
Contemplating Temptation

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. The devil tempted Him the whole time and I am sure in every way possible. I know we only look at the ones mentioned in the scripture. But, what else did the devil do to try and get Jesus to deny his Father? I am sure we all know how creative the devil, our enemy, can be. He is manipulative, finds our weak points, and is a liar.
When the days came to an end, the scripture says Jesus was hungry. Even for Him, it was exhausting.
Luke 4:3-4
If you are the Son of God command this stone to become bread. Jesus said that man does not live by bread alone but by every word of God.
Luke 4: 5-8
The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (the devil could offer this because it was his domain) and says he can have charge over all if Jesus would worship him. Christ says to the devil “get behind me for it is written that you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.”
Luke 4:9-12
The devil takes him up to a pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem. He tells him to throw himself down from there because it is written that He will give His angles charge over you to keep you safe. Jesus response is “It has been said, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.”
Luke 4:13
When the devil had tried every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
Hebrews 4:15
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Christ is our example. After the forty days ended, the devil was still trying to think of ways to tempt Jesus. The enemy of our soul is relentless. Know that the devil is going to try his absolute best to get you to fall into sin.
Psalms 52:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus is our example – we are charged to follow in His footsteps. He countered every temptation with the Truth of the Word of God.
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Jesus as Savior and Lord

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the spirit.”
As my Savior, Jesus gave me eternal life. As my Lord, I gave Jesus my life! It’s really that’s simple. We don’t have to make it theologically difficult – which it certainly can be – but that’s not God’s intent.
The consequences of the coronavirus
Separation and loss of liberty (absolutely we have to protect the most vulnerable)
The uncertainty of the fairness of the 2020 election
Evil that seems to have permeated government at all levels
Medical challenges with family and friends
The Truth of God’s Word wins and helps me stay grounded, which is where God wants all of us to be of use to Him as He continues to implement His perfect plan.
John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
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The Cost of Christmas

Christmas brings us back to the power of the gospel
Christmas reminds us that sin has a cost.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. John 3:16-17 (The Message)
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2: 10-12 (NIV)
Christmas led to sacrifice
So when we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember this gift. The gift that brought healing of the soul. The gift that came at such a high price. Like his coming, our lives may be messy, but because of Jesus, they are beautiful.
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When Life Gets Tense Remember These 3 Things

It is really hard not to let circumstances around us in life make us upset.
Whether it’s something that comes up at work or within family, we are sure to come across unpleasant situations.
The Lord has continued to bring three very important reminders to me when I am struggling with these things.
ONE: God calls me to a pure heart
TWO: God calls me to prayer
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Parenting in Difficult Times

What kind of legacy are we leaving our children… especially in our nation’s current situation? What we are facing seems to be a difficult, challenging, and very interesting time in our lives right now. How are we reacting, what are we saying, how are we loving, steering, and guiding our children through this time?
God is our refuge and STRENGTH, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
The most important thing to remember? Stay focused on the information that is TRUE – that being God’s Word. There are so many truths and lessons we can learn from these experiences we are going through… don’t miss them!
In Proverbs 22:6 it says to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”
Do we speak truth?
Do we show love no matter what?
Do I point them to Christ?
When my kids look back at this experience, I pray they will remember how we as a family stayed united and sought after God’s truth through it all.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:2
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We Have a Choice

Many things are out of our control, but how we choose to respond is within our control.
We as citizens of this country – and more importantly as Christians – have an obligation to be in prayer for the situation and for our all of our leaders. We also are called to be thankful in all situations.
Isaiah 6:3 “And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
We can’t run the world better than God. Even if we think he is mismanaging things, we can’t know what He knows or see what He sees. He calls us to live by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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