What Is Temptation?

By Warren Mueller –

Have you ever wondered about the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-10)? The Bible says God does not tempt anyone and cannot be tempted (James 1:13).   Furthermore, Jesus was tempted “in every way just as we are—yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Since Jesus is both God and human, how can these verses be reconciled?

Webster’s Dictionary defines tempt as to test or to try to persuade, induce, entice, allure, especially to something sensuously pleasurable or immoral; to provoke. The Greek word peirazo used in the previous verses means to test, entice, examine, prove or test. In both of these definitions, there is the dual sense of a trial and enticement to do evil. Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness before the devil tempted him three times. The first time, the devil enticed him to turn rocks into bread which appealed to his hunger. The second time, the devil tried to use Scripture to trick Jesus and so tested his knowledge of the word. The third time, the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if he would worship the devil which was a spiritual attack to short cut God’s plan of redemption. The devil tempted Jesus physically, mentally and spiritually to put his needs first instead of choosing the path set before him by God the Father. Thus, the actual underlying temptation was whether Jesus would assert his will or be obedient to that of his Father. This is the essence of the trial aspect of the temptation.

The enticement to do evil involved: 1) appeasing the flesh in replacing his hunger pains with the pleasure of food (and a full stomach); 2) appealing to his mind to assert himself as king by commanding angels to save him from a fall; and 3) worshipping the devil in exchange for being king of the world would be an enticement to short cut God’s plan of redemption and avoid the cross (i.e. spiritual separation from the Father as sin bearer).

This explains how Jesus could be tempted or tested yet without sin. In other words, he was tested but not persuaded to sin.  Jesus said and did what the Father commanded (John 5:19). Thus, I believe that Jesus could recognize temptation as soon as he was confronted with it because he had a higher view. When we are tempted, we tend to focus on the pleasure (immediate gratification) to be had and rationalize what we know is wrong.  Temptation tends to narrow our view in that we think mainly of ourselves. James says that our desire to do evil leads us to sin which results in death (James 1: 14-15).  Therefore, temptation is a trial or test that has some enticement for self-gratification.   Temptation begins as a test that has some appealing aspect that if entertained and acted on, results in sin. Temptation in and of itself is not evil but it ends in sin when we choose immediate pleasure despite the consequences and choose self rather than God. Jesus was tempted or tested but he did not allow the temptation to progress to sin.

Lord Jesus please help us to see you in everything we think, say and do so that we will not focus on ourselves and our desires.  Help us to run the race of life with our eyes fixed on you and always ask, “What would Jesus do and how can I please you?”

The Lord Will Build a House

By Marty Norman –

For two thousand years the Lord has been building a house. Brick by brick, stone upon stone he lays out his handiwork. As believers, we are the body of Christ; we are the church; we are the house. Slowly, surely, the Lord takes each of us and carefully places us one on top of another, in a pattern and format that only he knows and will complete.

Recently I attended the ordination of a deacon at an Anglican Church which so clearly drew out that picture for me in physical form. If you’ve never attended an ordination, you must. It was a powerful experience that got my mental juices working overtime.

The first thing noticed was that after a deacon is ordained, he stands at the altar to administer the Sacraments. Once he was a lay person; now he is a deacon, ordained for the work of God. As a minister of the Word he is now allowed to administer the Sacrament. So this was his very first time to participate in that role. Imagine how powerful his emotions must have been at that time.

I noticed that there were two or three men, ordained priests, assisting him. Then it hit me. They were there mentoring him. Just like Paul with Timothy, they were mentoring him in the ways of the Sacrament.

What a powerful picture. It occurred to me that in all our spiritual journeys we are to mentor and be mentored. For once God has anointed and appointed us to ministry, just as the newly ordained deacon is appointed and anointed, so, too must we all move forward in that ministry  through mentoring. After many years of discipleship and training, tutoring and learning, we will at some point move from mentoree to mentor, but not for a while. That is how faith is passed down from one generation to the next, one person at a time.

