Hebrews 4:12 | 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 PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, teach me how to listen to you.
DAILY THOUGHT: THE CENTRALITY OF SCRIPTURE
The best place to listen to God is through Scripture. Did you notice how the Father spoke to Jesus in the desert? The Father spoke to Jesus through words from the Old Testament. God’s living Word so often comes to us today in the words of the Bible. Because God’s Word is alive and active, it will search us out, comfort us and challenge us, revive us and rebuke us, yet always in great love. The solitude and silence of our “desert space” helps us listen to God speaking through Scripture in greater depth and meaning.
DAILY PRACTICE:
After making your daily prayer request, read again the temptation story of Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11). Ask yourself: What word or phrase or sentence most strikes me in this story? Ponder whatever words speak to you most, turn them over prayerfully in your mind and consider what God may be saying to you through them. Speak with God about these things as a friend speaks with a friend.