bible

Reflection on Matthew 4:1-11

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crushing

Scripture

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Observation

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert where he is tempted by satan. After 40 days of fasting, Jesus is hungry so satan tells Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus rebuffs him with Scripture.

Then the devil takes Jesus to the high point of the temple, urging Him to throw Himself off so that the angels will catch Him. Jesus again rebuffs him with Scripture.

Satan then shows Jesus all the glories of the kingdoms of the world and promises to give them to Him in return for His worship. For a third time Jesus rebukes satan with Scripture.

Finally satan leaves and angels minister to Jesus.

Application

Temptation is common to all people. Right from the beginning, satan has sought to turn people away from God by appealing to the flesh, to our senses and to our pride.

It should not surprise us when temptation comes at us either right in our faces or sneaking up from behind. Even Jesus, the Son of God was tempted by the devil.

Temptation is not sin, because as Hebrews tells us, Christ was tempted like us in every way but without sin. So we should not feel guilty when the thoughts and desires come.

Even when we fall short and give in to temptation, sin is not the end of the story. God still forgives- even when we sin in the same way over and over.

The key to overcoming sin and winning through temptation is to know God. Is my love for God greater than my love for sin? When I am more passionate about walking with the Lord, then anything the devil can dish up is very poor fare indeed.

Prayer

Father I confess that my love for you is often less than it should be. I confess that I have let my flesh and satan conspire to lead me away from you. Thank you for forgiving me. Amen.

Reflection on Romans 5:12-19

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hand overflow

Scripture

For, if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Observation

Sin entered the world through Adam’s sin, and with it came death. From Adam to Moses death reigned even though people did not sin by breaking a commandment as Adam did.

Many died because of Adam’s sin, but God’s grace is greater. One sin brought death and condemnation but Jesus’ death cancels many sins.

Application

Sin and death are powerful forces and they seem inescapable. But grace is stronger because God is greater than human sin.

Through Jesus Christ every sin I have committed has been cancelled and changed to righteousness.

I don’t have to earn this favour. God pours it out abundantly on everyone who turns to Him and receives His grace.

It’s all about the cross. The obedience of Jesus all the way to death on the cross has opened up the way of salvation to everyone who will receive it.

Prayer

Jesus, my sin is great but your grace is greater. Thank you. Amen.

Reflection on Genesis 2:15-15, 3:1-7

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the_temptation_of_eve__by_KaheriynneAnne

Scripture

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.

Observation

The Lord gives the man the instruction to care for the garden. Everything was there for him, but he may not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Later, the serpent comes to Eve and says “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’ “ Eve explains the Lord’s command, but satan misrepresents what the command is about.

Eve is seduced by the promise of the tree and so she eats the fruit. She also gives some to Adam.

Application

Just one job- and they blew it!

One thing was forbidden- one tree out of millions. How hard could it be?

We face temptations every day. Like Eve we know the command, but we wonder if the pleasure of the sin is worth the likely consequence.

Eve was tempted by three things:

  • appeal to the flesh (good for food)

  • appeal to the senses (good in appearance)

  • appeal to pride (good for wisdom)

These are the same hot spots that satan presses today.

We need to be conscious of our vulnerability and always prepared to resist the lies of satan.

Prayer

Holy Spirit make me holy. Strengthen me to stand firm before all temptation and to remain faithful to you. Amen.

 

Reflection on Matthew 17:1-9

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Transfigurationbloch

Scripture

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Observation

Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain. While they are there, Jesus is transfigured, his face shining brightly and his clothes dazzling.

Suddenly Moses and Elijah appear and talk to Jesus. Peter offers to build three shelters for them.

A cloud comes over and a voice speaks to them announcing that Jesus is God’s beloved Son.

The disciples fall to the ground in fear. When they look up Jesus is alone.

Application

What we see with our physical eyes and interpret with our brains is only a faint shadow of reality. Often we need that blinding revelation to see things as they really are.

Christians find it easy to fit into a comfortable groove. We operate with a devotional routine, say the easy prayers and fail to see what is really happening around us.

