The 3 temptations the devil brought against Jesus, my temptations 531-1 - 4 - 3

Luke 4:3,"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Here the devil was appealing to Jesus' physical well-being.

Luke 4:4, "And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." The Word is far more fulfilling than bread, it fills that inborn need for God.

In the second temptation, Luke 4:5-7, the devil petitions Jesus with power and glory. This is a valid temptation as the devil holds the deed to our fallen world.

Luke 4:8, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." God, not the devil, is to be worshiped.

Luke 4:9-11, here in the third temptation the devil is trying to get Jesus to manipulate God, to put God "to the test" by saving Him (Jesus) from a deadly fall.

Luke 4:12, “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

As an aside, one Discussion Question really resonated with me when taking Spiritual Disciplines SD501, “Why is it important to ‘make deposits’? What biblical passages have served you well over the past few months?” Since that time, I have maintained a file on my computer desktop of often quoted verses including the words Sola Scriptura. These deposits of verses are a great help to me and I often draw against this account.

The seven deadly sins are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. Three most applicable to me are gluttony, greed (non-material), and pride.

The could devil tempt me with greed for Knowledge, pride in winning arguments and gluttony.

Greed: Years ago, when I would hold a book it would seem to take on a life of its own, nearly vibrating in my hand. Now I carry hundreds of books on my smart phone, computers, tablets, and Kindles. So, greed for knowledge coupled with a greed for electronic gizmos.

Pride: I work to be right and win arguments. I’ve channeled some of that drive to becoming a better Christian Apologist. Now to learn to moderate my discussions that can become rather preachy.

Gluttony: Monday will be half price day for all that wonderful but pagan “Easter” candy. Solid milk chocolate rabbits and creamy eggs. Now my mouth is watering.

These temptations do not begin to compare to those of Jesus by enduring severe beatings and the horrific pain and humiliation of crucifixion for our/ my sins. Jesus didn’t give into temptations

1. Physical, to escape the agony of the cross.

 2. Jesus, equal to God humbled Himself by foregoing both His power and glory.

3. Matthew 27:46, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” By calling out “My God” Jesus acknowledged that God would not look on Him as He was carrying our sins. Jesus didn’t “Put God to the test.”

By being a prepper am I guilty of doing what is right in my own eyes," not completely trusting in the Lord? 510-1 - 1 - 8

Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” When the time of the Judges ended, the people wanted a king. As a result, they were given King Saul of The Tribe of Benjamin rather than God’s intended David of the tribe of Judah who was too young to be king. Had the people been more patient, far fewer problems such as the continued persecution of David by King Saul.

Full disclosure, I’m something of a prepper. Some of my Christian family I think that I may be guilty of doing it my way, what is right in my own eyes. Most of my Christian friends fall into one of two groups. Most are pre-trip and expect to be taken out before the horror of the Tribulation begins.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 

The other group think we'll be here for part or all the tribulation but will be protected in place. While the following refers to saved Israel, we are grafted in.

Micah 2:12, “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.”

Although I agree we believers will be taken care of I feel that I should make a certain amount of preparation. So yes, I'm a little bit of a prepper while I wait for the good Lord to either call me home or call me up with a trumpet blast.

Several Christian websites promote the procurement of long term storage food products and other prepper items such as water purification. Although the Mormons have a very different theology they are a great example prepping. Attendees at one of their prepper classes were taught to construct faraday storage containers. 

Many survival items are necessary in addition to food and water, medical supplies being just one. I’m slowly adding to my suppliers.

I have ample solar power at my summer off-the-power-grid home and a lesser amount at my winter on-the-power-grid home. In a normal emergency, I will have this advantage, however, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) would likely wipeout the electronics required with solar power.

I've taken the added precaution of placing an electric Bible, flash drives with Bible teachings and Bible commentaries along with small electronics and solar charger in faraday pouches. I will be able to satisfy my hunger for the Bible as well as share scripture with my neighbors no matter what happens. I think the Lord is OK with my peppering. 

What is the work of the Holy Spirit.How does it help me on my Christian journey? 531-1 - 3 - 2

The Holy Spirit is with us, convicting of sin; in us indwelling, regeneration once and for all; upon us for infilling, repeated empowerment.

I’m very blessed to have the Holy Spirit as well as CM’s commentaries and the Internet available as I seek to become a better Christian apologist.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament saints was selective and temporary.

