Lead us

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:13

Wait, are we praying that God will not lead us to temptation?? Of course he wouldn't!!! Oh wait....

Matthew 4:1-4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

 Matthew says pretty clearly who led Jesus and why. How did Jesus handle this time? He fasted and he fixed his heart on the Word of God- which meant he knew the word of God, which meant he was taught the word of God, which means he kept the word of God. Remember when he stayed at the Temple and his parents couldn't find him? 

Luke 2:43-49

And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”

Satan tried tempting Jesus in the same ways as he tried to tempt Adam and Eve but Jesus spoke the truth of God and this steadied his heart and allowed him to resist this temptation. Jesus sets the example.

I also think about Peter. 

Luke 22:31-34

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Several things- first, Satan had to ask permission. Jesus did not say no but Jesus prayed a powerful prayer. Y'all remember what happened? Peter sure denied him 3 times that night and Peter cried and cried. But then, you read about Peter in Acts and he speaks of the Lord with amazing faith and boldness. And we can read the books Peter wrote and see how he grew in his faith. 

Peter can speak from personal experience and see how Jesus answered that prayer. Can you imagine looking Jesus in the face and hearing how he is praying for you?  That is stunning. Peeps, Jesus is praying for you now. Settle your heart on that. The answer to this prayer for Peter.... Peter did turn back and Peter did strengthen his brothers. He went from denying that he knew Jesus to saying...

This next passage sounds like a testimony to me, what do you think?

1 Peter 5:5-11

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Did you see where Peter said we all go through the same sufferings all over the world?....

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Temptation is common. God is faithful. 

We need to know God's word and his character. We need to ask for more faith and wisdom. We need to rely upon God's word for guidance, for help, for peace. And we need to pray. Daddy and I are always here too, we will help you look for wisdom from God when temptation is tough, always here for you. We've probably been through the same temptation, and we may could help strengthen you. Temptation is common, God is faithful. 

So where do we want to be led? I'd like to be led on the straight path to the Lord's will. 

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

Lastly, please go read Psalm 37. In this Psalm, we can see the contrast between walking with the wicked as the righteous.

This is not a very upbeat New Years Day message, but its an honest one. Let's commit as a family to knowing more of the Lord this year and walking more in his way with more faith and vision locked on him.