Significance of Sinai

Significance of Sinai

Exodus 24: ¹² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”

 

¹³ So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. ¹⁴ And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.” ¹⁵ Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain.

 

¹⁶ Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. ¹⁷ The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. ¹⁸ So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

 

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GOD called Moses to come up to the top of the mountain so HE could give stone tablets which would contain the law and commandments HE wanted the children of Israel to follow.

 

My Observations:

• Mount Horeb and Mount Sinai are the same mountain but had different names for the reason Moses was there.
• GOD announced HE would chisel the law into stone and that is what Sinai means, jagged rock.
• Moses took Joshua with him to help him up the mountain and because Joshua showed leadership.
• GOD made Moses wait until the seventh day.
• Moses stayed up on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights.

 

Shortly after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel encountered a battle with the Amalekites. Moses may have trained Joshua on Egyptian fighting styles. Moses asked Joshua to gather fighters to defeat the Amalekites. This was a supernatural battle that could only be won as long as Aaron and Hur held up Moses’s arms.

 

Now Moses, Joshua, Aaron and Hur had to divide, Moses and Joshua wen to see the LORD and Aaron and Hur stayed with the leaders of Israel. I believe Sinai is significant because this is the event that GOD would provide the law and commandments, just like other places were named after events.

 

The Horeb event was Moses meeting GOD. The Sinai event was Moses receiving tablets of stone. Same place, two different events. This place also showed that GOD repeats the number seven and forty often. Moses stayed up on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, similarly to Noah’s time in the ark and the time JESUS spent in the desert being tempted. GOD was about to do something significant.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about being called up to receive the stone tablets?
• Do you believe that GOD does significant things in your life?
• What significant thing is GOD doing in you and through you?

Tenth Commandment – No Coveting

Tenth Commandment – No Coveting

Exodus 20: ¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

 

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GOD told Moses and the children of Israel not to covet or want the stuff other people have.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be fortifying the children of Israel against being able to be tempted by the world’s treasures.
• GOD knew that people could easily be bribed or bought to not follow HIM.
• JESUS was tempted by Satan with the world’s treasures because Satan did not want JESUS to die for the sins of mankind.

 

Ten commandments were given to everyone for a different reason than I thought. I used to believe these were harsh rules that seemed impossible to keep, or a checklist of measures to show how good I was. But this is not a list of “Do as I say or else.” The Ten Commandments are a list of protections against the attack of Satan.

 

It took ten plagues to disable the mindset of the Egyptians. Now GOD provided ten commandments that would protect you and me from Satan. This list is all about JESUS. When the HOLY SPIRIT led JESUS into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, worldly treasures were used as an attempt to get JESUS to misuse HIS power.

 

The consequence would have been Satan winning all humans for himself because the scrolls that sentenced Satan would not have been opened. But JESUS overcame the temptation of the world’s treasures. You and I can do the same. When we want more of the world’s finest, we can be tempted away from GOD’s finest, namely JESUS.

 

Having stuff is not bad. Having needs, wants and desires is also not bad. Trading in JESUS to get stuff is bad because you can gain the whole world and lose your soul. I believe GOD recognizes jealousy over a missing need. If I don’t have a need and I see someone who has the need, I am going to ask GOD, “Can I have my need fulfilled?”  GOD will bring the right resource at the right time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to not covet?
• Have you ever been taken off of GOD’s path because you wanted something that someone else had?
• Can you place your desires, wants and needs before GOD and let HIM sort through how and when HE will deliver you?

No Bribes Accepted

No Bribes Accepted

1 John 2: ¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. ¹⁶ Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. ¹⁷ The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever.

 

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Being teased about my tattered clothing got old. “One day I will have enough money to buy my own clothes” I muttered to myself. I got a job and made enough to buy the latest trend. I got another job and was able to buy more stuff and bigger things.

 

I admired where I had gotten to.. “Can you send out a message about GOD?” someone asked me. “No! I have a title that does not align to that sort of message.”

