Weekly Faith Focus

Greetings friends,
I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below). If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was Luke 4:1-13. Early church tradition attributes Luke as the author of this Gospel, who also authored the book of Acts. Luke was a Gentile, and his knowledge of the Old Testament indicates that he was a “God-fearer”- someone who was not Jewish, but who was seeking God and observed some of the Jewish religious tradition, without being a full convert. At some point he converted to Christianity, and some people conjecture that although he was not one of the twelve disciples that it is likely he had been one of the seventy that followed Jesus. Luke determined to do careful research to write an “orderly account” of Jesus’ ministry, interviewing many” (1:3). Many believe that one of the main people Luke interviewed was Mary, Jesus’ mother. Luke began both his gospel and Acts by addressing “Theophilis,” which some believe was a person, and yet it could also be intended to be written to any of us as “Theophilus” means “Lover of God.”
Luke became part of the early church, and at times was a travelling companion to the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. He was well educated in Greek culture and was also a physician, contributing to his attention to detail. Luke is focused on how Jesus impacted people, and points out often the way Jesus ministered to those considered “other” by Jewish tradition- women, lepers, Samaritans, etc- to the least and the lost. Jesus is the Messiah and Lord who crossed boundaries and reached out to all people with love and compassion. His death and resurrection made salvation available to the entire world, even to a Gentile like Luke.
The context for our passage is that Jesus was thirty years old and had not yet started his earthly ministry. Jesus had just been baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist in the Jordon River. When baptized, “heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (3:22b-23). Immediately after this divine affirmation, Jesus is led into the wilderness, a desert place, to be tested by the enemy. In Luke’s writing, he inserts Jesus’ genealogy between the story of the baptism and testing, which traces Jesus lineage all the way past Adam in the Garden of Eden stating, “the son of Adam, the son of God” (3:38). The title “son of God” is important to both the baptism and temptation stories, establishing Jesus’ true identity.
Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this is to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 (NIV)
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Other Scriptures referenced:

Proverbs 23:7 “For as one Thinks in their Heart, so they are.”

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

Genesis chapter 3- Adam, Eve, the Serpent/Devil, “the Fall”

Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Deuteronomy 8:1-3 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear (Worship) the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name

Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:
Monday: v.1 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit”- Jesus had just been baptized in the Jordon River by his cousin, John the Baptist, and the Spirit had “descended on him in bodily form like a dove” (3:21-23). What do you think the characteristics of the Holy Spirit are that “dove” was used as a descriptor? What is the character, action, purpose, etc.? If it would be helpful, you can go to biblegateway.com and search “Spirit” and explore the many, many times that the Holy Spirit is referenced.
Have you ever experienced the presence of the Spirit “descending on” you- what seems like an extra dose of the the Holy Spirit? If so, how would you describe it? What were the circumstances? If you have not experienced this, pray for the Holy Spirit to come, opening yourself up to what God will do. Pay attention to your body and mind- can you discern any changes? For many, the feeling and awareness of the Holy Spirit descending is experienced during times of openness in prayer. It is also often experienced when one is walking in humility and discernment, as the Holy Spirit guides and empowers in different situations. If you are not already doing so, I encourage you to begin your day, every day, with prayer that includes inviting the Holy Spirit into your day. Consider Jesus’ prayer, “Thy will be done” and determine to be open to whatever that may be.
For this verse, Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was now not only filled with the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit came visibly and publicly. Why do you think the Holy Spirit was revealed so boldly- what was the purpose for others and for Jesus? Jesus is described here as “full of” the Holy Spirit, “full” being plérés in the original Greek meaning not only “full,” but “abounding in”, “completely occupied with” (biblehub.com). The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Consider what being “full of the Holy Spirit” means to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit participates with Christ, not only in Creation, but as Gregory of Nazianzus points out, “Christ comes into the world; the Spirit goes before Him. He is baptized; the Spirit bears witness. He is tempted; the Spirit leads Him. He works miracles; the Spirit accompanies Him. He ascends; the Spirit takes His place.” John the Baptist had shared with others before he baptized Jesus that the Messiah would come and “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”- that is for all who are believers! We are reminded that in John 14:16-17, Jesus promised the Spirit, saying, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit continues to work within the world in these same ways, going before through Prevenient Grace to lead people to Christ, and for believers- bearing witness that we are the children of God, leading us into temptation for the strengthening of our faith, and working miracles. The greatest miracle is the life that is transformed through salvation in Christ and sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit. For disciples, those who love and follow Jesus, we understand that there is a dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit were in holy partnership with living out God the Father’s will. Through Jesus Christ we too are in holy partnership with the Holy Spirit to live out God’s will. Take a moment and pray, thanking God for the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit in your life, and commit to being Spirit-filled; welcoming, open, and available for the work of the Holy Spirit within you. Pray for continued revelation, confidence, and strength to follow God into his will and your calling. Listen and watch- be prepared to move wherever and however God leads!
Tuesday: v.1 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness”- immediately following the powerful physical and spiritual experience of baptism, Jesus heads into the wilderness, “full of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus had just been affirmed in who he is at his baptism- by God the Father saying “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased,” as well as his experience with the Holy Spirit. Going into the wilderness reveals obedience, being willing to follow the Spirit even into something challenging. Note that it was the Holy Spirit that actually led Jesus there. There is a juxtaposition between Jesus being “full of the Holy Spirit” and being “led by the Spirit” into a time of difficult testing. That means that heading into this challenge Jesus recognizes that he is not alone- the Spirit is with him when he is confronted by the enemy. This is a pattern we often experience in our own lives as believers. As soon as we experience a spiritual high, we encounter the enemy that seeks to bring us low. In those times it is necessary, even vital, for us to be “full of the Holy Spirit,” as we head into confrontations with the enemy affirmed with who we are in Christ, and recognizing that we are not alone.
“Wilderness” is erémos in the original Greek, and it means solitary, desolate. It has sometimes been translated as “desert.” What do you think that imagery says about the spiritual atmosphere that Jesus is being led into? What does that say about the spiritual atmospheres that we will encounter? How does that make you feel? Take a moment to read Ephesians 6:10-18 for a description of how we are to armor ourselves in preparation for those times- we need to be “armored up daily! The Spirit led Jesus into this time of facing the enemy, but we must remember that it is a time of testing not trauma. The enemy, the devil, is in our world and the result is pain, suffering, and brokenness. Unfortunately, as citizens in this world, we will encounter and experience that, but that is not what the Holy Spirit leads us into. In those times God is with us, in support and love, grieving along with us, and God works to make something good and beautiful out of those awful experiences. As Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” But this is not where the Holy Spirit leads us, nor is it where Jesus was led. Instead, the leading was toward testing that worked to refine identity, reliance, and strength through perseverance, and developing an assurance of calling and mission. Have you experienced this in your own walk with Christ? Have you ever found yourself stronger in faith and having firmer conviction of who you are and what you believe after being victorious over temptation? Describe your experience, the circumstances, how it felt in the struggle, and the outcome. How were you affected? What does that mean for any testing and temptation that you will face in the future? How do you determine to be victorious? Take a moment and pray, recalling the times that the Holy Spirit has brought to mind. If there is healing needed, from shame, sorrow, or anything else, seek God’s healing, allowing yourself to forgive and let go, with the Spirit ministering to you. If there is a recognition of victory, discern how the Spirit was with you, and give thanks. If you are still struggling with temptations and testing, ask God to give you knowledge, wisdom, strength, and power- get “armored up!” In all and through all, know that God loves you and is with you.

