Matthew Chapter 4 and Luke Chapter 4 record the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. There are many things we can learn from this account, and I would like to point out a few.

First, Matthew 4:1 says, “Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted there.” Sometimes even when we are doing the right thing and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will be brought to a situation where we will be tested. We live in a fallen world where tests and temptations occur and cannot be avoided completely. We know, however, as Romans 8:28 says, “..in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Second, the account lists three specific temptations, hunger, protection, and power. In each of these temptations Jesus resists the temptation with scripture as his weapon. For instance, Matthew 4:10, Jesus said, “Away from me Satan, for the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” The more scripture we know and remember, the more ammunition we will have to resist our temptations.

Third, after Jesus resisted the temptations, the devil went away. Matthew 4:11 writes, “Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” If we resist, with God’s help we can over-come all temptation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Dear Lord, We know that all temptations can be overcome if we rely on you. Help us build up our ability to resist temptation with knowledge of your word and trust in your power to overcome any temptation we may experience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard it said that the fear of something is often as bad or worse than the thing itself; Like a child worrying about getting a shot at the doctor’s office, or the fear of speaking or performing in front of a crowd; Fearing the difficult professional exam, driver’s test, or flying checkride. The fear can sometimes immobilize us from thinking or doing anything.

It is interesting how David writes Psalm 34:4. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” He doesn’t say that God prevented the bad things from happening; He says God freed him from his fears. We don’t know why God allows some bad things to happen to us, but knowing that he will take away the fear is a blessing in itself. It allows us to endure our struggles with peace, which can be an amazing witness to others.

Dear Lord, free us from the fears we have that prevent us from moving forward in faith. Help have the peace that comes when we do not have fear because we are putting our trust in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have ever been fishing you know that sometimes you can throw any bait in the water and the fish bite, but other times you need just the right fishing hole, and just the right bait in order to catch a fish. Fly fisherman study the types of bugs that fish are eating and create lures (bait) to look similar and attract the fish. Even with that, the smart fish will come and take a look, but move on if the bait doesn’t look right.

In a similar way, the Devil fishes for people with temptations to catch their attention and draw them into sin and disobedience to God. Some are easy to catch, others more difficult. He will search for the just the right bait to tempt each of us; pride, greed, envy, immorality, dishonesty, fear, worry, or one of many others. It may seem like we don’t stand a chance against the power of the Devil, but God promises that He will always provide a way out of the temptation.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” We cannot avoid being tempted, but we can ignore the bait and not act on the temptation.

When we do successfully overcome, it makes us more capable to overcome the next time temptation arises.

Dear Lord, We know that we will be tempted, when we are, help us remember that you will provide a way out and help us overcome. As difficult as it may be to resist, we know as Paul says in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Matthew 15:32-39 tells the account of Jesus feeding the 4,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. This story shows us the power of God to perform amazing miracles. However, there is another interesting part of the story.

Verse 36 writes, “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.”

I think there is a lesson here. Jesus doesn’t go into a great long prayer explaining how he would like God to provide, he starts with what he had, thanks God for it, and gets to work.

The lesson for us is that no matter how little we may have, we should thank God for it, then get to work using it with faith that God will make things work out. Often we wish and pray for more resources, but maybe we should be praying for more faith.

Dear Lord, Help us remember to be thankful for what we have, and use it in our calling, with faith that you will provide more when we need it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today is Mother’s Day a day we celebrate and thank our mothers for the love and support they give to us.

What an amazing example God gave us in Jesus’ mother Mary. First the faith expressed when the angel came to her telling her she would be the mother of the Savior Jesus. Expressed in the words of faith in God facing the unknown. Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me as you have said.” Mary also was with Jesus through His persecution and death. How difficult that test of faith must have been for a mother. We can only imagine the strength and comfort she provided for the other followers during that time.

I am incredibly blessed and thankful to God that I have a mother like this that is a strong example of Christian faith; unselfish supporter and comforter of me and her whole family. I am also incredibly blessed by my wife who is a wonderful Christian example for our family. If you also have a mother like this here, or who is now in heaven, be grateful and use that gift to make you all the Christian you can be.

Dear Lord, thank you for the unique and special role You established for mothers. Help them cherish that special role, and help them feel our thanks for all they do and have done for us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.