Tempting Thoughts

Picture of a child resisting one marshmallow in order to get three.

Walking in the Word


Luke 4

 ¹ Jesus, 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.

Responding to the Word

So why did I post that cute little boy holding the marshmallow?  Temptation.  The above study wanted to see if children could resist eating one marshmallow in order to get more.  Most didn't.  The Bible says that Jesus was "led" into the desert just after baptism.  Led into temptation!  God led His son to be tempted by the devil in order to teach us that we too can stand against temptation.  And what did Jesus use to defend himself against the trio of temptations?  The Word of God.  The same Word of God we have today.  So the next time you're tempted and feel the urge to give in, remember His Word and realize that He will indeed make a way out.  And that's some pretty good news!

Praying in the Word

Father, I know the temptations that Jesus faced are different from the ones I face.  And yet, I realize that by giving in I give credit to Satan and sin against You. Please deliver me from all temptation and keep me from evil. I praise and give honor to the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.  Thank you for such a deep and meaningful prayer meeting last night.   In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Making Him Smile

Walking in the Word

Luke 3:21-22 (New King James Version)

  
²¹ When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. ²² And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Responding to the Word

It's awesome to see the mighty work of God and hear His voice.  Jesus was the Son of God and had all authority (meaning He could do anything He wanted), but instead He chose to follow the command of His father.  Jesus was obedient to his father in and through baptism.  Have you made a decision to follow Jesus?  To ask Him into your heart as Lord and Savior?  Your next step would then be baptism.  And even though a dove will probably not descend from the sky into the church, you can be sure that God is very proud of you.

Praying in the Word

Father, I pray that I would be completely obedient to Your will.  Thank you for your Son who not only showed me how to live, but gave His life as a ransom for all.  Thank you for such a loving Son.  In His Name, Amen

Fire from Heaven

Walking in the Word

Luke 3:16 (New King James Version)

¹⁶ John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Responding to the Word

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus.  He preached repentance and baptized people in water.  John boldly proclaimed that Jesus would not choose to use the cool refreshing element we call water, but FIRE!  Don't worry.  You don't have to come to Jesus in a flame-retardent jumper.  The "fire" he's referring to is the uninhibited passion He will put into your life.  A passion to see God work in our family and schools today.  A passion to see friends (and enemies) come to Christ and make Him the Lord and Savior of their life.  A passion to raise your heart, sole and mind to the Maker and Creater of everything seen and unseen.

Praying Through the Word

Father, I pray the "fire" you have placed in my life never dies out.  I pray the passion I have for You will spead like wildfire throughout our children's dept as well as our whole church.  Lord, I pray our
Faith teams will see Your hand move in mighty and magnificant way in Faith Evangelism tonight. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Heavenly Store or Honoring the Father

Walking in the Word

Luke 2:48-50 

⁴⁸ So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Responding to the Word

I love toy stores.  The lights, displays and all the "stuff" to play with for free (as long as you don't take it out of the store.)  The only problem is that my kids love it as much as I do.  Now why is that such a major problemo?  I can never find my kids in those stores.  I'm not sure if they're they have the issue of wondering off or I do?  And when their found, they only excuse is that they where hanging out in the the Barbie, Video Game, Action Hero or Bike Isle.  Today, we have one of the only snapshots of Jesus as a child.  A twelve year old child who didn't hang out in toy stores or camel markets, but in the Temple.  And even more interesting, check out His twelve year old response to His family.  "What do mean you couldn't find me?  I've been here ALL day.  You must know that I have to do what I must do - be about my Dad's business." Pastor Bill's translation.  Are you about the Father's business?  Here's a cool challenge for today.  Let your mom or dad surprisingly find you not playing video games or watching same episode of "whatever" on the TV, but spending time in God's Word and Learning His ways.  Then, you too will be about the Father's business.

Praying through the Word

Father, Your ways are awesome and plans are wonderful!  How I thank you for giving us a glimpse of your son at a young age.  Please allow my heart to join your son and always be about your business.  Thank you God for an Incredible day yesterday in Church. May your blessings fall on Dr. Hill as he indeed been an example of seeking You and your business for over 62 years of ministry.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

I wanna be like ????

Walking in the Word

Luke 1:57-60 (New King James Version)

  
⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Responding to the Word

I'm not a HUGE basketball fan, but I do remember and still marvel at the height and length Michael Jordan could jump with a basketball.  It was incredible.  Some thought he had "magic shoes" that he later went on to sell.  "I want to be like Mike" was the saying on the town.  It was on our t-shirts, on our posters and on the television set. But in all honestly, I want to be like John.  John the baptist was a cool dude!  He didn't shop at the store the other men of God shopped at.  He wore camel-skinned clothes and locust (bugs) and wild honey (now that's not bad.)  And what did he do over 2000 years ago when he lived?  He prepared the way for Jesus.  He proclaimed everyday and in everyway that the Messiah (Jesus) was coming and that people needed to repent (seek forgivness for their sins and turn from their wicked ways) and seek the face of God.  Today, we are to be preparing for Jesus' return.  The fact that Jesus is coming again shouldn't be America's best kept secret.  We need to proclaim it in our schools, on our sports teams and to every friend we meet.  No, you might not eat bugs or wear odd clothing, but you CAN be faithful in sharing Jesus with all you come into contact with.

Praying Through the Word

Father, Your plans are incredible.  I'm thankful You see tomorrow before today.  You know all things.  Help me to have a heart like John in that he was happy to decrease as Jesus had to increase.  I pray others see Jesus in me.  Father, I pray for Life Change Sunday.  May Your will be done in our church, community and country.  I also lift up those in Japan who have been devistated.  May your grace and love be in abundance there.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Way To Go!

Walking in the Word

    Luke 1:30 

³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Responding to the Word

Isn't great when we get a "way to go," or "I'm so proud of you" comment from your mom and dad?  It just seems to perk us up.  It's great to know our mom or dad is proud of us, but what about the Greatest Father in the World?  God chose Mary to be a special "mom" for His Son Jesus.  But what made Mary look so good in the Father's eyes?  Faithfullness.  She loved God and was available for whatever He wanted to do in her life.  I hope you and I can say the same thing about our lives as well.

Praying Through the Word

Father, I am thankful for Mary and all those in the past who have been faithful to your purposes.  You are a great God and should be called Holy, Holy, Holy as you gave us your one and only Son.  Thank you for loving this world and all that is in it.  Thank you for a great night in church.  The kids sang great and Lord was indeed glorified.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

He has Risen.

Walking in the Word


Mark 16:6-7 (New King James Version)

⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

Responding to the Word

I love those contest where you compete to get a key that could open a new car.  Some car companies try this advertising method in order to get more business.  I have never played but would like to be the "one" that received the right key to open that new car and drive it home.  Jesus is more than the right key.  He is the Way, Truth and Life.  His resurrection made it possible for us too to be one day with him.  How does that key story fit in?  He said that no one can come to the Father, except through him.  Have you thanked him for this awesome event.  He's risen!  Just like he had said!

Praying through the Word

Thank You Father for giving us your Son.  How my heart REJOICES as I ponder that first Easter morning.  Jesus, you are worthy of all that I am because I am yours.  Father, I pray for a night of miracle with our Faith Outreach Program.  Please give us all boldness as we proclaim the wonderful Name of Jesus.  In His Name I pray, Amen.