August 29, 2011

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1

Ever wonder why Jesus was led into the desert instead of, say the city, or the beach, or the cool mountain retreat? Why not a month at the spa or a fancy five star resort? The Bible gives us a little hint later when it says he was tempted in all ways like we are, yet without sinning. Ken Gire in his book “Intense Moments with the Savior” explained it this way. “The desert is where we face the strongest and most seductive temptations in life. It is where the enemy is most formidable and where we are most vulnerable.” (p.37) Satan is a creep who never fights fair. He will hit us the hardest when we are most vulnerable and weakest. Jesus placed himself in the same position many of us face when temptation comes. Weak, tired and discouraged. Satan pounced on him and tried his best to make him sin, but he didn’t. What he did do though was place Jesus in a place where he could say, “I have been there my child, and I will be with you through this horrible temptation, and even provide you a way through if you will just have faith in me.” If you are in a desert today, know that Satan will throw the best temptation he has at you, but Jesus has already been there and if you call on him, he will see you through.

Thought for the week: “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.”
~George Patton

Funny for the week: School Books

“Walking To School The First Day Back” by Misty Bus

“The Day the Car Pool Forgot Me” by I. Rhoda Bike

“Can't See The Chalkboard” by Sidney Backrow

“Practical Jokes I Played On The First Day Of School” by Major Crackupp

“What I Dislike About Returning To School” by Mona Lott

“Making It Through the First Week Of School” by Gladys Saturday

“Is Life Over When Summer Ends?” by Midas Welbee

“What I Love About Returning To School” by I.M. Kidding

“Will Jimmy Finally Graduate?” by I. Betty Wont

“What Happens When You Get Caught Skipping School” by U. Will Gettitt

Of the making of books, there is no end...........Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: What son of Saul ruled over Israel for 2 years after his father’s death? (Ishbosheth 2 Sam. 2:10)

This weeks question: Who said the following to whom: “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years but according to my word.”?