Auntie Ellen Speaks of Temptation

For my devotion today, I chose to read from the Desire of Ages. In the chapter on temptation, Auntie Ellen talks about Christ and His struggle in the desert with satan (I prefer not to capitalize that coward's name). The verses she draws from are Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-13. If you'd like more summary, that's too bad! I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. GO READ THE CHAPTER! :) But I will tell you what I felt the Lord was hoping I'd get from this.

1. The reason I have been feeling down is not because of my circumstance, but because of my lack of connection to Him. satan takes us and our weakness and exploits it to only worsen our situation and lead us to depend on our own strength--rebuking God.
2. Aunt E talks about how Christ never did anything for his own glory: "Neither here nor at any subsequent time in His earthly life did he work a miracle in His own behalf" DoA p. 119. This here is power to me. How many times do we, in the church, do everything but paid commercials when nominating committee comes around. We claw, bite, and scratch our way to become the Assistant to the Treasurer of the Choir that only practices with the Choir that sings Sabbath Morning. Yet, what is that doing to glorify God? How are the things WE accomplish for ourselves drawing us nearer to HIM?
3. Finally, Ms. White dwells on the fact that Christ was fasting and at his weakest during temptation. She reminds the reader of Deut. 8: 2,3 and even brings up how important a relationship is with Chris during the time of trouble. Well it was impressed upon me that these topics are related. And no, not because they're located in the same chapter. Fasting has been really prominent in my thoughts recently and my devotion revealed to me why. God's intention with the practice of fasting and prayer is not only to deepen our connection with Christ but also to condition us. He is conditioning us through the prayer and fasting mentally and physically for the Time of Trouble. By rationing our meals or how much tv we watch, we practice a similar control and restraint that Jesus maintained in the wilderness and strengthen the lines of communication between ourselves and the Father.

But I'm not going to say anymore cuz I want others to go kick it with Auntie Ellen and maybe give me some feedback. Let me know, I want to hear from ya!

Man shall not live by bread alone...