As the rain and snow

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living… 

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!.. And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son… asked what these things meant… He was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered.., ‘When this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” Luke 15:11-13,17,20-26,28,30-32

Jesus told a variety of parables that highlighted the infinite value of those who belonged to Him, and the intense, faithful love of the Father for His children. He had come for the wandering, lost, and wayward, offering all things in Christ the Savior, allowing freedom to rebel and return while watching in love. His eye would always see out for His own in hope, His arms ready to embrace in mercy. (Genesis 16:13; Luke 15:1-10; Romans 8:32)

To develop and embolden a heart for the lost, we must recognize that we too were dead in our transgressions, enemies of Christ until He sovereignly intervened to save us. Acknowledging our own incapability of redemption engenders deep gratitude to the Lord and an issuing forth of a father’s love and compassion for lost children. Honestly seeing ourselves as the prodigals we are clears our vision to see others as Jesus does. (Ephesians 2:1-8)

What is my attitude toward enemies of Christ? Do I disdain them because of their dishonor and rebellion against Him, their waste of time, talent, and resources? Do I dismiss them as lost forever, incapable of redemption? Or do I see and seek them as fellow image-bearers with eternal value, worthy of compassion, forgiveness, and prayer?

How about my inclination toward those I love who are in a far country? Have I lost hope and ceased to pray? Or am I expectant, praying fervently and without ceasing for God to have His way? Watching and waiting on Him unfolds a mysterious, beautiful reality that the Lord works simultaneously in both to make Himself known. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-19)

Lord, work in and through me as I expectantly watch, pray, and wait.

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem… But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.” “He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51,53; 13:22

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

From the moment He arrived on earth, Jesus was bound for Jerusalem, His face set toward Calvary. The prophesied One spent each day fulfilling His Father’s will to make the way for us to know and fulfill it also. His mission toward Jerusalem beckons us join the journey, choosing the life of love, self-sacrifice, and death that leads to life abundant and unending. Looking to Jesus as He looks to victory over sin and death compels us toward endless joy.

The hard truth is that the joy ahead requires a journey of trial and death to self. The path to Jerusalem begins with surrender and is pocked with pain, betrayal, and hardship. What keeps us going is the end, and enduring is the Savior who has blazed the trail as Conqueror and walks with us. He who suffered is He who is sufficient.

Are we so whorled into activity here on earth that we take nary a thought for what is to come? Do we so relish ease and comfort and pleasantries that we don’t contemplate the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? When faced with the glories of certain death and life now exchanged for eternal life to come, do we say ‘far be it from me!’? What trappings of daily life have deluded us into living only for today and resisting following Jesus in His steps? (Matthew 16:21-23; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 2:21)

What selfish ambitions is the Lord calling us to slay? How will we choose to die to self and follow Jesus toward Jerusalem today? The journey may not be easy or simple, but it will surely be redemptive and good. As we keep on alongside the Author of our faith, we can be assured He is perfecting it, Alleluia! (John 12:24-26; Romans 12:1-2)

“Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! 
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! 
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! 
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! 

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! 
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! 
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! 
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! 

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! 
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! 
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! 
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me astride with You always, in step with Your way of love and selflessness for others’ good and Your glory.

“He took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.  And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.  Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.  And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said.  As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36

While intimately communing with His Father, Jesus’s face changed, His clothing dazzled white, and two men joined His glorious appearing. Peter awakened, startled to passionate action by their resplendence, and impetuously offered to serve them equally by making tents where each could be worshiped. God almighty overshadowed them all and His voice shook Peter from his spiritual grog. His Son, His Chosen One, HAD NO EQUAL. He was the One to listen to and follow. This disciple’s zeal must be for Him alone. (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 46:5; Luke 4:8)

A myriad of ideas vie for our attention, varied causes for our affection, and numerous people for our adoration. Worldly culture and ubiquitous media incessantly parade enticing choices before our senses. We might assume we are awake to responsibility and information, yet be somnolent to the deceptive flirting or insidious capturing of a heart grown callous to our rightful First Love. Over the cacophony of competing teasing and noise booms the Almighty’s voice, “Listen to Him!” (Revelation 2:4-5)

Listening to the Lord whose Name is above all names reminds us He has no true equal. Renewing our minds in truth is the only way not to be conformed to this world that offers and serves many idols and professes them all equally valid, or worthy of our investment. It is vital for healthy spiritual growth to acknowledge the One true God over and over, and to serve Him alone. (Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:9-11)

What rivals to the Lord do we entertain in thought, conversation, energy investment? In what areas do we profess reverence and whole-hearted loyalty to Him but in behavior, esteem idols and share allegiances? Who reigns supreme when we spend time and resources? Whom do we really revere? Do Christ and self- or anyone or anything- share the throne of our lives?