Wednesday: V.2 “where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” “Forty” is a recurring theme in Israel’s salvation history- Moses spent forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai receiving the ten commandments (Exodus 34:28), and the Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3), where God shaped his covenant people while he cared for them and led them by cloud and fire. That Jesus would have his experience for forty days means that we are to take notice- this is significant. This too will be a time of shaping and revelation of God’s will. Based on Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness the Church determined to have forty days of reflection, repentance, and fasting before Easter, called Lent. (for more references to forty see Gen. 7:4; Deut. 25:3; Ezek. 4:6)
“Tempted”- Hebrews 4:15 says about Jesus, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet he did not sin.” Yes, Jesus faced all of the same things that bring temptation to us. But, we have to be careful about how we approach this. When we use the term “tempted” it can sound as if Jesus was actually considering sinning, and that God was even enticing him to do so. James 1:13-14 says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” Therefore, I prefer instead the other translation of the word peirazó in the Greek, “tested.” The Holy Spirit led him to be tested. What do you think about the difference with the two words? How does it become different with what Jesus is led to do and the ultimate purpose? Consider that Jesus was by himself during these forty days of testing. The only way that anyone would know about it was if he shared what happened with his disciples. Why do you think Jesus would share his experience with them? What did he want them to know, and why?
V.2b “He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry”- well, yes, after forty days without food he would definitely be hungry! But what this points out is that to stand strong in his testing against the enemy, Jesus chose to fast. Matthew’s account of this moment says, “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him…” (Mt. 4:2). So Jesus spent time alone in the wilderness, fasting, in preparation for what would come. In Luke, some translations indicate that Jesus was tested throughout the forty days. I personally believe it was both. The verb “being tested” is a present participle that indicates ongoing action. I take that to mean that Jesus was fasting in preparation, and because he was being tested he fasted more, and when he was weakened physically from fasting the enemy struck again.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that was practiced often throughout Scripture, and is unfortunately, is not often discussed, taught, or practiced today. But it is a powerful practice! It doesn’t seem as if Jesus did much fasting after this experience in the wilderness, being even condemned by the religious rulers for his “eating and drinking” (Mt. 11:19). When the religious rulers accused him of this, Jesus said, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast (Mark 2:19-20). Fasting was certainly encouraged and supported by Jesus, but with new understanding and purpose- with repentance and not for religious “show.” Jesus told people “when you fast” (Mt. 6:16,17)- not if you fast. Fasting is sacrifice, emptying oneself. Biblically, it is going without food. Fasting was continued as a strong practice in the early church, accompanied by prayer, as believers sought God’s will and spiritual strengthening (Acts 13:2,3; 14:23). The point is to take the sacrifice/emptiness and be more focused on and filled up with God. If not, and someone is just going without food, then it’s just a diet. Have you ever fasted for spiritual reasons? What has been your experience?
Jesus was hungry after forty days without food- which is understandable (please know that I do not recommend fasting that long for most people!). Physically, he may have been hungry, but spiritually he would have been filled and strong. Take a moment and prayerfully consider if perhaps God is calling you to fast, either with food or with something else that is taking up time and/or mental or emotional energy. Consider that fasting and prayer is what often leads to a breakthrough. How is God leading you in this time and circumstance?

Thursday: v.3-4 “The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” “Devil” here, and in v.2, comes from the Greek, diabolos, where we get the word “diabolical.” Its term means to slander, accuse falsely, defame- properly, a slanderer; a false accuser; unjustly criticizing to hurt (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship” (biblehub.com)- the severing of relationship would be between a person and God. In this story, the enemy begins to try to break down Jesus’ identity in that same way by beginning with “IF you are the Son of God.” Have you ever encountered the same accusation from the enemy? Often it presents itself with intruding thoughts like “who do you think you are,” “you’re not really loved by God,” “you’re not really saved,” etc. The false accusation, if permitted a place to land in our heart and mind, can lead to a downward spiral of discouragement, defeat, and more. But we must always remember that the devil is a liar! God wants us to be victorious against any and all spiritual attacks, and so we witness and learn how Jesus handled it. Jesus answered with God’s TRUTH. Jesus counters the attack by launching Scripture back. In this case, Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, referencing the time when the Israelites had been in the wilderness for forty years. The passage in full is, “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” The devil appealed to a legitimate need and desire within Jesus, to eat food after not having eaten for forty days. He was suggesting that Jesus fulfill his legitimate bodily needs and desires in an illegitimate way.
“Bread”- the enemy was not only suggesting that Jesus should question his identity, but also suggesting that if his identity is real then it should be used for his own selfish use- to make his physical appetite the priority. This was not a challenge to be strong, but to be independent- rebellious against God. It questions God’s provision and care. Not only does Jesus counter with the truth of Scripture, but later he lives it in his ministry by feeding the bodies and spirits of others. In the Lord’s Prayer he included, “Give us this day our daily bread,” as in, trust in God to provide for your needs, striving for God’s kingdom above all. Making ourselves a priority can be a strong temptation. Certainly we need to be a priority in order to take care of ourselves. The test is whether God will be the priority above all, even above ourselves. What physical needs or desires make us vulnerable to temptation? Have you ever experienced the temptation to put yourself above God? I suspect we all have at one time or another. Consider wanting to sleep in instead of going to worship, or splurging on yourself instead of being generous with God, or taking time to do something you enjoy but not taking time to serve God, etc. Sleeping in, occasionally treating yourself, and doing enjoyable things are all good, but not when it becomes a priority above God. Take a moment and think through that thought process and identify the points that are not in alignment with God’s Word. Consider what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation (or testing) has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted (or tested) he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” The example of Jesus is that we can be victorious when we are Spirit-filled, sacrificial (fasting/praying), and Word-of-God filled. We resist by answering seductive lies of the enemy by shining the light of God’s truth upon them. If people “do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord,” then our life must be filled with Scripture so that it is in our heart and mind, and lived in life. This week, begin memorizing Scripture, so the words of God come to you in times of need. Pray for awareness of the enemy and the spiritual attacks. Pray for protection and power to resist. Take a moment and pray, being with God, and working through anything that the Spirit has brought to mind. Give praise and thanks to God.