 

• I found myself with no time to serve GOD.
• I enjoyed the lavish vacations, large houses and immense amounts of money I was given.
• I justified why I did not have time for GOD and figured HE would simply forgive me and I could live it up here on earth.

 

John attempted to open the spiritual eyes of those who follow JESUS. He took away any excuse by including “anything” and “everything” to his warning. He focused on some broad topics that included selfish desires, envy, jealousy, lust, and pride, of which do not come from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Satan attempted to bribe JESUS with food, power and money, BUT JESUS refused because HE had to die for the sins of all of humanity.
• Satan wants you and me to not speak about GOD, or to view those who do in a negative way.
• “Anything” and “everything” that keeps me from speaking about JESUS should not be a desire of mine.

 

Trying to save myself causes me to lose myself. I mean, when I try to acquire more of what the world has to offer, I end up losing my relationship with GOD. The scary thing is, GOD will allow me to walk away from HIS love, because HE does not want to force the relationship.

 

GOD has a desire that all humans become saved. HE wants you and me to proclaim the Good News about JESUS, who was resurrected to overcome the world. Houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, gadgets, titles and accomplishments will pass away. I am glad GOD’s love will last forever in my life.

 

Challenge

• Is the news from the writer extreme to you?
• What would you keep if you, knowingly, would walk away from GOD by keeping it?
• Will you turn your eyes to GOD and have HIM open up your heart to desire HIS will over yours today?

Just When We Need It

Just When We Need It

Hebrews 4: ¹⁴ Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. ¹⁵ Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

 

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Having come out of the trial, I felt I needed a vacation from being “good.” I let down my guards and decided I could sin a little here and a little there. Soon I was back to old habits, never once praying to, nor communicating with GOD. But then troubles hit again.

 

• I wondered if GOD was punishing me for something I did.
• I also wondered if HE would forgive me “this” time.
• I also wondered if GOD would reach a limit on HIS forgiveness and just get tired of me coming to HIM with the same request.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains that JESUS is different than the human high priests. They, being human, have fallen into sin. JESUS was tempted in every way and never sinned. He explains that we can hold onto our faith firmly because JESUS provides mercy and grace.

 

My Observations

• There is no sin too great that GOD will not forgive.
• I can approach GOD with all my sins and be forgiven.
• JESUS knows what I am going through and sympathizes with me because of what HE went through.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver versus the ultimate punisher. I mean, sometimes I get scared of GOD, especially when I sin. I think I may not get “my” way. Consequently, I also think I can manipulate GOD into giving me “my” way by temporarily being good. HE knows that too.

 

GOD sees me different than I see myself. HE loves me and is concerned about me. HE grants me mercy when I should receive the ultimate punishment. HE pours out grace when I do not deserve it and HE seems to do it just when I need it. I thank GOD for HIS grace and mercy. It is always right on time!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer portray JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a situation where no one sympathized with you?
• Have you ever been blamed by “everyone” around you?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and learn about truly being forgiven so you can experience HIS everlasting grace and mercy today?

Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Not As It Seems

Not As It Seems

Colossians 2: Let me tell you how hard I have worked for you and for the people in Laodicea and for all others who do not know me personally. ² I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God's secret, which is Christ himself. ³ He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge.

 

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Despising my previous jobs as a person who cleaned after others, I set my pursuits on technology. When I got into the industry, I found I was working long hours due to the sheer amount of work and competition.

 

• I was still uneasy and unsure of my future.
• I was temporarily part of a team that seemed to change when someone moved on.
• I thought having a “good” job would bring me assurance, but it did not and I had more worries.

 

Paul explains why he did what he did. He worked hard spreading the Gospel to strangers because CHRIST HIMSELF opened his eyes to the “hidden treasures of GOD’s wisdom.”

 

My Observations

• Worldly pursuits can sometimes blind me to seeking GOD’s kingdom.
• Thinking of “getting ahead” reduces my thinking of GOD.
• I may get what I want but not want what I get.

