Why We Do This.

An anonymous note was dropped in the offering this week at Connection Church.  It's a great reminder as to why we do what we do.  It reads...  

"The past few weeks I had events, plans and visitors and I was unable to attend church.  For the first time in my life, I can say I missed attending church.  I absolutely love our church and all the people who attend it! Thank you for all you've done and will continue to do! Thank you for helping me find and love Jesus again!"

WOW!  Humbled and thankful that we can be used like this.

Are You Tempting Jesus?

So, I was reading in Luke the other day about the temptation of Jesus. As I was reading this thought struck me. Is it possible that we tempt Jesus in the same way that Satan tempted him?

Satan first tempted Jesus by saying, "if you are the son of God, turn these stones into bread." Ever heard yourself say something like this..."If you are truly God, then bless me with money, take away my trials, make me comfortable and satisfied."

The second temptation was Satan taking Jesus up to the highest mountain and saying, "all this belongs to me, and I'll give it to you if you bow and worship me." Sound familiar? No, perhaps this does... "I am in charge of my life, and I'll worship you Jesus only to the extent of what is comfortable for me. I'll pick and choose what I believe."

The last temptation was Satan challenging Christ to throw himself off the temple and have his angels come to his rescue. Here's an all familiar saying... "if you are truly God, Jesus, then prove it by showing yourself strong on my behalf."

James tells us that God can not be tempted, yet it's amazing how we still try. Christ words of rebuke to Satan that day have implicit meaning for us today.

"Man does not live by bread alone." Message: Be less interested what I can do for you and more interested in what I can do in you.

"Worship the Lord your God and serve only him." Message: I'm not interested in conforming to anyone, but if you want to conform to my ways, I'll give you the grace to do so, and by the way...this is where life truly begins.

"You must not test the Lord your God." Message: You'll be much better off when you stop trying to test me and just start believing me.

Just a thought.