I also noticed the vestments. Following the laying on of hands, the two deacons were vested with the Dalmatic. The words spoken over them were “May the Lord clothe you with the garment of salvation and the vesture of gladness; may the Dalmatic of righteousness always cloak you in the name of the Lord.

I could hardly wait to get home and google “Dalamtic.” You can imagine my surprise when I found it to mean: “a long wide sleeved tunic which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and United Methodist Church which is sometimes worn by the deacon at the Mass or other service” (Wikipedia).

According to my research, Dalmatics match the liturgical colors of the day. I wondered why the two were different. Then it hit me. The two men were from different churches. Therefore the vestments would be different. This, in turn, brought the twelve tribes of Israel to mind. A picture of heaven and the different tribes and cultures represented.

As I listened to the worship, which was glorious, ethereal and unearthly, I began to ponder what the Scriptures say what the kingdom of heaven will be like. The descriptions range from priceless jewels to glass. I thought to myself,  “This  must be what worship in the kingdom of heaven is like. Perhaps each church or tribe will be dressed differently to distinguish them one from another, all one family, yet different branches, denominations, cultures and countries.”

I also thought of the Old Testament, how all the feasts and festivals pointed to Jesus. The purpose was for the people to recognize him when he came. The lamb of God at the Passover, the blood on the windows and door frames for protection, the first fruits of the harvest, the sacrifice of blood, the bread on the altar, the empty tomb. It was all there, types and shadows to aid us in recognizing the Messiah when he came.

The traditions in the church were passed down from the Old Testament to the 1^st Century to now, thus a uniting of the old and new. Wasn’t God specific about how his temple was to be built, down to the centimeters and cubes, the colors of the yarn and the curtains?

There must be significance in these truths. I pondered their importance. Looking at the deacons’ radiant faces as they processed down the aisle gave me a glimpse into the joy that will be ours as we enter the heavenly places. Music blaring, pomp and circumstance, colorful vestments, it will truly be a grand celebration and welcoming.

The last and most significant event of the day was the sunlight. As the Bishop and the deacons moved about the altar, a bright ray of sunlight shone through the skylight above. If I didn’t know better, I would think that the Lord himself was highlighting and blessing the activity of the day. It was so profound in its timing.

God’s house has been built, will be built and is continuing to be built today. Stone upon stone we are part of a mighty fabric that will glorify God. How blessed we are to be observers and participants in the building of this glorious kingdom.

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

By Aubrey Spencer –

Not long ago, I introduced my son Oliver to one of the great joys from my childhood—Zig Ziglar. If you don’t know of him, he’s a motivational speaker who (years ago) created music for kids with positive messages. His songs were all about succeeding in life, making good choices, having great attitudes, being a winner, etc. I loved my Zig Ziglar tape! I honestly think it’s part of the reason I turned out to be such a crazy optimist. Even as a kid, I loved being positive, and Zig Ziglar knew just how to “pump me up” with inspiration. Our family listened to his tape, See You at The Top, over and over in the car when we took road trips. I knew every line of every song. Songs like, “Don’t Kick the Cat,” “Goodbye, Mr. Mediocrity,” “Don’t Be Flaky Like the Biscuit,” “Stop the Stinkin’ Thinkin’,” and “Dr. M.Y. Self.” Makes you want to borrow my tape, doesn’t it?

So, the other day, when we were on a small road trip, we gave Oliver his first Zig Ziglar experience. It was great! My first time to really pass something from my childhood on to my child. Something with meaning, hope, optimism, and worth. And, you know what? I’m pretty sure he liked it. I suspect he’ll be singing the words before long, just like his mommy!

The motivational blast from the past got me thinking—it’s really important to me to begin, even this early on in his life, to fill Oliver’s mind with good things. I want him to be positive even when times are tough. We all go through times like that at some point. Times when discouragement sets in. Times when people let you down. Times when the future is uncertain and the present is unbearable. Times when it would be easy, even understandable, to fill our minds with bitterness and negative thinking. But, instead of getting bogged down with the injustices of life, I choose to fill my mind with Christ. With His love. With His promises. And, with His power. As I heard one time, we need to focus less on the mountain and more on the Mountain Mover! Jesus is able. I’m going to fill my mind with that thought. And, if that doesn’t stop stinkin’ thinkin’, I don’t know what will!