“You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all names.” ~Hillsong Worship (2016)

Worthy Lord, keep me focused on and fully devoted to You as my only Sovereign and first, sole love, to Your glory.

“On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Rise and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,—he said to the man who was paralyzed—’I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.’ And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.'” Luke 5:17-26

They heard of His authoritative teaching. Their friend had been paralyzed far too long. The teacher who had the power to heal had come to their city, and they were desperate to get this man before Him. Seeing too many crowded around Him, they knew they had to be creative, made an opening in the roof, and let him down before Jesus. He observed their faith and love that would go to such an extent, and was drawn in compassion for the helpless man. He ended up doing far more than they had come for, forgiving his sins and healing his body.

When we have genuine love for others, we will go out of our way for their good. It takes selflessness and a sense of desperation for their need to act with bold faith. Thoughtful, deliberate caring for their practical physical needs often leads to the Lord Jesus doing far more for their souls, and ours. Do we have such passion and expectancy?

What history do we have with the life-changing power of God, in our own lives or those we know? How often and with whom do we recount His goodness? Conversations about and exposure to stories of His marvelous acts on behalf of men stimulate faith and prod us to courageous prayer and action.

With whom has the Lord burdened our hearts? Who in our circle of familiarity is crippled with fear, anxiety, pain, or despair? How can we creatively introduce them to the healing balm and strong arms and welcoming love of Jesus? We just may find that He sanctifies our attitude and bolsters our confidence as we step out to serve in His name.

Lord, help me love you best and my neighbor as myself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

“I do not want you to be unaware that our fathers were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

“These things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were… We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did… We must not put Christ to the test,.. nor grumble,.. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written for our instruction… Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”1 Corinthians 10:1-14

To warn against idolatry, Paul begins with a list of the benefits and resources the people of Israel had been given. The glorious, protective, guiding presence of God had remained with them through their wilderness sojourn, and His provisions sustained them. And yet, most of them turned from the Lord to lesser gods, licentiousness, and grumbling. Even in His discipline of desert wandering for their disobedience, their Almighty was faithful, but most proved themselves non-committal, ungrateful rebels.

The motivation and means to stand strong in Christ are solid, but the wiles of the voracious enemy of our souls is insidious and unrelenting. He lies and deceives to steal our confidence, kill our communion with the Lord, and destroy our faith. We may recognize God’s manifold gifts of grace, but claim we’ve done something to deserve them. We say His commands are good, and eschew them by choosing our own prescriptions. We profess that He’s righteous, and still behave as though we’re better. We say we know Him, and can be rejected in the end with “I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:22-23; 1 Peter 5:8-9)

The Lord knows our nature and those pesky proclivities to flirt with sin. The Savior who went before us and never yielded always gives a way of escape. Do we want it? Do we take it? We face many daily choices to indulge or flee, to turn our backs or cling, to fondle or let go, to give up and in or press on.

The Spirit encourages us forward in righteousness and we must take step by step in faith. He gives edifying examples both ancient and present day, and fellow believers to come alongside. Christ’s throne of grace is ours for the approaching for urgent help and, when we fall, return in repentance for renewal. (Hebrews 4:15-16; 10:24-25; 12:1-4)

What examples of rebellion, judgment, and victory sober us? What are our weakest areas of temptation? Are we more prone to test or trust God? Seeking and taking God’s way of escape frees us from guilt, strengthens resolve, and establishes endurance.

Lord, help me hold to Your grace, steadfastness, and power to resist temptation and honor You.

