Matthew 7-9

Today's Reading - Matthew 7-9

Good Morning! The New Testament is amazing, isn't it? There is so much "Life" information that can apply to our everyday lives, today. Next year for Gods411 devotionals we are going to switch gears a little bit. We are going to go in-depth on some topics, and really take a look at what GOD is wanting us to learn.

Insight Into Scripture
Chapter 5 and 6 of Matthew are must read chapters. Jesus' sermon on the mount has been compared to Moses on Mount Sinai where he first taught GOD's law of ethics.In verse 5:39 Jesus speaks about turning the other cheek if someone strikes you on the right cheek. A blow to the right cheek was the most grievous insult possible in that time. So, Jesus was not referring to the actual physical act of the strike, but the insult of the strike.
In these chapters you will read about Jesus healing the sick and diseased. There is one common bond among those that were healed. They had extreme faith.

Matthew 4:1-11 ESVThe Temptation of Jesus1 Then Jesus was led up
by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and f
orty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter
came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God,
command these stones to become loaves of bread."
4 But he answered, "It is written,"'Man shall not
live by bread alone,but by every word that comes
from the mouth of God.'"5 Then the devil took him
to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
6and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down, for it is written,"'He will command
his angels concerning you,'and"'On their hands
they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot
against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall
not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 8 Again,
the devil took him to a very high mountain and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you,
if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus
said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written,"'You shall
worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and
were ministering to him.

Your Enemy
I have a question for you, but you can't look down and read the rest of the devotional. You have to read the question, then answer. OK?Here is the question: In your mind what does satan look like?


I am sure that if you do a google search for images of satan or devil you will get pictures of this red person with horns, pointy tail, an the infamous pitch fork. Is that what you imagined?

I used to think that until I became closer to Christ, moving me more to the front line, thus knowing my enemy better. To me ( This is clearly my opinion, not fact) satan is the most beautiful creature, being short of Christ, but, the most ugly thing that you have ever witnessed on the inside.

You might ask why would I think this? Well, if satan is ugly and a being that makes you afraid, that would be too easy for us. You would see him, or be tempted by him and run, sin would not appeal to you. But, if satan were beautiful, like sin is at first, it would be very tempting, and hard to resist. If you remember back to Ezekiel 28:12-17 God referred to satan as "Perfect in beauty."

So, why focus on satan or his ways? Well, if you have taken a stand and committed your life to Christ, you now have a mortal enemy. You have taken Christ's side in the spiritual war that is raging on around us. satan will do anything in his power to take you out.

If you do not prepare yourself and know how your enemy is going to attack, you will find yourself another casualty. satan will tempt you, you will fall to his temptation, maybe become discouraged and want to give up all this Jesus stuff. BAM, satan has you right where he wants you. Ineffective for Jesus.

In closing, Jesus was tempted, the model and example of perfection for us. Did you notice how Jesus responded to satan's attacks? Jesus quotes scripture back to satan, did you notice satan's counterattacks after the scripture? There were none. he tried two more times then left. If you do not read your Bible, you are going into the battle with NOTHING on your side. Know your enemy and how he attacks, then kick his butt with the Sword of the Spirit. - Have a great day! Jim

Bible Trivia
Is the gate that lead to destruction narrow or wide?
Hint: Matthew 7:13-14


Reading Schedule
View October's Reading Schedule