 

Spiritual blindness is a natural born trait that seems impossible to overcome. I mean, I am born into sin and set my mind on the pursuits of sin. It seems hopeless that I am doomed to choose sinful ways. BUT GOD intervened.

 

JESUS interrupted the cycle by dying for the sins of all mankind. HIS resurrection opened up GOD’s hidden treasure that is hidden from those who do not believe. Pursuits can now be placed under the feet of JESUS so HE can guide me to where HE wants me to be. I am glad I can give everything to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer worked hard doing what he did?
• Have you ever been motivated by money or fame or power?
• Will you give your pursuits to GOD so HE can guide them and lead you on a path of unimaginable wisdom and knowledge today?

Power to Remain

 

Power to Remain

1 Corinthians 10: ¹¹ All these things happened to them as examples for others, and they were written down as a warning for us. For we live at a time when the end is about to come.

¹² If you think you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall. ¹³ Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

 

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“Why is this happening to me!” I exclaimed many times. Each time I screamed this out, I was going through yet another trial. Which direction would I go? Would I stay with GOD or choose to sin and ask HIM for forgiveness?

 

• There have been times when I wanted nothing but peace.
• There have been times when I sought peace from what the world had to offer.
• There have been times when I wanted to complain about the current trial versus thank GOD.

 

Paul talks about tests or trials. He explains that every human will go through something that will cause questions to arise about the super solid relationship a person can have with GOD. He explains that GOD knows what the test is and is using this test to grow each person to choose “a way out.”

 

• GOD wants me to know HE is growing me when trials arise.
• GOD wants me to know HE loves me but need to rid me of some things that hold me back from having a great relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to choose “HIS way out” versus the flimsy plan I can come up with.

 

Having the power to remain in GOD is something else. I mean, humans will come up with solution after solution, never once asking GOD to provide HIS all powerful strength. Yes, we may pray, but when we don’t see the prayer answered in the time or way we want, we easily throw out GOD and turn to something we can see.

 

GOD wants me to “remain firm.” This means letting go of anything that I think is a solution and allow HIS deliverance in the time and way HE wants it. I am glad HE takes me through trials so I can choose HIS way, little by little.

 

• Are you going through a trial?
• Does this seem like the same trial you have been in over the years?
• Will you open your heart to GOD and allow HIM to give you “HIS way out” this time so you can remain firm in HIM today?

Scared

Scared

John 12: ²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

²⁹ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

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“I’m not going down there!” I said in terror. With fears of the “Boogey Man” being in the basement of our home, I refused to go downstairs unless someone was with me. All the lights had to be on.

• Sometimes I get scared of the unknown.
• Sometimes I get worried about situations people have told me about.
• Sometimes I get filled with fear over a huge situation facing me.

Death was facing JESUS and HIS humanity showed. HE expressed HIS fear out loud. THE FATHER heard HIS voice and responded with assurance. JESUS accepted the responsibility.

• GOD is there when I have fears.
• GOD is there when I have doubts.
• GOD is there when I worry about big situations.

Worry easily creeps in when the answer to a problem is out of my control. I mean when I cannot do something to resolve the situation, my mind spins, trying to come up with a solution. BUT GOD knows the outcome.

HE wants me to trust that HE has the situation under control and HE can use the circumstance for HIS glory. HE rewards me greatly for obeying HIS plan and for this I am grateful.

• Are you worried?
• Is there a very large situation in front of you that seems too big to handle?
• Will you ask GOD to not only give you strength, but comfort as well?

Keep Focused

Luke 22: ³⁹ Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ ⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ⁴² ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

⁴⁵ When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ⁴⁶ ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’

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Walking around in life, I wandered into some doors that seemed to be wide open. The temptations were amazing and once I found one, I couldn’t get my mind off of whatever new thing I wandered into.

• Many times I have been tempted to fall into sin.
• Many times I have wandered off the path and into temptation.
• Many times I have lost my focus only to wind up in sin.

JESUS faces being blamed for every sin, every human could ever commit. HIS humanity reaches out to pray to the FATHER, begging HIM to think of another way, but if JESUS had to be the way, “let YOUR will be done.” JESUS then told HIS sleeping disciples to pray that they will not fall into temptation.

