Summer of Jesus | Week 1

John Baptizes Jesus
Mk 1:9-11, Lk 3:21-22, Mt 3:13-17, Jn 1:29-34

Jesus models what we are supposed to do when we accept Him as Lord and Savior.

Some people believe that you only receive the Holy Spirit when you are baptized, so they might think that the act saves them.

Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert
Mk 1:12-13, Mt 4:1-11, Lk 4:1-13

Jesus was being obedient to the immediate calling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus being obedient was leading him to a temptation.

Satan tempted Jesus when he was weak and isolated. After Jesus resists him, Satan then waits fro the next opportune time to attack him.

Satan uses what will possibly work to tempt; in this case, he uses the Scriptures to turn God’s own words against him.

Satan knows what will work on us, he can use the good things of God.

Jesus stands up to Satan by using Scripture as a defense.

We are told in Mt 26:39 to keep watch (be mindful, prepared, and ready) and to pray (communion w/God and God strengthening us SO THAT we are able to stand up, and as Jesus models, he “sticks it” to Satan by quoting Scripture to him.

Satan is compared to a lion (1 Pt 5:8-10). He prowls around waiting to attack. Real lions stalk their prey; their end game is not just to wound but you but to rip you apart and kill you. Lions look to attack the young, the weak, and those are already wounded and hurt.

What is "The Summer of Jesus"?

ahh... and so I'm back. There is just too much to share. I do not promise to write everyday, every week, or every month. Busyness is the black plague of our time and I am just as susceptible as the next person. However, since my home group has begun our current Bible study series, I have thought so many times "I should resurrect the blog." I am not a Bible scholar or teacher, but over the past year, I have learned that I don't have to be. The only thing necessary for any Christ follower to do is to pray that the Holy Spirit will teach you and reveal things to you when reading the Word. So any haters who will attempt to give me a hard time about my irregularity of posting, here is a preemptive talk to the hand!
My pastor said that one should blog for himself and not to please others. So hear we go- constructive, positive feedback is welcome, and suggestions for blog topics down the road could be interesting...

Thank you

I owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and supporting me since mid- August. I would not have made it this far without my family and friends showering me with love and encouragement.

I had gastric bypass surgery on the 14th of August. It was something I had been thinking and praying about since last October. The sugery went well, but my initial recovery was very difficult. In the past week and a half, I have come a long way. I am returning to more normal activities, but am usually wiped out at mid- day. I know that healing takes time, so I am trying to be patient and not try to rush things.

This process and total life changes has definitely brought me to my knees before God. I praise Him for giving me hope and comfort, as well as blessing me with exactly the people I would need to help me get through this and grow through this.

I especially want to thank my mom who came from MI to take care of me. She was and is my rock and my soft place. I love you mom!