We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, learning to listen to Him and depend on His wisdom.

We need to learn to see the Lord as He really is, not the safe image we prefer to worship.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to me again. May I see your glory, the reality of who you are. Amen

Reflection on 2 Peter 1:16-21

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Transfigurationbloch

Scripture

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Observation

Peter did not preach about human myths and theories because he was an eyewitness to Christ’s glory. He saw God’s glory come down on Christ and announce, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

So Peter’s experience confirms the prophetic words of the Old Testament. No prophecy of Scripture can be a matter of our own interpretation because it comes to us through the Holy Spirit.

Application

The difference between the Bible and every other religious book is that it is not human theory, but an historical record of God’s dealings with people. Even the claims of Jesus to be the Messiah go back to historical prophecies confirmed by contemporary eyewitnesses.

The great claims of the faith rely on a chain of eyewitness accounts coming down over 2000 years. My testimony is a vital part of that chain, just as the apostle Peter’s was.

The story of God is shown today in lives being changed one day at a time by the gentle unstoppable pressure of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for saving me and revealing your glory to me. Now reveal your glory through me that others can see your saving power. Amen.

Reflection on Psalm 99

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psalms

 

The Lord reigns!

Everyone rejoice!

He sits in the glory cloud

Fire and smoke hide Him

 

The Lord is mighty

He rules over the earth

Come on, let’s worship Him

Come let’s praise His name

 

Teach me Lord

To seek your presence

Let your glory fall

Here as on Mt Sinai

 

Reflection on Exodus 24:9-18

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Scripture
Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.

Observation
Moses and Aaron and the elders of Israel approach the mountain, and they see God. The Lord tells Moses to come to the top of the mountain, so he takes Joshua and they ascend.
As Moses goes toward the summit, the glory of God covers it. The Lord calls to Moses from the glory cloud which appears to be like devouring fire.

Application
Words cannot describe the glory of God- it’s a cloud, smoke, devouring fire.
The presence of the Lord defies our minds to describe. To the believer it is a cause for wonder. To the unbeliever it is a cause for fear.
The presence of God was what drove Moses on. His heart’s desire was to know the Lord ever more intimately.
That same desire should drive us also. Prayer, Bible study, and other disciplines are dry and deadly unless we are pursiong the presence of the Lord. But when we truly meet with the Lord- what glory we find and what joy.

Prayer
Lord make me like Moses who desired above all the be in your presence. Give me that same passion. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 5:38-48

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the_second_mile_2pe

Scripture

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Observation

In the past, people decided that “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was an acceptable level of revenge, but amongst people of the Kingdom forgiveness and non-retaliation are the rules. Go further than you have to in order to bless even those who are against you.

We must love our enemies and pray for our persecutors in order to be true sons and daughters to our Father. If we love only those who love us there is no virtue- anyone can do that. No, we are to be perfect like our Father.

Application

The desire for revenge runs deep in the human soul. The law of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” was meant to out a cap on revenge by stating that we can go so far and no farther.

Jesus tears all of this up by commanding us to love our enemy and extend grace to those who hurt us.

This is a radical extension of the idea that God will judge all people and so we do not have to. We offer no retaliation, just blessing.

Prayer

Lord, this is a hard command to put into practice. Grant me grace to bless those who cause me pain. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 3:10-23

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building

Scripture

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Observation

Paul compares himself to an expert builder who lays a foundation for others to build upon. What we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the Day of the Lord.

We are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in us. No more boasting about men and who we follow! We don’t have to be divided by personalities and celebrities. We have all things in Christ.

Application

As followers of Jesus we are all meant to build on the work of Christ. The extent to which we build in the strength of the Holy Spirit determines the value and longevity of what we build.

Many people are building for themselves or in their own strength or giftedness. They are like people building with straw. It will just disappear when examined on the fiery day of judgement.

We, the people of God, are God’s temple being built in Him and for Him. As we invest our time and energy in the things of God, He builds His presence in us.

Prayer

Show me Lord how to invest myself in your kingdom. May I build with gold, silver and precious stones. Amen.