What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

“The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the action by which God takes up permanent residence in the body of a believer in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come and go from the saints, empowering them for service but not necessarily remaining with them.

[https://www.gotquestions.org/indwelling-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html]

How did the Holy Spirit operate in the lives of OT saints?

https://bible.org/question/how-did-holy-spirit-operate-lives-ot-saints

John 14:15-17, “15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he Dwelleth (G3306) with you, and shall be in you.”

Dwelleth, G3306, A primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): - abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.

What an honor, Jesus was, is, always will be indwelling us. We have this further assurance from 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 

To be effective in my Christian journey I must receive the power of the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Spirit I’m “on fire for God.” Within the Church family we can feel the indwelling spirit in our brothers and sisters. It provides the power to become a better and bold witness.

Spirit Of The Living God Lyrics

“Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me

Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me

Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me”

If I am obedient the spirit continually falls fresh on me melting and molding me, filling me, and using me as a servant to the living God.

Lots about Shoes in the Bible 531-1 - 3 - 1

Exodus 3:5, "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Joshua 5:15, "And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." The Lord commanded Moses and Joshua to remove their shoes when standing on Holy Ground.

Joshua 9:5, “And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.”  Here shoes were used in deception.

Psalm 110:1, “A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Here Jesus confounded the Pharisees who generally agreed that the Messiah would be the Son of David. How could He be David's Lord and David's Son at the same time?

These few references in the Old Testament to shoes or related items reminds me that as a Christian when I reflect on the Word I’m on Holy ground, I’m not to be deceived by “old shoes” and I’m to use scripture as a Christian Apologist.

Matthew 10:10, “Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” Repeated in Luke 10:4, “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” The disciples were to go on a short mission without provisions.

Matthew 10:14, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

If rejected the disciples were to shake the dust off their feet to bring home God's displeasure as in rejecting Jesus’ disciples, a family was rejecting Him. In both Matthew and Mark Jesus is quoted “It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”

When they return Jesus asked them Luke 22:35, “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.”

I find that sometimes it is best to “shake the dust” and move on after planting a seed for God. It is up to the Holy Spirit to do the convicting.

Ephesians 6:15, “And your feet shod (G5265) with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

Shod, G5265, to bind under one’s feet, that is, put on shoes or sandals: - bind on, (be) shod.

Acts 13:25, “And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes (G5266) of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”

Shoes, G5266, From G5265; something bound under the feet, that is, a shoe or sandal: - shoe. G5265 to bind under one’s feet, that is, put on shoes or sandals: - bind on, (be) shod.

Matthew 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Quite a responsibility for Christians.

Hannah’s “model” prayer. 510-1 - 1 - 5

“Hannah's Song (Samuel 2:1-10) The devotedness of Elkanah's wife and son stands out against the depravity of Eli's family. After giving her son to the Lord, Hannah poured out her heart in thanksgiving. Her words reveal an in-depth knowledge of God, His character, and His deeds. The prayer seems to rebuke Peninnah for the many spiteful things she had said to Hannah, but it prophetically goes beyond this domestic squabble to the triumph of Israel over her foes and to the eventual reign of Christ.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

1 Samuel 2:1, “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

1 Samuel 2:2, “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock (H6697) like our God.”

Rock, H6697, figuratively a refuge; mighty God, rock, strength, strong. Suggests that Hannah knows that the holy God is her refuge.

1 Samuel 2:3-4, “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 4, The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.” A foretelling of Psalm 2?

1 Samuel 2:5, “They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.”

Hannah’s husband Elkanah had two wives; Hannah, and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Did the barren Hannah give birth to seven children while her sister wife “waxed feeble?”

1 Samuel 2:6, “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.” Jesus’ death on the cross and the empty tomb?  

1 Samuel 2:7, “7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.: An example eons later would be the beggar and the rich Lazarus. The thought continues in 1 Samuel 2:8.

1 Samuel 2:9, “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” The coming tribulation?

1 Samuel 2:10, “The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” The coming Day of the Lord?

No king of Israel at time of Hannah’s prayer and long before Samuel anointed Saul. Horn used to hold the anointing oil, also mentioned in verse 1. The final anointed King with be Jesus.

As for me and my family, my children are long grown up and my only grandchild is very low functioning Autistic. I pray for grown children and extended family but leave it to the Holy Spirit to convict them.

