Temptation!

Have you ever been tempted?

I’m sure we can all think of the daily encounters when we are tempted to indulge in extra sweets and not so healthy foods, drinks, etc. But there are also much deeper temptations. There are times when we’ve been tempted to gossip for the betterment of our own reputation. There are times we’ve wanted to give up on something that we really cared about. There are times we’ve wanted to take shortcuts even when we know the longer way is important.

Temptations are inevitable as humans. This week in our scripture we hear about when Jesus himself was tempted. In Luke 4:1-15, Jesus is led into the wilderness and is put to the test on three separate occasions. Each of them is a temptation of how to use his power. And while Jesus may have been in dire circumstances and could easily have gone astray, the Spirit of God helps him to withstand that temptation.

As we continue in our Lean In sermon series, this week might each of us LEAN IN to the Spirit who is our biggest strength in times of temptation. Might each of us remember the call of God in our hearts and have the courage to do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing. May we each feel the presence of God in our midst this week.

We hope that you will join us for worship at St. John’s on the Lake UMC this Sunday at 11am in person or online! Let us come together and receive the power of God as we worship!

See you Sunday!

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Kipp