• GOD wants me to practice not succumbing to sin.
• GOD wants me to pray for daily temptation removal because I would more than likely fall into the sin HE wants me to stay away from.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE was tempted in every way and understands my predisposal towards sin.

Enormous grace is a gift  GOD has given me. HE sees the sins I easily fall into and lifts me out of each hole. While HE never gets tired of rescuing me, HE still desires that I not fall into the holes in the first place.

HE is excited to cleanse me of all unrighteousness, daily. HE gets more excited when I stay focused at HIS mighty power. GOD wants me to stay focused on HIM so that I will not get weary.

• Are you so focused on your problems that you have taken your eyes off of GOD?
• Do you feel sorry for yourself?
• Will you stop being weary and get filled up with GOD’s grace so you can stay on HIS path HE has for you?

Checking the Limit

Luke 4: ⁹ Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. ¹⁰ For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you,’

¹¹ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

¹² And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

¹³ Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

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“I can make it” I said to myself as I raced to catch a plane. I did not factor in spontaneous excessive traffic and I missed the plane. “I can make it” I said again as the low fuel light glowed for miles. I ran out of gas. “I can make it” I said yet again as I sprinted for the train. When I tripped up the stairs my case opened up and papers flew everywhere. I missed the train.

• There were times when I cut it too close.
• There were times when I did not get what I was chasing after because I missed the cut off.
• There were times when I pushed the limit and wound up in worse shape.

JESUS was tempted to commit suicide by the devil. “Push the limit and have the angels save you IF YOU are GOD’s SON” slyly stated the devil. BUT JESUS knew HIS tricks.

• JESUS says to me “Follow all of MY ways and you will be safe.”
• JESUS says to me “True freedom comes from the truth and I AM the truth.”
• JESUS says to me “You shall not tempt the LORD your GOD.”

Staying away from the boundaries has always been the problem with humanity, especially me. Adam and Eve could not stay away from the tree of knowledge, and I have fallen into known sins. BUT JESUS did not get fooled. HE kept every word of GOD in order to redeem me. HE guides me away from the boundaries of sin to the middle of HIS love.

• Are you busy pushing GOD’s boundaries, trying to see what you can get away with?
• Do you think that just because you can do something that goes against what GOD says, you will get away with it?
• Will you stop pushing the limits of GOD and accept HIS love, grace and mercy for you today?

Wilderness Training

Luke 3: Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

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“Do you want to hang out with us?” was code for “Let’s go out drinking, dancing and laughing all night.” Yes was my normal answer, but this time a strange word came out of my mouth. “No” I said. One guy would not take “no” for an answer. “There will be lots of honey’s there” he said trying to change my answer. “Hmm, I don’t have anything to do.” I thought to myself.

• There was a time when the purpose of my life was focused on maximizing relaxation.
• There was a time when I pursued as much pleasure as possible.
• There was a time when I spent an enormous amount of time and money on “fun.”

JESUS was led into the wilderness by the HOLY SPIRIT. For forty days HE did not experience pleasure or comfort. HE did not eat so HIS body was weak. At HIS weakest moments the devil tempted HIM, but HE held strong. Each temptation HE denied only made HIM stronger.

• JESUS wants me to bypass temptation little by little in order to get stronger.
• JESUS wants me to purposefully focus on growing in HIM little by little.
• JESUS wants me to follow HIS example knowing I will fail, but try again and again with HIS help.

JESUS had to remain sinless in order to redeem a sinful world. HE does not require me to be sinless, because I cannot redeem mankind. HE does want me to know that the less I sin the more of HIS power can be shown.

HE somehow rewards me when I turn from temptation, but it takes practice in order to do it. HE sees when I fail, but more importantly HE sees when I succeed in passing up the temptation in order to further HIS kingdom. JESUS knows my every weakness and still has total grace for me.

