January 7

Matthew 4:1-11 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

"'Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Observation

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. This wasn't just a "media" fast, this was a fast of food and likely all drink except water. Scripture says he was hungry. This does not surprise me. It was in this state that Jesus was tempted. I think about when I am tempted after missing one meal, or getting less sleep than normal, and here is Jesus being tempted after 40 days of fasting. If Jesus can be tempted in that state and stand strong, then I know that his Spirit that is alive in me can do the same. I also noticed that after Jesus quoted scripture then the devil also quoted scripture. The devil can attempt to use scripture to tell lies and tempt. It was after the 3rd time the devil spoke that Jesus said, "Be gone, Satan!" and goes on to quote scripture the 3rd time. After the devil left angels came to be with Jesus and minister to him. I imagine that if Jesus can be ministered by angels then maybe we can as well.

Application

I am strengthened in the Lord by the life Jesus lived in this scene. I want to be made aware to this living presence in my life. This gift that Jesus died to give us - His Spirit. I will actively remember this the next time I am tempted and will share with Jesus in conversation (prayer) the struggle I am going through when tempted and at the same time be encouraged by his living witness. I also remember hearing Dallas Willard saying that the word of God is an actual substance. This seems to be true as it says in v.4 - "'Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" I will eat the word of God with the same regularity that I eat physical food. I will continue to chew on it throughout the day. How else will I survive? Lastly, anytime the tempter (the devil) tempts me to believe a lie I will tell him and the lie to "be gone!"

Prayer

Father, Son and Spirit, thank you so much for your presence in your living word. Thank you for such love that you give us the bread we need like a father who loves their children. As I do my best to equip my children to live lives of goodness and love I can see your wisdom and love evident in giving us your word to live by your word. And as I seek your face and to know and do your will I will turn to your son as the full model of what it means to completely do nothing on his own, but to do everything you tell him to do. And, I promise to respond (obey) the nudgings of your Spirit. May I passionately do your will and humbly change my ways (repent) when I stray from doing your will with the same attitude as Jesus. Just as you loved me I seek to love you. Thank you for being my creator and my friend.

--John Loppnow