1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. | For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 4:1-11 | Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “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.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
DAILY THOUGHT: FACING TEMPTATIONS
When we draw aside to listen to God we may also sometimes struggle with dark thoughts and desires that don’t come from God. This happened for Jesus when he was tempted by the evil one in the desert. We can be sure that we will also struggle in this way. We need to learn to distinguish what God may be saying to us and what the evil one may be tempting us with. As we do this, we find courage and strength knowing that Christ has also been tempted and he knows exactly what we are going through. We can call out to him in our struggle and find grace to help us in our time of need. Christ Jesus empowers us to overcome temptations in the same way he did.
DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray your daily prayer request. Today think about the ways in which you are tempted to be unfaithful in your friendship with God. Share these temptations with Christ and listen to what he may be saying to you. Thank him for both his understanding of your temptations and for his availability to help you overcome them.