• Do you feel like a failure to GOD?
• Do you feel like you are not being good enough?
• Will you stop trying so hard to be good and allow GOD to transform you little by little at HIS pace to do HIS will?

Already There

Mark 7: ¹⁴ When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. ¹⁶ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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Seeing the new clothes on the mannequin stirred up something inside me that said “I want that.” As I surveyed the handsome garments, a salesperson immediately came over. “You would look great in this” she said to me, batting flirty eyes. “I have to have this!” were my new words.

• Sometimes I think I am tempted by what I see.
• Sometimes I think I am drawn to temptation by what I hear.
• Sometimes I think it is the situation that is holding me down.

“If it weren’t for that, fill in the blank, I would not have fallen into temptation” were my words I would use to justify my actions. JESUS negates my excuses immediately.

• JESUS says to me “Fortify your heart on a daily basis.”
• JESUS says to me “Guard your heart daily before you go out.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek ME and you will find ME daily.”

Some of the temptations I found did not happen by chance; rather it was because I was looking to be tempted. In other words, it was already in my heart before I left the house. GOD wants me to understand my weaknesses and ask HIM to fortify my senses before I go out into the world.

GOD gave me smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste as wonderful, pleasurable sensations that I can use or abuse this day. GOD says “Ask and I will guide you to use your senses to MY glory today.”

• Are you easily tempted?
• Do you think you were tempted by chance or was it already in your heart?
• Can you admit what you easily fall for and ask GOD to handle that for you?
• Will you allow GOD to flow from your heart instead of defilement today?

Pep Talk

Mark 1: ⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, ¹³ and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted^[g] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

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“What if I lose” ran through my mind as I got ready for my first race. I must have had the look of terror on my face because my teammates started talking to me. “You can do this!” they screamed. I shook off my nervous jitters and ran the race.

• Sometimes I need a pep talk.
• Sometimes I need to be encouraged.
• Sometimes I need someone to say “You can do it!”

JESUS publicly showed HIS ministry by being baptized. This ministry would be far more than healing people of their physical ailments. HE needed to die and be blamed for every sin that ever happened. The FATHER gave HIM a pep talk by saying “YOU are MY SON, whom I love; with YOU I AM well pleased.”

• JESUS knows I need words of comfort.
• JESUS knows I need words of encouragement.
• JESUS knows I need words to pick me up when I am down.

“LORD guide me” are my words to HIM and HE does just that on a daily basis. When those around me are petrified and cannot console me, HE is there to pick me up. HE knows how I am tempted because HE faced temptations of every kind, yet HE resisted. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who speaks on my behalf.

JESUS went through great lengths to protect me. All I can do is praise HIM!

• Are you feeling down?
• Do you need a pep talk?
• Can you understand that JESUS loves you and is well pleased with you?”

It is Tempting

Matthew 4: ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “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.’”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

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“If YOU are GOD then heal my eyes” was my foolish prayer that was met with silence. The thought I had in my mind was to get a quick miracle so I would then dedicate myself back to GOD. Of course the choice was to keep doing what I wanted to do if GOD did not relent.

• There have been times I have put GOD to the test.
• There have been times I have put an “If” statement in front of GOD’s power.
• There have been times I have reduced GOD’s power to what I could “see”.

Tempting GOD to do my bidding is never a good idea. Forcing HIS hand or threatening HIM is the wrong way to serve the ONE who is trying to help me. When I say “If YOU are GOD…” I am really saying “YOU may not be so much of the GOD that YOU say YOU are.”

• GOD says to me “Do not put the LORD your GOD to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Worship the LORD your GOD, and serve HIM only.”

Fortunately for me, GOD knew I was immature and allowed me to rant foolishly. HE gently guided me back to HIS word and had me focus on HIS ways. The tantrum was over and HE allowed me back into HIS family to serve HIM.

One thing I noticed is the devil tried to use GOD’s word against JESUS. HE has been tempted in every way possible. HE empathizes with me and loves me more.

• Are you tempting GOD?
• Do you put false expectations on HIM?
• Will you stop threatening HIM and start serving HIM today?