Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)
A few weeks ago, I attended a Healthy Eating Taste and Tour event. The tour began with one of the store representatives showing us a variety of enticing foods.
As we were passing through the fruit and vegetables section she said, “I know that most people think the store is expensive, but I am going to show you how to get some good deals.”
When she mentioned deals, I perked up a little more. One was that if you buy anything that comes in a case, you are given a ten percent discount on any other purchase. Another was to read the signage; she showed us that there was a circled number indicating the percentage off sale-priced items. In other words, there are ways to save money and get a good deal.
Jesus was approached and offered a deal after fasting and praying for 40 days in the wilderness. There was really nothing in it for him, but there was everything to gain for his enemy. Jesus was offered a way to satisfy his need for food that at the cost of denying his purpose.
Jesus did not disagree with the truth that he was hungry but recognized that he was not being offered a good deal. The answer Jesus gave was an indication that our decisions for living should be based on the word of God rather than solely on need.
Prayer Point: Watch out for offerings that appeal to your need but do not offer anything wholesome in return. The enemy of God will offer to satisfy your need with something that compromises your integrity and does not honor God.
During Lent, pray and seek God’s provision for all of your needs so that you are not tempted to entertain any offers presented by God’s enemy.
God bless you!
For more on this topic, watch Peola’s video How to Get a Good Deal and listen to her Blog Talk Radio program The Prayer Journey.
