’s Word against the adversary, you create room for his operations to persist. Don’t allow it. Deal with him promptly and decisively, giving him no place. The Scripture is clear: “Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).

The instruction in our opening verse is equally clear: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” That resistance is not for a later time; it is for the very moment he attempts to afflict your body or interfere with your circumstances. You don’t postpone it; you confront it immediately with the Word. To delay is to yield ground, but to act on the Word is to enforce your dominion.

Speak the Word and exercise your faith as the Scripture instructs: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Refuse to accommodate anything contrary to what God has said about you. This is the life of faith. You respond with the Word at once and align your actions with the truth you have received.

Always remember that Satan is a defeated foe; you’re superior to him. You’ve already overcome him and all his demons. Keep them where they belong—under your feet. Hallelujah!

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for the power of your Word in my life. I respond immediately to every situation with your Word, enforcing my dominion and walking in the reality of all that you’ve made available to me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
Ephesians 6:10; James 1:22-25

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 2:22-47; 2 Chronicles 8-11

2-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 2:1-7; Song of Solomon 1-2

06/06/2026

Saturday, Jun 06 2026

THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR ADVERSARY

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

There’re many opinions and assumptions about Satan, our adversary, but only the Word of God reveals his true identity. The Bible is the most authoritative source on spiritual realities and through it, God unveils the origin, nature and operations of the devil. Without this knowledge, men walk in ignorance; but with it, you walk in light, understanding and dominion.

If you believe in God, then you must also believe what He has said. The same God who reveals Himself to us in Scripture also clearly tells us that there is a devil. To deny the existence of Satan therefore, is to deny God’s own testimony. The Scriptures don’t present the devil as an abstract idea; they reveal him as a spiritual personality.

The Bible tells us about his origin. He was once an angel who later rebelled against God and became the adversary. When someone dismisses the existence of Satan, they often fail to recognize his incognito and the subtle ways he attempts to influence, deceive, kill, and destroy.

But the knowledge of the Word gives you discernment, confidence and the advantage to deal wisely and spiritually in life. It equips you with the knowledge and faith necessary to walk in constant dominion over Satan and his cohorts of darkness.

The Lord Jesus said, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Hallelujah! Yes, you have an adversary, the devil, but he’s a defeated foe. He’s under your feet. You’re not at his mercy; he’s subject to your authority in Christ. You’re superior to him, for you have the power to cast him out (Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17). Walk in this knowledge and exercise your dominion in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that gives me understanding of spiritual realities. My mind is enlightened through the Scriptures, and I walk in wisdom, discernment and victory. I’m alert, grounded in your truth, manifesting the authority and dominion I have in Christ over Satan and the kingdom of darkness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
1 Peter 5:8 AMPC; James 4:7; Luke 10:18-19

1-year bible reading plan
John 20:1-18; 1 Chronicles 20-22

2-year bible reading plan
1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Ecclesiastes 3-4

05/06/2026

Friday, Jun 05 2026

A DEFEATED KINGDOM

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house (Mark 3:27).

When the Lord Jesus addressed the accusation that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub, He revealed profound truths about the kingdom of darkness. First, He made it clear that Satan has a kingdom with a structure. Satan’s kingdom operates with coordination and hierarchy. We referenced this in our previous study.

However, the Master went further and revealed another crucial truth. In Mark 3:27, He spoke about entering a strong man’s house and spoiling his goods. The “strong man” in this context refers to Satan. The Lord Jesus explained that no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his possessions unless the strong man is first “bound.”

With this statement, the Lord revealed His authority over Satan—the same authority which He passed on to us—His Church. He said in Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Then, in Mark 16:17, He said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils….”

Jesus, casting out demons was proof that He had authority over the kingdom of darkness. While Satan operates with a structured system of demonic forces, he is nevertheless a defeated foe. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Satan and the forces of darkness were decisively defeated.

Colossians 2:15 NKJV tells us that Jesus Christ disarmed principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them. Yet, even though Satan has been defeated, he still attempts to operate with the same strategies he’s used throughout history. He has lost his authority, but he continues to function through deception, intimidation and manipulation.

This is why you must walk in the light of God’s Word and remain conscious of your victory in Christ and the dominion you have in His Name. Your authority over Satan is rooted in the triumph of Christ. You’re not fighting to obtain victory; you’re standing in the victory that has already been won. Live in the consciousness of this truth. You’re in dominion over Satan and his cohorts of darkness.

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, thank you for my victory over Satan and the forces of darkness. I live in the consciousness of Christ’s triumph and exercise my authority in His Name. Every work of the adversary is subdued, and I walk in the dominion and freedom that I have in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:8; Luke 10:19

1-year bible reading plan
John 19:17-42; 1 Chronicles 17-19

2-year bible reading plan
1 Corinthians 15:40-49; Ecclesiastes 1-2

23/05/2026

Saturday, May 23 2026

CHRIST—THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE
..The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42).

We learnt, in our previous study, one of the clearest truths in Scripture: The Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church. This is not an idea or a mere concept. In Matthew 21:42, He identified Himself as the stone spoken of in prophecy, the One rejected by the builders yet chosen by God to become the head of the corner.

The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, also stated this plainly in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” That settles it. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only true foundation. No other foundation can be laid.

This aligns perfectly with the prophecy of Isaiah: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation…” (Isaiah 28:16). God was speaking here about a Person—Christ Jesus, who also quoted the same prophetic words in Psalm 118:22, when He said, “…Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” (Matthew 21:42).

The rejection of Christ didn’t cancel God’s plan. It fulfilled it. The One they refused became the cornerstone of God’s eternal structure. In Acts chapter 4, the apostles proclaimed this truth boldly and made it unmistakable: “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner” (Acts 4:11).

This is why the “rock” Jesus spoke of in Matthew 16 is not a revelation, and it’s not Peter. The Scriptures consistently identify Christ as the Rock, the Stone, the Foundation, and the Chief cornerstone. Paul further confirms this in Ephesians 2:20 when he said by the Spirit that we “...are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

The stability of the Church is Christ, and those who believe in Him are founded on the Rock, immovable and victorious forever! This is the glory of the Gospel. Hallelujah!

Prayer / Confession

I’m founded on Christ, the Sure Foundation and Chief Cornerstone of the Church. My faith is anchored on Him alone and my life is built on His unshakable truths. I walk in stability, confidence and victory because I am founded on the Rock, Christ Jesus. Amen!

Further study
1 Peter 2:6-8 NKJV; Isaiah 8:14; Psalm 118:22-23

1-year bible reading plan
John 11:1-16; 2 Kings 10-12

2-year bible reading plan
1 Corinthians 11:30-34; Proverbs 19