“I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his saints,
    for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing…

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but the Lord delivers him out of them all…
The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:1-10,17-19,22

David speaks from intense experience, his heart that had reason to tremble in fear instead welling with impassioned praise and confidence focused on his Lord. For him, gratitude and exaltation was not so much an expression dependent on all God had done for him as an acknowledgement of who God was and how he’d benefited in His wake and care. He was consumed with his Lord, and continually rejoiced in His presence, increasingly able to see and savor the magnitude of His greatness, ministry, protection, and intimate love. (1 Samuel 21:10-14)

Praise not only befits God’s people, it benefits us. We, too, are constantly pursued by the enemy of our souls, joy, and peace. We, too, face opposition in those who would seek to undo our faith, resolve, and witness. We, too, have reasonable cause for fears and doubts. And we, too, can choose to magnify the Lord for His omniscience, grace, and sufficiency in the midst. As we bless God’s name and boast in His power and deliverance, we experience His bounty toward us in every trouble.

When weighted with anxiety, or shame, or a broken heart, the antidote is praise. What troubles us today? From what afflictions do we need deliverance? A deliberate turning from what presses in to lift our voices to magnify the Lord and bring others along to join the song relieves the heaviness while reminding us Who is on our side. How regularly do we boast in the Lord? When will we make blessing His name our default response to hardship? (Romans 8:31-32)

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Worthy Lord, may I ever boast in and bless You.

“Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro,.. and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. Moses said, ‘I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.’ When the Lord saw that he turned to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground… I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God…

“Then the Lord said,.. ‘The cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people… out of Egypt.’  But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’  He said, ‘I will be with you.'” Exodus 3:1-7,9-12a

From Moses’ first meeting with the Lord at the burning bush, the mount of God became a place of wonder, communion, summons, preparation, watching, sustenance, divine welcome and send-off, comfort. The theophanies through the Old Testament mark as memorable points in history and spiritual growth in God’s people, moments of calling and embarking, issuances of promises, times of coming home. (Exodus 4:27; 18:5; 24:13; Numbers 10:33; 1 Kings 19:2-8)

For believers, there are many moments throughout life with Christ that stand significant. Though we do not and cannot necessarily return repeatedly to the same physical place, we can recount points in time where the Lord spoke clearly, showed up surprisingly, shouted His glory in a tenuous or triumphant situation. I’ll we may not return to a geographic location, we can return again and again in spirit to see Him, to remember, to give thanks. He is ever present and meets his children. His spirit communes with ours that we are His and gives assurance as we walk in His will. He ever welcomes us to hear His voice, express doubts, be assured by His presence. (Job 42:2,5-6; Psalm 32:8; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 8:16,26-27)

What is our experience with the mount of God? How do we describe our prayer life? Do we even have one? We may have many moments of soul celebration, intellectual epiphanies, or pivots in life direction, but do we have healthy, regular, intimate, remarkable times with the Lord?

If we do not, where will we make room in heart and schedule to establish them? God gives desire and enables commitment if we ask. Who can we enlist to come alongside for encouragement and accountability? When will be our consistent time with Him to read His word, seek His guidance, claim His promises, submit to His commands?

Father, keep me coming to Your mount so I can go and serve for Your purposes and glory.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls…

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy…’ 

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 Peter 1:3-9,13-16,22-23

The imagery of a newborn evokes wonder at the miracle and promise. Welcoming a new life, with an unwritten full future ahead, captivates with continuous discovery and possibility. The awe-filled new birth to salvation opens the way for remarkable exploration of all to which the child of God is born, what we are and how we can live. The Creator and Source of all life has determined its ends, and guides over its numbered days as He gives eternal hope by His living and abiding word.

We are born to living hope that refreshes vision to see the invisible and fills us with rejoicing. Soul, why be downcast? (Psalm 42:11)

We are born to an imperishable, invaluable inheritance that is undefiled, unfading, kept and guarded for us in heaven. Why do we live in the lowlands of the world as though we are spiritual paupers? (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

In light of these eternal treasures that assure and bolster and comfort, we are also born to trials that result in stronger faith, refined character, and praise to God. How can we see our trials as pathways for future wholeness glory? (James 1:2-4)

As God’s chosen, we are born to a life of ongoing sanctification, unto holiness. Over time we find passions conformed to spiritual sobriety and Christ-likeness. In turn we learn to refuse temptation, ignorance, and disobedience. How are we different now than we were a year ago? How do we intend to grow? (Romans 8:29-32)

And we are born to earnest, pure love that mimics Christ’s love for us, selfless and sacrificial. How well are we loving those the Lord has given to us, in our homes, churches, communities, and work places? (John 13:34)

Lord, make me holy, reflecting Your purity and glory wherever I am.

