Lessons from Tests

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

After Jesus' baptism, but before His earthly ministry began, He was tempted by the Satan. Just want to jot down a few thoughts about it.

• Jesus was tempted after he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights. He was "hungered". (Matt. 4:2) It seems we are all tempted when we are "hungry". For example, we are tempted when we are physically weak, or spiritually. The devil knows when we are most vulnerable.
• The Devil wanted Jesus to sin. If Jesus sinned, then He could no longer be our Savior, He would have been an unfit sacrifice. It would have ruined everyone's life. It seems Satan goes after those in the Christian life who have the most influence. No, no one is the same as Jesus, but think about it. If Satan can pull down a pastor or a prominent church member, he's brought down several people with them, mostly those weaker Christians we mentioned earlier. If you stand up and teach a class, you'll sit down with a target on your back.
• The Devil's method of bringing Jesus down was pride: He wanted Jesus to sin by having pride, by feeling the need to "prove himself" to Satan. Satan scorns, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee:..." How many times have I fallen into that pride trap, wanting to "prove my point" and losing my testimony in the process! I'm so glad my Lord and Savior didn't fall for that. Another interesting point is that Satan knows God's word! How handy! He can twist it and mangle it till that weaker Christian is convinced that their un-scriptural way is, in fact, scriptural.
• Jesus wins by knowing God's Word inside and out. He quotes it, He lives it. We cannot be perfect, but we can all win the battle by knowing and living God's Word. Read it, memorize it, study it, live it. 
• It seems that we all must endure some testing before God uses us. Notice that in Matt. 4:17, after the temptation, Jesus began preaching. If you are facing a time of trial, keep in mind that God could be preparing you for a ministry. The temptation or trial you are in is not the end, it's the beginning!

Whatever the test we face, our hope is the Lord and His Word.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Cor. 15:57

Thoughts on the Prodigal Son

In Luke 15, I read the words of Jesus, as He told his disciples several parables. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, or more commonly known as the story of the prodigal son. I can identify with the prodigal son in some ways. I've never left home or lived out in the world, but I've certainly "left" in my heart a time or two. I wonder if the prodigal son left home just because he was impatient, ready for his life to "begin"; for something important to happen? Maybe he was jealous of his older brother, who probably seemed to have it all together? Maybe he was tempted by those who seemed to be making a success of their lives out in the world? Or, perhaps he was just tired of his Dad's rules, and rebelled. Jesus didn't give us that information in the Bible. 

I've been impatient, wondering, when is the Lord going to bless our efforts to serve Him? When will all the pews be filled? When will the gossipers and liars be proven wrong? When?

I've been jealous in my heart toward my older brother and sister, who also serve the Lord. Why can't I be like them? They have it all together.

I've been tempted by the lures of the world. Why do the wicked prosper? I've asked in my heart. 

I've been frustrated by rules, feeling confined and discouraged that I can't ever be perfect, so why bother?

But every time I fall into one of the above traps, my Father reminds me of a few things. He tells me And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Gal. 6:9

He says to me that I'm not supposed to be like my brother or sister, I'm just supposed to be me. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Ps. 139:14

He reminds me of the ultimate fate of the wicked.  Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. Ps. 73:18-19

He tells me that I need to be more concerned with His will than the will of man. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Prov. 29:25

I hope I never reach the place where I could actually depart from God's will. I want the Lord to continue to teach me the error of my thoughts, to chasten me when I need it, and draw me back into his loving arms.