Clear Intentions

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 4: Today, I am grateful when intentions are clear. 

Are there times when you are unsure of someone's intentions? It is a confusing place to be. There is "the talk" that eventually happens when couples are dating. At some point, it is important to know how the other person perceives the relationship. Is it for fun or is it forever? Clear intentions make for better relationships. 

When Satan went into the desert to tempt Jesus, he waited until he believed Jesus would be at his weakest. Hungry, hot and tired is not how you want to be found when  your nemesis shows up. 

Satan knew Jesus was really hungry. Urging Jesus to turn stones into bread was a brilliant temptation. Jesus could do it. They both knew it. Satan tempted him to be prideful in showing off his power. Satan tempted him to put his physical needs before his spiritual ones. Jesus endured and prevailed. 

"But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" -Matthew 4:4

Jesus knew the Word of God and he knew how to use it. Sharper than a double edged sword! Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy:

" Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." -Deuteronomy 8:3

Every word. Not just the ones we like. Every word. 

Note that in both passages there are moments when we are allowed to go hungry. Difficult seasons when we feel weak. In those moments, we learn to feed on His word and rely on His strength. 

Satan's intentions are to deceive and destroy. Jesus came to rescue and restore. 

Today, I am grateful when intentions are clear.