Conversations

When Jesus talked to his Father, the conversations were real and, and sometimes, raw. Check out today’s passage. Jesus prayed under the shadow and dread of the cross. He prayed with “loud cries and tears.” He didn’t recite prayers. Jesus shared his heart with the Father.

Homes have personalities. Some are warm and inviting. As soon as you walk in, you want to sit on the couch and relax. Others are cold. As soon as you walk in, you want to walk out. Some homes are fun. There is laughter, joking, and comfortable interaction. Some homes are wound so tight you can cut the tension with a knife. What’s your home like?

The responsibility of parenting cannot be delegated. The youth group, private school, or Christian school cannot impart the deep truths of the faith to your children. Sure, each plays a part, but parenting is for parents. There are things your children will not hear unless they hear them from you.

Our passage today is an answer to a question ... actually, two questions. So let’s check them out.

One of the things we need to talk to our Father about is spiritual protection. We have an enemy who is out to get us.

Today’s passage makes it clear that temptation does not come from God. God can neither be tempted nor tempt us. So, what is the source of temptation that strongly influences our lives?

Temptation is real, persuasive, and alluring; otherwise, it wouldn’t be called temptation. But you do not have to cross the line. If you choose to take that step, you do so because you want to, not because you have to.

Christians in every generation have the same temptation—the allure to retreat from the world. From business to education to recreation, there is a desire only to be involved with other believers. One problem ... that was not the intention of Jesus. 

It was going to be a tough meeting. Those sitting around the table had some real issues with each other. You could feel the tension—so thick you could cut it with a knife, as the saying goes. I knew this time together could blow up in my face.