God spoke to Mary, Zechariah and the shepherds while they were attending to their usual duties. 531-1 - 2 - 2

Zacharias was going about his Temple duties and tending the Golden Altar, the Altar of Incense, when the angel Gabriel visited him. Imagine his surprise when he was informed that his wife would give birth to a son who would Luke 1:17, "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

John, the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth would go before the coming Messiah, Jesus. Zacharias was skeptical as his wife Elisabeth was barren and well up in years. Zacharias was struck dumb for the duration of Elisabeth’s pregnancy.  

Mary was recently engaged and likely looking forward to her marriage. She also was skeptical when visited by the angel Gabriel as she was a virgin, nevertheless, she acquiesced, Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” 

Luke 2:8, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." The shepherds were visited by the angel Gabriel, Luke 2:10, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

The shepherds "said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Afterwards, Luke 2:20, "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

A priest and his wife were to be the parents of the man who would “go before” Jesus. A village virgin in the line of David would be the mother of the coming Messiah.

Shepherds were the outcasts in Israel as their work made them ceremonially unclean. Per CM they were kept away from the temple weeks at a time. Lowly shepherds, not the religious leaders, welcomed Jesus into His incarnation.  

All three fulfilled the charge Jesus later gave to the disciples in The Parable of the Ten Minas. A foretelling of what we have been given and are expected to do with it?

Luke 19:11, “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” Today as with these early believers, many believers rest on their “Blessed Assurance” rather than waging spiritual warfare. Luke 19:13, “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy (G4231) till I come.” 

Occupy, G4231, From G4229; to busy oneself with, that is, to trade: occupy. G4229, From G4238; a deed; by implication an affair; by extension an object (material): - business, matter, thing, work. Digging deeper, G4238 is a primary verb; to “practise”, that is, perform repeatedly or by implication to execute, accomplish, etc.; specifically to collect (dues), fare (personally): - commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.

This speaks to me as I have been given my salvation and I’m to occupy until Jesus comes for me,  I’m in the business of bringing people into the Kingdom.

Who was Simeon and what did Simeon predict? Are the prophecies of Simeon being fulfilled today? 531-1 - 2 - 4

“Simeon was one of the godly remnant of Jews who was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ or Anointed One.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Luke 2:25, “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation (G3874) of Israel (G2474): and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” 

Consolation, G3874, From G3870; imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty. G3870, to call near, that is, invite, invoke by imploration, hortation or consolation: - beseech, call for, be of good comfort, desire, give exhortation, intreat, pray.

A foretelling of comfort to come, Luke 2:30, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation…”

Israel, G2474, Of Hebrew origin (H3478); Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively): - Israel. H3478, he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: - Israel.

That comfort shall literally be for Israel and figuratively for the descendants of Israel/ Jacob one of whom was Mary and to the Gentiles. Luke 2:32, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

Luke 2:34-35, “34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall (G4431) and rising again (G386) of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword (G4501) shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Fall, G4431, a crash, that is, downfall (literally or figuratively): fall.

Again (Rising), G386, a standing up again, that is, (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, general or by implication (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth): - raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.

Jesus would fall, be crucified, and rising again, be resurrected.

Sword, G4501, probably of foreign origin; a sabre, that is, a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively): - sword.

A sword would figuratively pierce Mary’s soul and a sword would literally pierce the side of the dead Jesus.

As for the phase, “that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed,” refers to past, present, and future reactions to our redeemer, Jesus. The Holy Spirit knows what is truly in our hearts.

Is there a “Grieving the Holy Spirit” today? Jesus said that speaking a word against the Son of man can be forgiven but whosoever “speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

Matthew 12:31, 32: “These verses mark a crisis in Christ's dealings with the leaders of Israel. He accuses them of committing the unpardonable sin by blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, that is, by charging that Jesus performed His miracles by the power of Satan rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, this was calling the Holy Spirit Beelzebub, the ruler of demons.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Jesus performed miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, nevertheless, the Pharisees claimed that it was through the power of Satan. Fast forward to the present, for several years, there have been/ are “revivals” where gold dust appears, masses of people are blown over by what is called the Holy Spirit, feathers float through the air and more. A reversal of the unpardonable sin? What of false teachers/ teachings?