I’ve been thinking recently that our society focuses a lot on the negative and imperfections (or imperfections in the beholders eye). Are we too focused on the negative that we don’t notice all the positive things happening? Yes it is true, there are a lot of negative and evil things going on in our nation (or even just things you might not agree with), however, just maybe, if we focused on the positive and bettering our society with high standards and morals, we would see a decline in the decisiveness and downward spiral of our society. Now I am not saying, that we should just condone things that are just flat out wrong and evil, however, I am talking about less important issues that distracts us from the bigger, greater cause. Arguing and being decisive over the little things keeps us from expanding our positive influence on a grander scale. If we focus so much on what we think is wrong (especially the petty things) and just waiting for someone to screw up so we can reveal their flaws, we are creating an environment where negativity can sprout. Why don’t we stop being so competitive against each other and work together for the greater cause? Just a thought. Does this make sense at all? I am just rambling on…but there is some truth in what I say…think about it. Let’s focus on the positive and I believe it will take care of a lot of the negative things.
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5Then 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.’” 7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Summary
Jesus fasted 40 days & 40 nights
Just imagine how hungry He was
“Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” v. 4
Satan came and tempted Jesus with food & worldly possessions
“Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him” v. 10
Questions to consider
How do I handle temptation?
Do I withhold from sin/temptation or cave in?
How should I handle temptation?
Characteristics to imitate (I like to call this the 7-Layer Salad, I happened to be looking at a half eaten salad when doing this study)
Jesus didn’t let His physical body deter Him from His spiritual condition
Jesus didn’t let worldly desires jeopardize His spiritual condition
Jesus didn’t forego His values & beliefs for immediate gratification
Jesus consistently withheld from the temptation—He was as strong the first time tempted to the last
Jesus used & quoted scripture to fight off temptation—He fought with the Sword (the Holy Word)
Jesus was prepared before hand to fight temptation battles
Jesus was in control of the situation from start to finish
Questions to consider
Do I resemble these characteristics when faced with temptation?
What do I need to do to be prepared for temptation?
How will I stay in control of temptation?
Today’s Application
Continuously study & memorize scripture to be prepared to fight the battle of evil desires & temptation
Mimic Jesus’ characteristics in this passage (the 7-Layered Salad above)
**Please feel free to add onto this post by leaving your comments, insights, and/or lessons learned from this passage**
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From http://www.michaelfranzese.com/–”Michael Franzese was once the target of multiple City, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies with one goal – bring down the man they considered one of the biggest money earners for organized crime since Al Capone. Dubbed by Tom Brokaw as “The Prince of the Mafia,” the Mafia’s youngest and most financially powerful new superstar was the son of legendary Colombo Family underboss John “Sonny” Franzese. His criminal Empire spanned multiple businesses, gambling operations, movie production, white collar crime, and enough volume to earn $6-8 million dollars a week at the height of his career, landing him at #18 on Fortune Magazine’s “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses” list in the mid-80’s. That Was Then“
One of my college buddies, Brett Younker, recently released his new CD, “This is Life.” I just purchased the album on iTunes (I’m actually jammin’ out to it right now as I write this post). I got to give it to him, it is an excellent album. During my college years, I had numerous opportunities to hear Brett sing/lead worship. I even played with him once for a vacation bible school. He is truly a gifted individual. God has blessed him with sweet nasty vocals and leadership skills like none other. More importantly, Brett is a great man of God and his dedicated to sharing HIS love. Brett is currently leading worship at a church in Atlanta, GA. It was a nice surprise to see him lead worship the other Sunday at my church, Elevation Church, here in Charlotte, NC. Good man that Younkers is…
I encourage you to go out and buy the CD! You can purchase it at his website, BrettYounker.com
or just search “Brett Younker” in the iTunes store.