“After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.  When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, ‘He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.’  Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.  Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: I say to one, “Go,” and he goes; to another, “Come,” and he comes; to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’  And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.” Luke 7:1-10

Jesus commends the Gentile centurion for his distinct faith, one not seen even among the people of Israel. Approached first by elders in the synagogue, then by the centurion’s friends, He understood the humility and confidence behind his mediated request. What distinguished this Roman general’s faith? His deep conception of worthiness, which drove his bold asking and actions. ‘My servant is worthy to be healed. My messengers are worthy of being heard. I’m not worthy of Your presence or favor, but I know You, Jesus, are worthy of my faith and absolute trust.’

Remarkable faith is developed through a sober and honest comprehension of who we are and who God is. A high view of God establishes right order of faith and flourishing. An inflated perception of self sets all other understanding askew. To accept the standing and authority entrusted to us by the King is vital in decisions to seek His higher authority. We can approach His throne of grace with confidence, we are to beseech His help and healing, but our worthiness for this communion and trust is solely because He is the worthy One. (Romans 12:3; Hebrews 4:15-16)

How high is my view of God? Do I interchange who is in charge throughout my days, casting rote praise and wisps of needy prayer to Him, yet taking reins over decisions and actions myself? With honest introspection, who do I really believe is worthy of trust, attention, being sought out, thanked, or noticed? Do I give lip service to God but behave as though I am in charge, worthy of favor and success and being taken seriously?

How will I explore God’s worth in the scriptures, and practice exalting Him? Do I see my worth hidden in His? A lofty view of God corrects, humbles, and trains faith..

“Two wonders here that I confess,
My worth and my unworthiness.
My value fixed – my ransom paid,
At the cross.” ~Keith and Kristin Getty (1974)

Lord, to Your worthiness be all the glory.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,.. was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.  The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.^‘ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”^‘ The devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory,.. I give it to whom I will. If you will worship me, it will all be yours.^‘ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,’

“and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up…’

“Jesus answered him, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.^“‘ And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.” Luke 4:1-14a

It’s hard to imagine the intensity of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness. Forty arid days without comforts of food, shelter, or human company. Blistering sun by darkest night, nearly a thousand hours of mental wrangling and physical deprivation left undescribed. After almost six weeks of agonizing wrestling, the captain of cruelty taunted aloud the Messiah’s hunger, authority, and supremacy. Accompanied mysteriously by ministering angels and filled with the Spirit of God, He refused each temptation with pure resolve and the Word. (Mark 1:12-13)

We will never be tempted in the same manner as our Savior, but we can learn from His consistent denial of flesh and devotion to obedience. As fully man, He suffered to the utmost, and as fully God, He had every right and ability to exercise His power. Filled with the Spirit far greater than the devil, He kept His eyes on His higher will. (2 Kings 6:16; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 4:4)

Every day we enter a spiritual battlefield. Is it a wilderness of emotional hunger, shame, insecurity, relational deprivation? Is it a fight against lust, rage, resentment, unforgiveness, hatred? It might be the constant strain of debilitating pain or disease, or loved ones broken and lost. (Ephesians 6:12; Luke 4:28-29)

The Spirit leads in the wilderness, fights for us, and lifts our heads. We’re armed with His Word, His promises and character our sure defense. Angels encamp around us to minister to our needs. How do these realities prepare us for the devil’s wiles? (Psalm 3:3; 139:5-12; Ephesians 6:13-18; Hebrews 1:14)

When do we steep ourselves in the Word, and familiarize ourselves with the enemy’s strategies, and available armor? How carefully do we avoid obvious temptation, and discern the less obvious? Christ’s victory can be ours as we stand in His resurrection power.

Lord, encourage and equip me to withstand temptation in Your strength, for Your honor.