How To Pass A Test

Several weeks ago, Pastor Joel at First Wesleyan, challenged the congregation to read the 4 Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and to do so with fresh eyes and to see Jesus' personality. I admit I thought I was fairly familiar with the Gospel accounts of Jesus life and accepted the challenge to read the 4 Gospels in a week. Well, I am still on Matthew. I love how the Word of God is alive so that each time you read it, God speaks to you what you need to hear. Apparently, there is much about Jesus I need to see anew.

I was especially interested when I read in Chapter 4 how Jesus is tempted by Satan in the desert and how Jesus responded. t Note to self--Jesus was tested and knew how to pass the tests. How did Jesus do it? He responded to Satan each time with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Now I'm thinking that when I am tested or tempted, I better do as Jesus did and be able to draw strength from knowing God's Word. Just like preparing for a test in school, the first line of defense is to know the material inside and out, backwards and forwards, have it in your mind and most importantly, have it in your heart.

Could Jesus have failed the tests? No way. "The Lord Jesus Christ was tested to demonstrate that He was exactly who He claimed to be." (J. Vernon McGee, page 56, Matthew-Thru-the-Bible Commentary Series). He could not be broken down. Jesus was tested physically when Satan urged Him to turn stones into bread. Don't we hunger for things of this world? Jesus was tempted to call angels to attend to Him. Satan was attacking Jesus' human-ness. We must know the Word so we will not be tricked by the pride of this life. Then Satan tried to tempt Jesus by offering Him power and influence if Jesus would bow down to him. Don't we also lust for power, position, and influence in this world?. Finally, Jesus told Satan to be gone.

How do we pass the test? Jesus knew the Word, Jesus was the Word. We have victory through Jesus Christ who is ruler of all things in heaven and in earth. We know Him through the Holy Spirit which indwells us when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. With Jesus on our side, we have victory.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms. May God bless each and every one as you care for your families, work at home and outside the home, do all the things in a day that most folks need three days to do, and love your children more than yourself. Moms are truly a gift from God. Thank you to my Mom who loved me, cared for me, has been my friend, but most of all, lead me to Jesus Christ. Now she is not only my mom but my sister in Christ. I love you Mother!

Welcome to Share the Word

Ever want to share with someone what God is doing in your life but feel awkward or fearful? Well now is the time to speak up, speak out, and share the word with friends and fellow believers who probably feel the same way.

If you have a prayer request, a praise, an issue you want some feedback on, or just a safe place to tell someone how Jesus Christ is helping you survive in this crazy world, then join in and share the word.