Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-7
Memory Verse: Matthew 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Devo
One time my mom baked fresh chocolate chip cookies for another family. The kitchen smelled like Heaven, but I was told I couldn’t have even one. That was, maybe, my greatest temptation to steal in my life.
Imagine how Jesus felt in today’s story. The Holy Spirit sent him into the wilderness to pray and fast for 40 days. Fasting means to stop eating for a while to seek only God. I know I’ve never been that hungry.
When he was at his weakest, the devil came to tempt him. He told Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.”
Jesus looked at the desert floor below him. Stones were everywhere. It would be easy to do such a miracle. I wonder if his mouth watered, thinking about it.
Instead, Jesus said, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Jesus knew that real life came from God, not from food. He told Satan, and reminded himself, that obedience was more important that filling his belly.
When you’re tempted to do wrong, remember that our Enemy is tricky. He uses crafty words to convince us that sin is okay. It looks good. It seems fun. It sounds reasonable.
The best weapon against these lies is truth of God’s Word. It’s like a sword that cuts through the tricks and lies. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. You can use it too.
What about you?
What do you do when you’re tempted to disobey God?
What’s your favorite scripture for staying on God’s path?