“Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deuteronomy 8:6)
JESUS LIVED WORTHY OF HIS CALLING: HE DIDN'T SETTLE. SO WHY SHOULD I?
Christmas to Easter dragged, until the continuity of December-April struck me: anticipate the birth of our Savior (Christmas Eve), behold his arrival (Christmas Day), walk with him through his life; ponder his death and burial (Good Friday); celebrate his resurrection (Easter Sunday). Now I see it differently.
New Years and Valentines Day occur between Christmas and Easter; Thanksgiving precedes Christmas. Does January leave me unexcited about fresh opportunities before me? Do I miss the reminders of God’s love in February? Does November find me ungrateful? Or does the season in between Jesus' birth and resurrection change me? And how do I live from May-November? Am I tempted to settle for less than what God intended?
I can imagine the Israelites had some long, drawn out times trekking from Genesis through Joshua: Prepared, Redeemed, Taught, Tested–FAIL!, Taught, Tested–PASS! How much easier it would have been if they just passed the test the first time. Me too.
Jesus didn’t settle. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Who: Jesus, the Son of God
What: led by the Spirit
When: after fasting for 40 days
Where: into the wilderness/desert
Why: to be tempted by the devil
How: “it is written”, “it is also written”, “away from me Satan, for it is written”
Result: then the devil left him and angels came and attended him
1) Despair and Distrust (v.1-4)
Jesus KEPT GOD’s WORD, believing God would sustain him.
2) Pride and Presumption (v.5-7)
Jesus WALKED IN GOD’s WAYS, knowing “it’s not about me”.
3) Idolatry and Worldly Glory (v.8-11)
Jesus FEARED GOD THROUGH WORSHIP, convinced it’s all for God’s glory.
Jesus aced the test the Israelites failed. In Deuteronomy 8, they were challenged to remember God so they wouldn't forget him and go after, serve and worship other gods instead. Would they listen to God’s voice? Disobey because of pride? Choose the land–the center of God’s will for their lives–for their own good? Would they obey God from the heart?
Satan wants to annihilate the competition. He wants to be the superstar. Don’t cheat off his test. Don’t settle like he did. Live worthy of your calling.
"What" STRATEGY: Live Worthy of Your Calling.
from The Real Deal by Dan Webster...
1) Face Truth
What could be the consequences of my “Fatal Flaws” (areas I'm vulnerable to temptation)?
2) Accept Pain
Do I EXPECT Jokers, Valleys AND Graces in my life?
You must pick one: kidney stone or give birth? Similar pain, yet only one has a payoff!
3) Intercept Entropy
We walk away from God one step at a time. Am I confessing or covering up my sin?
"How" TACTIC: Don't Settle.
"Downshifting" by Bill Hybels...
yesterday’s highlights (Psalm 77:11)
clearing my conscience (Proverbs 28:13)
saying “thanks” (Psalm 111:1)
Lord, I need Your help with (1 Peter 5:7)
Lord, do You have anything to say to me? (John 10:27)
Spend 5 minutes daily getting in touch with God and your heart by downshifting. Stay focused-use your margin to log today's to-dos for later.
source: www.authenticleadershipinc.com