Friday: v.5- 8 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” It’s interesting that the devil brought Jesus up to a high place in order to test him in an attempt to bring Jesus low. That’s just what the enemy often does with us too, leading us up high with promises based on lies, in hopes of bringing us low. High up, where it seems above, superior, shiny and attractive, only to bring defeat. The ultimate goal is to get us to fall, fail, and into rebellion against God in some way.
This second temptation that is presented is a direct challenge to the first commandment (Ex. 20:3), “You shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus is shown all the worldly kingdoms with the promise of dominion through changing allegiance from God to Satan- not only to join with Satan, but for Jesus to cut ties with the calling, ministry, and mission that was ahead of him. It is suggested that he could gain quick access to power without the rejection and suffering of the cross. All of this, of course, is a lie. Yes, the enemy is in the world, but Jesus, as the Son of God, already had power and authority over not only the worldly kingdoms, but in the kingdom of God! Although the path for Jesus would be difficult, painful, and take time, that is what he chose. There would be an ultimate reward of defeat of sin and death, and salvation available to all of humanity!
Jesus battles the enemy once again with the Word of God- Scripture this time also from Deuteronomy, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Deut. 6:13). Only God is worthy of worship! With worship comes service and a lifelong commitment. The temptation that Satan mimicks in our own lives is suggesting that there may be shortcuts, or better directions, to achieve what we want, rather than following God. The enemy tries to destabalize our walk with God by offering other options- shortcuts to spirituality that at the time may seem attractive, but are only dead ends. There are no shortcuts or subsitutes that honor God. The enemy will often use subtle substitutes that we can find ourselves worshiping and seeking some type of power from. This could be our career, or status, hobbies, possessions, or even our family. That doesn’t mean we cannot have any of those things! But, if we are not careful and aware, we can find that we have made something that was meant to be a blessing into an idol we hold above God. Take a moment and consider everything and everyone in your life. Blessings! Now pray about it all and ask God if there is anything where you have slipped into an unhealthy relationship, allowing it to rise above God. Pay attention to what God brings to mind, as well as your bodily response. Work through it all, seeking understanding, forgiveness, wisdom, and grace.
Have you ever struggled with your spiritual walk, wishing, hoping, for a quicker and easier way? Sometimes people are not willing to do the work of sanctification- allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It takes hard work, inner work, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, with confession, repentance, and lasting change. Sometimes people seek outward “fixes” with practicing the occult, or getting involved in things that distract away from any issues (alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.). We are in a culture of “quick fixes” and “easy roads.” Jesus said we must “count the cost” (Luke 14:28). Truly, compared to the burden the the religious rulers, accepting the grace of Christ is easy. But discipleship is a lifetime of sacrifice and growth that is fueled by love and grace. There are choices to be made. God’s way is the narrow road that leads to life.
The interesting thing about this passage is that Satan was tempting Jesus with what he already had- authority! Jesus had authority as the Son of God and he exercised his authority throughout his ministry. We, as believers in Jesus Christ also have authority through the power of the Holy Spirit within us! If we do not fully understand who we are and our spiritual power through Christ, the enemy may cause us to experience fear and doubt. Matthew 10:1 says, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” That same power is available to us- to live as a faithful disciple, and bring healing and deliverance to a broken and hurting world- that same authority is given to us in Jesus’ name! Do you feel as if you have spiritual power and authority? What do you think that means- what does it look like and feel like? How can you live that out even more? Take some time and pray, asking God to reveal to you who you are, what you are called to do, and the power and authority God has given you to do it. Take the time, working through anything that makes you question, hold back, or seek other ways. Allow God’s grace to cover you and fill you, and give thanks!

