1-3-14

1-3-14
Ps 3
One of the first things that came to mind when reading this passage was evangelism.  I feel like there is always such a pressure in our society to not say anything confrontational (ie. the truth). But here we are told that The LORD is a shield about me.  What a comforting thought to have as we try to be lights in this world.
The Psalm ends with God getting the victory, thats all that matters, we need to trust Him for that.
Prov 1:8–10
“If sinners entice you, do not consent.”  Well said.
Matt 3:13–4:25
3:16-17 The Trinity exposed. Jesus being baptized. The Spirit descending like a dove. The voice of God from heaven.
Temptation must be battled with the word of God if there is to be victory.  “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I may not sin against you.”

Reading plan 2014

This year I am starting a reading plan through the Bible. I would like to post some thoughts and observations that come out of it.  I'm posting them here on the blog mainly to help keep myself on track and to stay interactive with the text as the year goes on.
Here were some of today's thoughts:

Matthew 2-3:12

The visit of the wise men is really interesting, I wish I had more time to look deeper into it.

-They came from such a long distance to honor a King they knew very little about.

-They showed great dedication and honor to Jesus, not just by the gifts they brought but by protecting Him from Herod.

- Fulfillment of prophesy is throughout this chapter, from the wise men to the flight to Egypt.  Even the decision to go to the district of Galilee instead of Judea.  God had it all planned out and no human will was going to disrupt it.  Then John the Baptist and all that he was prophesied to do.

-John breaks down the legalism of the Pharisees and Sadducees right from the start.

-What a great line “God is able to raise up from these stones..” Human ancestory and deeds are nothing to God, he wants the broken and contrite heart like those that were coming confessing their sins.

-The section ends with John giving praise and adoration to Jesus as well.

-First we have kings coming and bowing down to Jesus and now a man who wears camel hair and eats locust honoring him and Jesus hasn’t even performed on miracle yet.