Today's Reading:O.T. - Psalm 105 - 106
N.T. - Matthew 4
Focus Verses:
Matthew 4:1-4
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Psalm 105:4
4Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Insight:
In times of temptation and need, it is always wise seek God's guidance, strength, and provision. Both Jesus' forty days in the wilderness and Israel's forty years in the wilderness illustrate this important truth. Part of every temptation is the impulse to take things into our own hands or to turn to something or someone other than God for temporary relief. The person who truly has faith in God will wait on the Lord and look to God for the direction and help needed. Faith is tested and made strong through time spent in the wilderness.
Response and Action:
I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. I need to wait on the Lord and take in every word of truth and wisdom that comes from him. God's word can sustain me through difficult times and help me overcome temptation. I will spend time reading the Bible and meditating upon it. I will prayerfully consider God's leading in my life and hold up my actions and choices and thoughts to the light of Scripture. In the face of temptation, I will look to God for the strength to stand and the way of escape.
Thank you for your word, O God. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Proverbs: 22:19
“So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.”
Resources:
Transforming Bible Study: Understanding Scripture Like You'Ve Never Read It Before
by Bob Grahmann
