Testing, Temptation, and God's Word

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13 NIV)

I never noticed this verse before, but as I was preparing to compose this devotion, it was like God put a yellow highlighter in my hand. Whenever this happens, I can be pretty sure He has something to say to me.

When I read these 13 verses in Luke, I never wonder how Jesus would hold up. I never consider that He might give in, so I didn't really think there was much for me to learn from these lines. But, how wrong. God never wastes an opportunity to teach us. When Jesus came to earth as a man, the greatest lesson was about to be given.

Jesus was sinless and would remain so, but we aren't. Jesus knew, even those many years ago, that you and I would need to learn about Satan and his devious ways. We need to be aware of his ways. Jesus knew we would be in jeopardy of failing, of falling for the Devil's lies. He knew we needed to understand we must learn from Scripture how to recognize and overcome the deceit. We need to become familiar with God's Word and capture it in our hearts.

Once His Word is a part of our Spirits, we can call on it, just as Jesus did. We can defeat Satan's attempt to derail our lives. But, just as with Jesus, who was repeatedly tested by evil, we must know that Satan is just waiting for the opportune moment. He will not miss an opportunity to disrupt our journey to Eternity. 

Be on guard, as we enter 2020, a new decade, it is likely Satan wants to claim us as his ambassadors. Because we have captured God's Word in our hearts, and we call upon it when temptation approaches. Get ready to shout, "Satan, you have no authority here!"

Comment below or email your thoughts here.

Luke 4:1-13

My Witness for 2020

John 1:29-34

Have you ever given your testimony?  When I hear that question, I immediately picture a courtroom.  I am holding up my right hand, solemnly swearing to tell the truth, so help me God.  Then I sit down on a straight-backed chair, and face a lawyer who will ask me very pointed questions.  (where were you on the night of the 16th?  What was the victim wearing?  Why did you let him get away? And so on....).

John gives his testimony concerning Jesus in verses 32-34.  Other translations use the phrase "He bore witness."  John is very clear that Jesus surpasses him, even though John came before him.  And what was his clear testimony - that to which he bore witness?

"I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. "

This was what God told John to watch for:  "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." (vs. 33).

And he concludes his testimony with these words:

I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.

John's testimony was certain.  He did not waver.  Upon cross examination in a court of law, John would have remained certain that Jesus indeed was the Son of God.  He paid for his testimony with his life.

What is your testimony?  Do you know the Son of God?  Do you recognize when he is at work in your life?  Do you share this news with others?

A new decade is about to begin.  What will your testimony be?  What will mine be?  Let's ask God to bless our testimony and invite others to join us in His kingdom.

Too Content to Repent?

Please welcome Pastor Jeff Morlock to the Daily Bible Blast team of devotion writers. 

Read Matthew 3:1-11

Here’s that word again - “repent”. Just as we’re about to start a new year with a clean slate, it shows up to ruin our mood. This word we won’t hear anywhere else but in Scripture or at church. This word that John the Baptist screams at the top of his lungs. This word that calls us out and makes us feel guilty. Any chance we can rescue this word from all the negative baggage associated with it, and reclaim its value for ourselves and our world in 2020? 

I think for most of us repentance means saying you’re sorry. Or better, that you’re really, really, sorry and will never do it again – whatever “it” is. And of course, that’s part of what repentance entails. But only a very small part. To repent primarily means to turn around, to start over, to take another direction, to chart a different course. when one’s current course of behavior has caused pain to self, others, or God. 

So, as we reclaim this word for ourselves in the coming year, in what one aspect of your life do you need to repent (change direction) right now? Is there some practice or habit you could begin that might produce more abundant life for you or those around you?

Is there an element of our life together that needs repentance? How might you use your time and energy in the coming year to help bring about change?

Prayer:
Lord, don’t allow me to be too content to repent. Would you give me a soft heart to recognize where and how my actions have caused you sorrow? Would you fill me with your Holy Spirit so that my repentance is empowered by more than weak willpower and quickly broken resolutions? In Jesus' name. Amen.