November 10th, 2023
Friday, November 10th
Saying “Yes” to God
By: Pastor Todd
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
-Matthew 3:16-4:1 NIV
If you read this text from your Bible there is an unfortunate chapter break that creates a sense of separation between Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the desert. The word “then” means the low point of temptation immediately follows the high point of the Father’s declaration.
That back-and-forth rhythm of good and bad, high and low, success and struggle is a reality for us all. How often do we make a big-time commitment to God on Sunday only to find the Devil waiting for us on Monday morning? (Sometimes Sunday afternoon!) Don’t let a temptation or a setback surprise you after you take a new step with God. The devil is not giving up on you just because you win a victory.
However, like momentum on a ball team that begins to string together victories- every time you win, you learn more about what it is like to win. Every time you say “no” to temptation, “no” to discouragement, “no” to your flesh, you are getting better at saying “yes” to God. Don’t be surprised or frustrated by the battle, be empowered by winning another victory this week!
Saying “Yes” to God
By: Pastor Todd
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
-Matthew 3:16-4:1 NIV
If you read this text from your Bible there is an unfortunate chapter break that creates a sense of separation between Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the desert. The word “then” means the low point of temptation immediately follows the high point of the Father’s declaration.
That back-and-forth rhythm of good and bad, high and low, success and struggle is a reality for us all. How often do we make a big-time commitment to God on Sunday only to find the Devil waiting for us on Monday morning? (Sometimes Sunday afternoon!) Don’t let a temptation or a setback surprise you after you take a new step with God. The devil is not giving up on you just because you win a victory.
However, like momentum on a ball team that begins to string together victories- every time you win, you learn more about what it is like to win. Every time you say “no” to temptation, “no” to discouragement, “no” to your flesh, you are getting better at saying “yes” to God. Don’t be surprised or frustrated by the battle, be empowered by winning another victory this week!
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