January 4, 2006 - Genesis 10-12 and Matthew 4
Isn't God's Word so rich? It is almost like all of those Christmas goodies. You can only eat just so much at one sitting, and then, you have to wait and let it digest, before you eat more. However, they all taste so good. That is God's Word. Taste and see that it is so good!
This passage in Genesis shows us what happened after the flood. As the world began to be repopulated, the people were all of one language group. They learned how to build with stone and asphalt. In fact, they were good at it. They decided to become famous, and to make a tower reaching to the heavens. I believe this ambition came out of pride and the feeling of power. There is no sign they were bowing before the Lord or building altars. Therefore, God confused their languages and scattered them, not as a punishment, but to cause them to seek Him. When we have a need, we tend to seek God. When we feel powerful and proud, we tend to go our own way. God wanted them to seek Him. He wants us to seek him today, but there are still many people who are proud and self confident.
Also, did you notice the importance of communication? As long as the people could communicate, they were able to do great things. However, when the communication broke down, the progress stopped. This principle holds true all of the time. Communication is vital to living in relationship with God and others. It is the tool we use to accomplish God's Will. If we don't communicate, we won't be able to accomplish much in life.
In chapter 12 God revealed Himself to Abram. He established His covenant with him. Again, I believe it was because of Abram's heart. God knew that he would obey Him and worship him as he did. Therefore, God blessed him, even though he was not perfect. We see him lying to the Egyptians at the end of the chapter. However, God sticks with him through his fear and lack of trust, because his heart is soft, and he is trying to do God's will. Is your heart soft? Is it your aim to follow Him?
Matthew 4 shows us what is needed to follow the Lord as Jesus faces off against Satan. We must live by every Word that comes from God. We must trust God, not test Him because of our doubts. We must worship only Him. That is a great prescription for following God. Jesus stayed on course even though He was tempted, and so can we, if we will trust Him to empower us and to guide us. Then, He began to choose His disciples so He could teach them. We should seek to mentor others and to show them what the Lord is teaching us. That is another way we follow the Lord. What is the Lord saying to you through this passage? Is there a weakness in your life that is pointed out here? Do you need to repent of something? Believe me, it is best to humble yourself before the Lord and make it right. Then, He can bless your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26.
This passage in Genesis shows us what happened after the flood. As the world began to be repopulated, the people were all of one language group. They learned how to build with stone and asphalt. In fact, they were good at it. They decided to become famous, and to make a tower reaching to the heavens. I believe this ambition came out of pride and the feeling of power. There is no sign they were bowing before the Lord or building altars. Therefore, God confused their languages and scattered them, not as a punishment, but to cause them to seek Him. When we have a need, we tend to seek God. When we feel powerful and proud, we tend to go our own way. God wanted them to seek Him. He wants us to seek him today, but there are still many people who are proud and self confident.
Also, did you notice the importance of communication? As long as the people could communicate, they were able to do great things. However, when the communication broke down, the progress stopped. This principle holds true all of the time. Communication is vital to living in relationship with God and others. It is the tool we use to accomplish God's Will. If we don't communicate, we won't be able to accomplish much in life.
In chapter 12 God revealed Himself to Abram. He established His covenant with him. Again, I believe it was because of Abram's heart. God knew that he would obey Him and worship him as he did. Therefore, God blessed him, even though he was not perfect. We see him lying to the Egyptians at the end of the chapter. However, God sticks with him through his fear and lack of trust, because his heart is soft, and he is trying to do God's will. Is your heart soft? Is it your aim to follow Him?
Matthew 4 shows us what is needed to follow the Lord as Jesus faces off against Satan. We must live by every Word that comes from God. We must trust God, not test Him because of our doubts. We must worship only Him. That is a great prescription for following God. Jesus stayed on course even though He was tempted, and so can we, if we will trust Him to empower us and to guide us. Then, He began to choose His disciples so He could teach them. We should seek to mentor others and to show them what the Lord is teaching us. That is another way we follow the Lord. What is the Lord saying to you through this passage? Is there a weakness in your life that is pointed out here? Do you need to repent of something? Believe me, it is best to humble yourself before the Lord and make it right. Then, He can bless your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26.