January 4

Readings: Gen 7:1-9:7, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:8-9, Matt 4:1-20

Genesis

The narrative of the flood is very descriptive & requires no explanation. Yesterday, we saw how the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove. In ch 8 verses 8-12, we read that Noah sent out a dove to test if the waters had receded sufficiently. He knew that the dove would only land if safe to do so. The dove is known to be very shy & unless things are right, it will not land. This is true of the Holy Spirit. He is easily grieved & unless conditions are right will not be able to settle.

v20. Here we read how Noah made sacrifice presumably out of thankfulness for God's provision. God found this to be a pleasing aroma.

Psalm 3
This psalm reminds us that God is our protection. Despite time when we feel that enemies surround us on every side (this isn't necessarily people, but often circumstances which overwhelm us). Despite being surrounded by enemies the psalmist was able to sleep because of his trust in God, who sustains us.

Proverbs
When we are children it often seems that our parents are nagging us, but then as we become parents ourselves we soon learn that our parents were right. If we followed what our parents told us we find that rather than being a weight around our neck they have brought good things to us such as morals etc.

Matthew
When we looked at Genesis a few days ago we saw the way in which the devil tempted Adam and Eve by questioning what God had told them. We said it was important to know the Bible & actually read for ourselves what it says rather than relying on what we think it says or what someone (e.g. a preacher) tells us it says.
Here the devil quotes Scripture which Jesus refutes with Scripture. It is not only important to check our verses but also ensure context & the whole picture is understood. Reading the Bible all the way through really helps to see the big picture.