Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today:
Read Matthew 4:1-10 and see how Jesus approached the true worship of God. What would you say to the Tempter on Sundays when you just don’t feel like coming to worship? “You win?’ or “No way?”
Here is that text: 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you,' and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' "
Our worship of God should be only about God and not anything about ourselves. Sadly, this is not always the case; Satan will always point out something during worship that we don't like or don't particularly care for; sister so-and-so didn't say hi to you or gave you a look you took to mean she doesn't like the way you're dressed. Or brother so-and-so shook your hand too hard and you can't sing because your hand hurts. The list goes on and on. So does worship and we'd best be on-board. In the text above Jesus was tempted by Satan in three areas: Physical need, emotional need, and spiritual need. The three were geared to lead Jesus away from God. If you're hungry, didn't God give you the power to feed yourself? Aren't you loved enough to trust God to care for you in your time of need? Turn your attention from God to me, and I will give you everything you see. To all Jesus held on to God and said that He and we, must "worship the Lord your (our) God, and serve only Him."
Our worship of God should be only about God and not anything about ourselves. Sadly, this is not always the case; Satan will always point out something during worship that we don't like or don't particularly care for; sister so-and-so didn't say hi to you or gave you a look you took to mean she doesn't like the way you're dressed. Or brother so-and-so shook your hand too hard and you can't sing because your hand hurts. The list goes on and on. So does worship and we'd best be on-board. In the text above Jesus was tempted by Satan in three areas: Physical need, emotional need, and spiritual need. The three were geared to lead Jesus away from God. If you're hungry, didn't God give you the power to feed yourself? Aren't you loved enough to trust God to care for you in your time of need? Turn your attention from God to me, and I will give you everything you see. To all Jesus held on to God and said that He and we, must "worship the Lord your (our) God, and serve only Him."
As you continue your worship of the Lord this morning in your home or workplace, don't be led away! As you go into your church this coming Sunday, remember it's not about you, it's about God! Eat a good breakfast before church so you won't be thinking about hunger as you get fed spiritually. Greet people with a smile and let them know you love them and care for them, and yes, shake hands with a feeling of joy at having that privilege of greeting one another. And let God know you're there for Him.
PRAYER: Loving God, you are worthy of my worship and so in these moments I worship You. Let me think only of You when I seek to find calm and peace for my spirit. Bless me throughout this day in ways that bring blessings to others. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