PRAYER: Father, help me to focus on You and the things that draw me closer to You. Fill my mind completely with Your goodness and with the hope I have in You.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

These are the Days

By Heather Arbuckle –

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NIV).

I am not a big fan of Daylight Savings Time. It’s probably because I am not exactly what you would call “a morning person.” Somehow, with the time change, morning seems earlier. Waking up to a dark house and stumbling over to the coffee pot makes me long for a bit more time underneath my covers. At least enough time for the sun to catch up with my day.

Finally, the coffee is done brewing and I sit down to take a few moments before my kids wake up to begin their morning rituals. The sky is still dark, but the birds are singing. The house is still. And it is like God is whispering, “These are the days. Rejoice. Don’t miss it!”

So I think it over and I understand. These ARE the days…

When my daughters bring me “flowers” that resemble weeds, but are presented with great joy and love.

When my son is still shorter than me and will allow me to hug him in front of his friends.

When my husband kisses me on the cheek gently before he leaves for his job, even earlier than the birds are willing to awaken.

These are the days…

Today, I get to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Speak words of affirmation and encouragement. Show my family how lucky they make me feel. Thank God for His many blessings.

Now, my kids are stirring and my quiet house is filled with the sounds of them  getting dressed and packing their lunches for school. I rejoice for our day together has begun. And I remember to embrace this moment.

For these are the days…

Of my daughter singing to Jesus while she ties her shoes.

Of my son assisting his sister with a glass of milk, while I get a glimpse of the man he will one day become.

Of kisses good-bye and big, bright smiles as my girls ride off to school on their scooters.

Of stolen moments with my teenage man-child, as he shares his thoughts and it is just him and me.

Of phone calls from my busy husband, who calls just to hear my voice.

These are the days. So wake up slowly if you must. Grab some coffee and take a moment to listen to the birds. But then rejoice, for you will never get today back again. And even when you are walking in darkness, there are reasons to embrace the beautiful gift of today.

Hairy Situations

By Elaine James –

“She was flicking her hair in my face and it bothered me, so I cut it.” This was my five-year-old son’s logical, nonchalant response when asked why he cut off an eight-inch lock of Sarah’s hair at school. What a way to start the school year with my son! I found myself dealing with a hysterical mother, a teacher who discovered the evidence in the classroom garbage and a classmate with long blonde hair who had no idea how her hair got cut off. Who really is to blame in the situation? My husband and I sat my son down at the beginning of the school year and had given him the dos and don’ts of school etiquette. I guess we left out the “don’t cut a girl’s hair when she keeps flicking it into your face and it’s bothering you” part!

Dealing with my son was difficult because he was so sincere and honest about what he had done. The furious mom actually asked me how I planned to discipline my son. I was taught to let the punishment fit the crime. My son’s hair was already very short and so I could not cut it off, but he was guilty and needed punished. We did have a good talk with him, and the teacher separated their attached desks and put him on the other side of the room.

This experience reminds me of the story where Mary takes about a pint of expensive perfume; she pours it on Jesus’ feet and wipes His feet with her hair. Judas finds out and asks, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?”

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “You will always have the poor among you but you will not always have Me.” Jesus suggests in this passage to first spend time with Him and then you will know where to use your gifts and money wisely. We can be serving in so many good ways.

Whenever I read this I think of the lesson: good, better, best. We want to give Jesus our best. You would think giving to the poor would be our best. Jesus clearly is teaching the importance of being led by the Spirit.

My son had a “hairy” situation and did not choose wisely but Mary did.

PRAYER:  Lord there is so much in life that I want to do. What do You want me to do with my time? Help me to be strong and learn from You.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV).

« Previous Page — Next Page »