Temptation

Do you encounter temptation on a daily basis? If you acted on every impulse, would you be fired… divorced… homeless… arrested… broke???

Oscar Wilde once quipped "I can resist anything!!!... Except temptation."

As we pray about temptation this Wednesday, let's reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. First, I think it's pretty neat that our creator, the maker of the universe, has first-hand experience with the same temptations we struggle with day in and day out. Second, don't fail to notice where the temptation comes from. Third, whether you read the account in Matthew 4 or Luke 4, you'll see that with each temptation, Jesus resisted by quoting scripture. The word became flesh… and then used the word as a weapon against the enemy.

We need to be in the word on a regular basis. Listen to good preaching on the radio as you drive in the car. Read the bible as a part of your daily routine. Commit passages to memory. Write God's word on your heart by Meditating on scripture. Discuss the word with believing friends. Pray about the word. Fill yourself with Christ. This is how we prepare to resist Satan / temptation.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

New believers

Bennett (my oldest) started driving school this past week. Perhaps you have kids old enough that you know what this parenting experience is like. I had the usual concerns before he started taking the class but now that I've driven with him for a few hours, I have to say I'm even more concerned. The thing that is amazing to me is how much he doesn't know about driving. Or perhaps it's amazing how much there is to know about driving. Fortunately, he has a healthy respect for the responsibility. He is cautious and eager to practice and learn all the things he doesn't know.

This week we are praying for those who have just recently been saved. Just like we wouldn't expect a new driver to just go out and wing-it without experienced instruction, we shouldn't expect a new believer to go out and wing a relationship with Christ. Let's pray this Wednesday for this vulnerable time. Let's pray that mentors step up and help lead them into a relationship with Christ.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Stubbornness

Last fall, we went to a rodeo at the New Mexico State Fair. One of the first events had about 30 teenage contestants. Each contestant was carrying a lead with a small length of rope . 20 or so mid-sized steer were released and the teens had to try to wrestle the steer to the ground, fit the lead over the head, and then use the rope to get the steer back to the judges. The first 10 contestants to return to the judges would be given a steer to raise for the 2006 steer showing competition. It was really fun to watch. It looked hard enough to get the steer on the ground… much less to keep the steer there long enough to get the lead over the head. But the thing that really stuck with me was what happened after they had the steer roped. At this point, most of the teens would engage in a tug-of-war to drag the steer over to the judges. They would pull with all their might… the steer obstinately pulling the opposite direction… and only make inches of progress at a time. They would eventually succeed but you could tell it was quite a battle. In the midst of all this, we saw one girl take a totally different approach. After this girl had the steer roped, she tugged a little to maneuver the steer so it was facing the judges. Then she casually walked around behind it, used the end of the rope to give it a couple swats on the rear, and then just jogged behind the steer as it ran straight over to the judges.

I think you can use this as an analogy for a lot of different things. As a parent, I can see myself as the bozo struggling to drag the obstinate steer. As a child of God, I can see myself as the steer not wanting to be led. And as a sinner, I can also see the whole scene as an analogy of my internal struggles. And even if you can't see this analogy applying to anything you are dealing with, at least you will have an upper hand the next time you're wrestling a steer :)

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:11-12

One last little nugget to think about from this rodeo scene - This girl ran her steer right past a couple of other teens who were still struggling with the tug-of-war method. Even so, none of them changed their tactic. They continued to pull with all their might.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Appreciation

Some friends of mine have 2 sons. Their oldest son is about 3 and a half which makes him just a couple months older than Evan (my youngest). About a year ago, this oldest son was diagnosed with autism. I got to spend some time with them over Christmas break and he was dramatically different from the last time we saw them just 8 months ago. You don't have to spend much time with the mom to tell that it is really really really hard. My heart just breaks when I think about them. I've got three healthy kids and it makes me feel guilty for times that I've taken them or their health for granted.

This week our prayer topic is appreciation. Too often we lament what we don't have and take for granted what we do have. Let's pray that we learn to appreciate the many gifts God has given us - children, significant others, material things, salvation, etc. It's hard in our affluent society because our abundance breeds apathy. Sometimes it takes hardship to wake us up to what's truly important. Since hardship wakes us up, we can come to appreciate hardship as Paul did - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3. He knew that even when his situation was dismal by worldly standards, God was still doing a work in him. Ultimately, what he is appreciating is God's love.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob