Month: February 2020

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:8-11

Satan has tried a variety of things in order to lead Jesus astray – appealing to human hunger, the love we have for fame and attention, and the quest for money and power. Evil works deceptively, telling us God said it was alright, that we deserve the things it offers, that people are in our way. All this is an attempt to sabotage our relationship with God and others.

Jesus was as human as we are and susceptible to all our human wants and fears, but He never wavered in His faith or connection to the Father. He responded to every scriptural misquote the devil offered with a correct reading of God’s word. He didn’t let Satan win because He didn’t let him in!

We might think “Sure, it was easy for Him, the Chosen One” but it was not! If anything, it was harder. Jesus could have reasoned that as the Son of God the world owed Him something, that people should respect Him and that suffering was beneath Him – but instead He chose to obey God’s will for His ministry, even unto death. We need His strength and love in our lives to resist evil as He did.

Loving Lord, we ask for Your power to do right in our world, to prevent harm to others and live as You have taught us. Help us to see the path You have planned for our lives that we may be willing and energetic servants in Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 4:5-7

Satan tries again to tempt Jesus with a test of God’s love for Him. An important thing to note is that the devil quotes scripture from Psalm 91:11 to Jesus in the effort to lead Him astray. Satan most certainly knows what God has said and has no qualms twisting its meaning to fit his evil purpose.

Jesus knows God’s will and word better than anyone and He knows that Satan is using it wrongly. The devil and the world will try to confuse us, misquoting what God has said to convince us wrong is right. Jesus rebukes Satan with scripture from Deuteronomy 6:16 used in truth, warning us not to put God to the test.

When we are tested by evil, use the word of God for strength and support. Being familiar with God’s word will help you refute the lies the world tells us. He is there with love, grace and mercy for those that call on His name.

Gracious God, We are weak and easily influenced by the things we see and hear. Help us to be strong in Your word to be able to withstand the worldly challenges we face and share Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:3-4

The devil uses Jesus’ present situation (hunger after a forty day fast) to tempt Him. Satan often does the same to us, using our current trouble to lead us astray. We forget that most often our difficulties are temporary and turning to God for help and comfort first is always the best solution.

Not only is Satan tempting Jesus about His hunger, he is questioning His status as the Son of God. The devil is very good at these things. Like a playground bully, he goads us into action we know is wrong. Jesus knows that using His power to turn stones to bread to prove Himself is not what God intended, and He uses scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3) to rebuke the devil’s challenge.

We can have the same strength and confidence in God’s word to protect us from the temptations we face, knowing we do “not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. We can endure the trials of the world because we know the Lord is with us.

Loving Lord, we know You want only good for Your children, but that we must sometimes endure hard times because of the sin of the world. Help us to be strong in the face of adversity, fighting temptation with Your true word. Amen.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and forty days of self-examination. Our scripture is Psalm 51:10-12.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12

“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, Paul writes in Romans 3:23. In these verses from Psalm 51 we hear a plea to God for forgiveness, to be cleansed and made right with Him again. It is this awareness of our sin that can bring us back to God.

We have chosen sin time and again for a variety of reasons, but they all have a common root – selfishness. We chase what we believe will make us happy. Instead of putting God and others first, as we have been commanded, we choose our desires over what is good for us, God’s plan for our lives.

God calls us back into a relationship, willing to forgive the hurt we have caused if we earnestly repent and ask Him to help us do better. When we acknowledge our errors and seek His face, God will always bless and restore us.

Loving Lord, we know we have wronged You and others through our actions. Forgive us and strengthen us, that we may be the people You intend us to be. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:1-2

Jesus had to be able to withstand the same earthly circumstances we encounter in order to be our example. He was fully divine but also fully human, something we find difficult to understand, but because of His humanity He was subject to the same wants, desires and frailties as are we.

As the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, He was likely apprehensive about the trials He would face. As He did with every challenge, Jesus shared this with God in prayer. This was His confidence, that no problem was too large or small for Him to bring to our Heavenly Father. Jesus chose to rely on God rather than His own strength.

We have the same gift and can enjoy the same confidence, that God will hear our prayers and be with us in every situation. We sometimes forget that while Jesus was special, we have been blessed in the same way as He was, to approach God and share everything with Him whenever we want. Use your birthright as a child of God to go to Him!

