A car needs to be periodically checked. Tire pressure, tires rotated, change of oil and windshield wipers in good condition are some of the basics of having a vehicle that runs as it was meant to function. Have you checked your car recently?

A physical check-up is important to your health ““ a doctor runs tests that help to find problems early and are then easily treated. Have you had a physical check-up recently?

Our relationship to and with God needs to have a “˜check-up”™ on a regular basis. What are some areas where you need to make an assessment? Your areas and mine will be different but the bottom line is the same ““ How does God view us?

The devil used the stones of the wilderness to tempt Jesus when He was hungry from fasting. The stones were lying there”¦and the devil used what was near at hand. What is near at hand which is tempting you today? God says, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (See NIV Matthew 4:4)

The devil took Jesus to Jerusalem ““ to tempt Him to prove God”™s care for Him. What is nearby that is a temptation to you to prove that God cares for you? Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (See NIV Matthew 4:7)

Then the devil took Jesus a distance to tempt Him:

(NASB) Matthew 4:8-9 “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory;

9 and he said to Him, “˜All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”™”

From temptation to satisfy a real hunger, to the temptation to have God prove His TLC, to worship of the devil”¦those were the temptations Jesus faced. He used God”™s word alone to thwart those temptations.

It is check-up time: What verse(s) are you using as your sword of defense:

When you are faced with temptation to satisfy a hunger, a craving?

When you are faced with the temptation to have God prove His TLC for you?

When you are faced with the temptation to worship that which is not the God of the Bible?