Saturday: vv.9-12 “The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “IF you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
This third and final test has Jesus in Jerusalem, the holy city, and standing at the highest place of worship, the temple. For this as well as the second testing with the kingdoms, I view it as Jesus going there in the spiritual realm, possibly through having a vision, rather than Jesus traipsing around with the devil. What do you think? A vision would not make it any less real- the experience of the test still stands.
Jesus used Scripture to counter the attacks in the past, but now Satan is choosing to use Scripture back at Jesus, in a brazen attempt to trick Jesus into rebellion against God by following a twisted form of the Scripture. This is exactly what happened to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden- Satan used Scripture to lure and entice by distorting what God had said, leading to questions, confusion, and doubt. This is something we all have to be very careful of. The world, ruled by the enemy, will often take Scripture and twist it around to try to break trust with our beliefs and ultimately with God. There will be attempts to distort the intent and context of Scripture in attempts to dismiss or destroy the message from God that the passage has for us. We need to be knowledgable about the Bible, Christian doctrine, and the schemes of the enemy that are often lived out through people. Stand firm in truth!
What was Satan actually offering? First, imagine the spectacle of this happening, and everyone at the temple who was worshiping would be seeing this miraculous event. Jesus would gain popularity, a following, but by illegitimate means and for the wrong purpose. Jesus performed many miracles, signs, and wonders during his ministry, but it was never as a challenge to God’s authority or to put on a show. So Satan was offering illegitimate popularity- not based on substance of God’s mission. If the person being tempted had a concern for the praise of people (instead of the praise of God) then this temptation would be… tempting. For many, there is a temptation to seek approval of people, being a people-pleaser. Usually this manifests in not staying true to ourselves or God, sometimes being taken advantage of, and typically having a constant anxiety about whether or not we are living up to what others want. It can become demoralizing and shaming, with the mindset of “will they think I’m good enough… what if I’m not…” Have you ever experienced this temptation? How did you fare? What did you experience in the circumstances, and what did you experience in your heart and mind? As memories arise, take a moment and work through them with God in prayer. Ask yourself the root cause of this desire and seek healing from God in whatever form God determines to give. Listen, receive. Focus of pleasing God!
Connected but different, there is another way to look at this temptation- as seeking after the pride of life. The suggestion is ultimately prideful. The Scripture Satan used is out of context and purpose. The original point was that God loves us and takes care of us, ministering to us. But Satan was suggesting that Jesus should purposely put himself in danger, expecting God to do his bidding- another form of putting God theFather to the test in a degrading way- as if God was a genie in a box to do as we command at our will. Obviously, this is completely inappropriate and unacceptable! 1 John 2:16 says, “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” Pride can be a tricky thing to navigate. Too much pride, you’re self-centered and arrogant, too little pride and you are weak and dismissed. Neither is good. The healthy balance is when pride comes from God, from who we are in Christ. Pride in the form of confidence and humility through the authority, power, and holy expectations God has given us. Have you ever struggled with issues of pride? Too little, or too much, or both- depending on the circumstances? It’s healthy for us to have God-esteem instead- to have a healthy perspective of self, others, and God. How do you think we get there? How do you think that people shift from pride of self to pride of God? Are you doing, thinking, believing, praying about, those things? If not, why not, and what would compel you to do so? If so, what has been your experience? (and would you be willing to share a testimony in worship about it??)
Take a moment and consider all of the reflections throughout this week. What has been the impact? I want to encourage you to continue to take the time to pray, reflect, dig deeper, and pray more. Our faith is not static. We are all on a journey together to heal, grow, and transform. Take some time now to pray, thanking God for his abiding presence and guidance. Ask God what your next steps in faith need to be. Listen. Open your eyes, ears, heart, mind, emotions, and body- all of you- to God’s revelation in your life. Shalom!

Other items:

Responsive Reading
Leader: Holy Lord, open our hearts,
People: To be fully alive to who we are in You.
Leader: Give us clear revelation,
People: To see ourselves the way You see us.
Leader: Help us to stand in Your truth,
People: And to not be shaken by the lies of the enemy.
Leader: Teach us to hear Your voice,
People: To claim our identity in You,
All: And to live boldly in the world as reflections of You.

Unison Prayer
Loving Father, we come before You with thanksgiving
for who You are and who You have created us to be.
By Your Spirit, reveal to us Your presence.
Protect us from the many voices
that speak anything but Your truth.
Speak to us Your Word of hope and love,
and empower us to live that with others.
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Song Lyrics:

Open My Eyes that I May See UMH #454

1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Who You Say I Am
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me

In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

I am chosen not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me not against me
I am who You say I am

I am chosen not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Good, Good Father

I’ve heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone

You’re a Good Good Father
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
It’s who I am

I’ve seen many searching for answers
Far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers
Only You provide
Because You know just what we need
Before we say a word

You’re a Good Good Father
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
It’s who I am

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love love love

You’re a Good Good Father
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
It’s who I am

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):
Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.
For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).
Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)
Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)
I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!
At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.