Gracious God, You have called us to be Your representatives here on earth, but also members of Your own family. Thank You for Your presence with us, that we may come to You in prayer. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was human, just as we are, and was subject to every emotion and want that we face. This is the reason we can trust Him, knowing He has endured everything we do and more. Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything He wouldn’t do Himself.

Reading the story of His temptation in the wilderness this week as we begin the observance of Lent (Ash Wednesday, February 26) should make us think about what Jesus was willing to give up for us. He came to earth to be one of us, knowing our joys and our sorrows. Jesus was willing to give up His glory in order that we might be saved.

What are we willing to give up for Him? During Lent people often deny themselves something they enjoy, a food or an activity. When this helps us focus on what Christ gave up for us, it is a good thing, but here is another thought – pick up something for Lent. Begin a new faith practice, such as an hour reading scripture at lunch or helping with dinner once a week at the local shelter, and think about making it a permanent habit. Jesus didn’t call us just to avoid evil, He called us to do good.

Gracious God, we are blessed by the gift of Jesus, taught by His example and called to go out in His name. Help us to resist temptation and work for the good of our neighbors. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, John and James to the mountaintop for a very special lesson. There His glory is revealed, He speaks with Moses and Elijah, and the disciples hear God declare Jesus His son and that they are to listen to Him. All of this is amazing to them and they are dazzled by its power.

This marvelous occurrence was given to them that they might see what the Kingdom of God will be like. Jesus will be present in all His radiance, those who have gone before us will be there and we will all be part of the eternal celebration of God’s goodness. It will be wonderful.

However, as with the disciple’s experience, that time has not yet come. God will decide, as He does all things, when the kingdom will come on earth. While we may have glimpses of glory on the mountaintop, the task we are called to is back down here, and the gift we have been given is to energize us for the work yet to be done.

Loving Lord, we are amazed by the things You share with us that we may better understand Your kingdom. May we be effective servants to bring all people to You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:9

Why would Jesus ask the disciples not to share what had happened to them? We would expect them to tell people that they had heard the voice of God confirming Jesus as His son and many would believe. Yet Jesus tells them not to talk about it. Why?

Didn’t the angels tell the shepherds at His birth? The scriptures record “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:17-18). Somehow, it is different now that Jesus is in active ministry.

Jesus wants to be in a personal relationship with each of us. He wants us to know Him on our own, not just from other’s accounts. He also knows that many in Israel were looking for an earthly king, that this news might lead people to believe He is, and that is not why He has come. Some gifts we are given to share and some are just for our own personal growth to enable us to go and do as we are called.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of our Savior and the call He makes on our lives. Help us to share with others in spirit and truth, telling how our lives have been changed by our connection to You. Amen.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:6-8

Jesus had to reassure His disciples that everything was still alright. Their tradition had taught for hundreds of years that sinful humans could not live through a face-to-face meeting with God. Obviously they were frightened.

When they get up as Jesus tells them, they find themselves alone with Him. Was it a vision or a dream? That’s not what Jesus would have us ask. We should be thinking about what was shared with us, what we learned in this encounter, not how it happened.

While we know God is constant and consistent, He is trying to reach us in a different way through the presence of Jesus. He is and always will be God Almighty, but He is also Jesus our brother, the loving teacher who came to show us the way back to a relationship with God. Through this connection we must listen and learn how God wants to be part of all we say and do.

Loving Lord, we are thankful for Your presence in our lives. Help us to hear the lessons You teach and share them with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5

Does it get any clearer than this? I’m sure Peter, John and James were overcome hearing the voice of God, telling them Jesus was indeed His son. Often I think “if only God would speak that directly to me”. How much easier it would be if I could hear exactly what God wants of me!

I realize the selfishness of my request and then must admit “not what I want, Lord, but Your will be done”. God works in His way, not ours. This is asking God for a sign, saying we want proof of His love and His power. God has already done that through the gift of His son and his word shared with us.

We need to pay attention to what God has asked of us – to love Him, love each other and make disciples of all nations. We need to pray when we are unsure of the path before us, and discuss with our brothers and sisters in Christ about how to proceed. God doesn’t need to prove anything to us, it is we who need to prove ourselves to Him.

Gracious God, we have been given the gift of Your love and and a connection to You. Help us to hear Your call and use these gifts, that others may come to know You. Amen.