THE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE IS WHERE WE LEARN TO DEPEND ON THE LORD.

 When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, He depended on the word of God.

Matthew 4:3-11

Now the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God,(HE TRIED TO PLACE DOUBT IN JESUS MIND) command these stones become bread. (He dealt with the Lords natural hunger)

But He answered and said, "It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Then he took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down, for it is written, (From Psalms 91:11, notice the devil misquoted Gods word, and left out "to keep You in all your ways) 

"He will give His angels charge over you. and, "In their hands their they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Jesus said to to him "It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."

Again, the devil took Him up to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory., he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, IF you will fall down and worship me."

Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."

The the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Beloved, the devil will always misquote God word or twist it to fit his temptation.

Our wilderness experience will not last 40 years as the children of Israel's did. 

If we will learn to apply God's word and obey it when we are attacked, our wilderness will be less time.

What did the children of Israel learn in the wilderness? They learned to follow the cloud by day and the fire by night. They learned that the supply of food was heavenly manna. 

When they made the golden calf of religion, they were trusting in themselves and the things in Egypt. For us, the is the world.

Thats what religion does, it causes you to make idols and worship the work of your hands.

Be careful about people pleasing, it can become an idol in your life.

Some people worship their denomination, whether they are right or wrong.

The only idol in our life, should be Jesus and all He stands for. Exalt Him and Him only.

Ephesians 4:14 

That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men in cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, and speak the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ- from whom the whole body joined together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Where we meet for fellowship, should never take the place of our quality time with the Lord.

If there is strife and gossip there, stay clear.

The Holy Spirit will be grieved, as He alone is our fellowship. He will correct us if we get off track.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

James 1:26

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.

Beloved, respect the time in the wilderness of life. Quote God's word. Just like Jesus did.

The wilderness will teach you things about yourself and your walk with God.

God bless your day

Jesus loves you

 




Comments

Anonymous said…
God bless you, Pastor, mama Joy. Thank you always for your wise messages. You are such an anointed saint of God.
March 4, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Anonymous said…
Respect the wilderness. Such a good word. I have grown so much in the wilderness. Pruned, transformed, striped down to such a place that the only thing I can see anymore is Jesus. No denomination, not the American church, not ministers, none of them can take the place of our Lord and yet I see it over and over how they become idols.
Just Jesus.
Nothing else.
~Shelsea
March 4, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Mike Mitchell mdmitchell51@gmail.com said…
While our wilderness experience need not last 40 years , so much depends on our response to God's Word. Timely reminder, Mama Joy!
March 4, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Jim Morgan said…
Idolatry is an important topic today - thank you for addressing it, Joy!

https://blog.meettheneed.org/2026/02/is-there-idolatry-in-the-church-or-in-me/
https://blog.meettheneed.org/2026/02/the-real-american-idol/
March 4, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Anonymous said…
Thank you, Momma Joy. You always have such meaningful and timely words. Rusty
March 4, 2026 at 10:53 AM
HarrietEE said…
Such an important reminder to stay away from gossip and strife, as religions often descend to this! As you always told me God gently leads, but the devil pushes🙏🏻❤️
March 4, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Anonymous said…
Such a beautiful reminder. It’s not always easy but as we have learned nothing worthwhile is. Gods refining us is worth everything!! More of HIM and less of us!!! Thank you for such a timely word.
March 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
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