Friday, January 16, 2026

Opening Scripture

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, you are holy and exalted! May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life, home, and community just as it is in Heaven. Help me to trust you today to meet all of my needs. Help me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Help me to resist temptation and overcome the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Reflection  

After Jesus was baptized by John, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness for a time of testing. It’s important to remember that God tests in an effort to develop those He loves. Satan tests in an effort to destroy those he hates. Jesus’ testing included prayer and fasting, so He was well prepared when “the tempter” showed up.

It’s interesting to see what Satan tempts Jesus with. The basic enticement was for Jesus to act independently of the Father, exercising His own power to satisfy His own desires. It’s all very reminiscent of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3.

Satan likes to question God’s inherent wisdom, goodness, and motive. He trades in pride, lust, and greed. Satan promotes physical appetites, personal gain, and the desire for power and popularity. And Jesus doesn’t fall for any of it!

It’s worth noting that the deceiver intentionally misquotes Scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) to support his temptation. He misrepresents the intent of those verses to try to disguise his unholy purpose. Jesus knew Scripture too well to be misled.

Flourishing Habit

Close Social Relationships

Jesus is a model of how to deal with temptation. His devotion to the Father kept Him grounded in the testing, even when He was tired and hungry. He knew His purpose and stayed focused on the ultimate goal. Of course, Jesus is God incarnate. What about us?

The accountability and encouragement of close social relationships can go a long way in helping us make good choices. Personal support and positive reinforcement increase our probability of success in times of testing.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 offers this compelling illustration: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Do you have someone you’re accountable to? Who has “private meddling rights” in your life? Who gets to ask you the hard questions? Who do you ask hard questions?

If you have that kind of relationship, thank God for it. If you don’t, ask God for it.

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!