Click the image or the link or
Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCnM_3DyUVQ
Or search YouTube for “What was the meaning and
purpose of Jesus’ temptations? By God Questions Ministry
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil. And after He
had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You
are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not
live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’
“Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had
Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son
of God through Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels
charge concerning You’” and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, lest You
strike Your foot against a stone.’’
“Jesus said to him, ‘On the other hand, it is written, ‘You
shall 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 glory; and he said to Him, ‘All
these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me.’
“Then Jesus said to him:
‘Begone, Satan! For it is
written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels
came and began to minister to Him.” Matthew 4:1-11
What I’ve learned is that Jesus actually quoted from the Old
Testament 750 times! In fact, He quoted
from every book of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
Leviticus), plus, eight of God’s prophets.
So which book was Jesus’ favorite – which one did He quote
from the most often? Like me, you may
have heard or thought it must be Deuteronomy.
Probably because we remember how Jesus responded to Satan during those
40 days of being tempted in the desert: ‘It
is written…’
This is an important reminder for us all that it is not good
to argue from our own emotions, opinion or feelings. The best argument against temptation is always
Scripture! But this was not Jesus’
favourite book to quote from. That
distinction goes to the Hebrew song book, the Psalms.
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you
will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily
find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay
Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app
you can download to read them on your phone.
Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any
updates?)
· Mark – They have found no cancer in his jaw,
but the serious fracture will take some special efforts to restore it. His surgery is scheduled for the 17 February
and he will be in hospital recovering for ten days. Please pray for him and his family -- that
they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for
the skill, wisdom and compassion of his health carers.
· Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunami – destroying one third of the island, unknown number
of deaths. The island is without water,
normal services, communication and further damages continuing. Please pray for those on the island and all
those rushing to aid those left behind.
· Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this
country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of
Jesus. These leaders and baby Christians
are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain
them during this time.
·
Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers)
closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father
and comfort their hearts.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his
47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through
this time of mourning. Pray for their
wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for
the many decisions that now must be made.
·
Grant’s brother
- still has quite severe headaches. Had
a shunt put in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain, as the fluid was
putting pressure on the brain and affecting balance. Pray for his health carers
as they work to adjust the flow rate and help minimise the pressure.
· Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and
Rachael – now in her second year of college.
Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions
and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
·
Adam –
please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and
that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt
the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he
badly needs.
·
Barb –
my brother’s faithful and kind wife.
Thank you for praying for her.
She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy
during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend. She is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health
carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray for his financial situation to improve
and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
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