The Desert

Read Luke 4:1-15.  Jesus' identity has just been settled. Now he will undergo a series of test before he officially begins his ministry. In verse 15 we discover that the overcoming of the three temptations leads to Jesus being "in the power of the spirit." The father longs to put his power on all his children so that we can fulfill our destiny - the reason he created us. But before he can trust us with his power we must prove to have the character that can handle it.

Jesus proved he would not take matters into his own hands when he was in physical need. He would not turn stone into bread but trust the father. Jesus proved he would not strive to make a name for himself but trust his father to take care of his reputation. He did not need the kingdoms of the world or anything besides his father to feel significant. Jesus proved he would not try to force God's hand by doing silly stuff like jumping off a temple. He would follow his father instead of doing crazy stuff and trying to get his father to come to him.

questions

1) What resources are running dry right now? (time, money energy, love) How can you better trust God to supply what you need?

2) What ways are you being tempted to make a name for yourself?

3)What ways are you getting ahead of God instead of following him?

prayer

Father - forgive me for not trusting you. You have revealed yourself as "father" precisely because you want me to trust you as your child. Bring to my mind all the times you have shown up before. I lay down my neediness. You are capable of meeting my every need. Open the eyes of my heart Lord to discover you have blessed me with every spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.