podcasts
Life throughout the world has become increasingly uncertain. It impacts different regions of the world in many different but similar ways.
Africa, USA, Asia, Europe…the story is the same. High cost of living, job insecurity, housing insecurity, food insecurity, physical and emotional turmoil, wars & rumors of wars, flooding, earthquakes. Extreme heat and cold. selah!
Many are now living in fear, doubt, misery, hoarding, withholding, self-centeredness.
Selflessness and self-denial as a great divinely taught life are fast disappearing. In this video, we contemplate and share some of our personal/family experiences, thought life, emotional life, relational life as a result of these.
We need to realize that this human situation and condition is very old and ancient. The nation of Israel sunk to a condition where parents were killing their kids to stay alive. We also need to know that our selfless, outpouring lover of our souls did not initiate nor create this, but it has not taken him by surprise.
In this video, we reflect on a powerful biblical theme: the wilderness experience as a place of testing and refinement. Jesus’ 40-day temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4, is indeed a pivotal moment in Scripture.
1. Jesus’ experience mirrors Israel’s: Both Jesus and the nation of Israel faced testing in the wilderness, highlighting the importance of trusting God in times of difficulty.
2. The Spirit’s role: The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over our lives, even in challenging circumstances.
3. Three temptations: Jesus faced three specific temptations, which can be seen as representative of the broader temptations we face:
A. Physical needs: Turning stones into bread (Matthew 4:3-4)
B. Power and authority: Worshipping Satan in exchange for kingdom power (Matthew 4:8-10)
C. Testing God’s provision: Jumping from the temple pinnacle, expecting angels to protect Him (Matthew 4:5-7)
D. Jesus’ responses: He quoted Scripture, emphasizing the importance of knowing and applying God’s Word in times of temptation.
1. Trust God’s provision: Like Jesus, we can trust God’s goodness and provision, even when faced with physical needs or uncertainty.
2. Resist the devil’s schemes: We can learn from Jesus’ example, resisting the devil’s attempts to distort our priorities and values through social media life interactions.
3. Know God’s Word: Studying Scripture for the only truth that matters, and applying its truths can help us navigate life’s challenges and temptations.
