the real deal...

I have been reflecting on Luke 4 again. I am speaking in a youth rally in Jal, New Mexico today. I found out yesterday that my assignment has doubled. Fellow blogger Trey Morgan was supposed to join me as we tag teamed on the messages... he's got the flu - so I've got both messages.

The youth rally is playing off of the famous Geico Caveman commercials - "So easy a caveman could do it..."

So my assignments are "Christianity: So easy a caveman could do it" and "Winning: So easy a caveman could do it."

Here's what I have been thinking - as it so easy? I think following Jesus is simple - but there are times when it is anything but easy... mainly because it was not easy for Him either.

Take for instance... when Jesus takes the time out in the wilderness - yes, there is fasting and praying - good stuff - but there is also a REAL enemy there fighting... tempting.

There are some who have said Jesus had an advantange in resisting temptation so it was easy for Him - not so! Here is a REAL man... with REAL temptations... and He is REALLY having to fight to resist. I have been guilty of making simplistic lessons from Luke 4 in regards to resisting temptation... not today. It is REALLY hard... but we REALLY can.

Today we are going to talk about REALLY winning over temptation... and REALLY staying connected to Jesus. Pray for the messenger... and the messages... and those who will hear.