Matthew 4:1-11 

                                       Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

 ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “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.’”

 ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  ¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Ever want to do things you know you shouldn’t?  Ever tempted to take an easier path rather than a healthier path?  I am!  Simple example—I hate exercise!  I know it’s good for me.  I know it makes me feel better and my body needs it, but I would rather curl up on the couch with a good blanket and take a nap or watch a movie.  It seems harmless, but if I give in too often I end up letting the gift God has given me fall into a bad shape. 

Ever tempted to read a good mystery instead of the Bible?  Maybe watch a little TV instead of doing this devotion?  Sleep in on Sunday instead of going to church?  They seem like little things until we realize these “Little” temptations keep us from God.

Who are you choosing today?  God or Temptation?