Reflection For January 24

Temptation is often misunderstood as a simple invitation to do "bad things," but it is actually a much more calculated attempt to pull our trust and obedience away from God. It leads us to sin. It is a deceptive enticement that whispers the lie that we would be happier living on our own terms, fueled by our own successes, money, or family status. As we grow into adulthood, it is easy to become detached from God, mistakenly believing that our "good jobs" are the source of our security. However, as C.S. Lewis informed us, we are in a constant state of spiritual warfare, and denying this opposition only makes us more vulnerable. We should follow the example of Jesus, who understood the true heart behind Scripture. During His forty-day "hike" through the wilderness, Jesus intentionally embraced human vulnerability—enduring hunger, fatigue, and direct confrontation with the Enemy—to prove that His strength was rooted in spiritual endurance rather than self-provision. He showed us that "man does not live on bread alone," a truth we can lean on when God leads us into our own "wilderness" seasons. These quiet or difficult times are often designed to get our undivided attention, stripping away the distractions of wealth and worldly comfort so He can speak tenderly to our hearts. When trials test our faith, we can use the song "I Will Set My Hope on Jesus" as a redirection, reminding us that He is our rock even when we falter. By exposing our struggles to Him, we find the path to victory. Like Christ, as our desire to please and honor God grows, we can overcome the deceptive lies of the world and find true life in His Word. Luke 4:8 – “Worship the Lord Your God, and serve him only.” Jesus chose the cross and became our Victor and hope for our obedience! Like Christ, may your desire to please, honor, and glorify God grow so that in obedience you overcome temptation. Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.