2018 Dec 04 Proverbs 4, Psalms, Matthew 4
2018 Dec 04 Proverbs 4, Psalms, Matthew 4
Welcome, and best wishes for a good day! Let's continue in Proverbs 4 with verses 11-13:
"11 I will instruct you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you in the tracks of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; And if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life."
Prov 4:11 Really listening to wise ones, especially wise parents, can help us to become wise, as will reading Proverbs, Jesus' teachings, those of his apostles, and the rest of God's word. We will gain understanding in how to walk with God uprightly, bringing Him great pleasure.
Prov 4:12 When we walk according to God's righteousness, we will have God's favor and blessing, and will experience less interference than disobedient ones. We may choose to "walk" in God's service, or when our circumstances permit, we can choose to "run" in God's service, accepting greater responsibilities in worshipping God. Instructed in true wisdom and righteousness, we will not stumble either way. Psalm 119:165 says to God: "Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; Nothing can make them stumble."
Prov 4:13 How vital to reject prideful thinking and remain humble before God and others. "So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall." (1Cor 10:12). The gifts and talents that others have often better our own, and we received such from God himself, so we should have no room for boasting, except in God Jehovah. While on earth, leaving us a model, Jesus always sought God's glory above his own (1Pet 2:21). So may we appreciate any discipline--loving guidance and correction--received from others, especially a parent, step-parent or guardian, or congregation elder, that is likely to be in harmony with God's word. Such correction may mean our very lives, even eternal life in true happiness!
The next 8 verses in Psalm 119 all begin with the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, ד [Daleth].
Psalm 119:25-32 reads: "25 I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word. 26 I told you of my ways, and you answered me; Teach me your regulations. 27 Make me understand the meaning of your orders, So that I may ponder over your wonderful works. 28 I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word. 29 Remove from me the way of deception, And favor me with your law. 30 The way of faithfulness I have chosen. I recognize that your judgments are right. 31 I cling to your reminders. O Jehovah, do not let me be disappointed. 32 I will eagerly pursue the way of your commandments Because you make room for it in my heart."
What a treasure are such expressions of love for God, loyalty to Him and His ways! May we pray as did the psalmist, to "understand the meaning of [God's] orders," that we "may ponder over [His] wonderful works," seeing the reason and purpose behind them, and thus gaining insight into God's loving personality and ways.
Matthew 4 contains the temptations of the Devil that Jesus refuted after 40 days of fasting, and before His ministry began. Jesus' reactions contain vital lessons for true Christians today. Among them is one that some may find confusing. Satan tempted Jesus this way: "Then the Devil took him along into the holy city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple 6 and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you,’ and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’” Such a display would not bring glory to God, but rather, would draw attention to Jesus himself. In contrast, by the miracles of healing Jesus performed, he was able to draw attention to God's use of power.
We might understand this when we consider our prayers. Ordinarily we don't ask for something in prayer that would violate God's laws, including both moral laws and physical laws such as gravity.
Such a violation could cost us life, at least in the remaining days of this system! While we know God is capable of performing miracles, we leave it to God decide when and how He chooses to do so, not putting God on the spot, or "to the test" to do so when we think He should. In seeking to accomplish the will of God in faith, however, God may accomplish amazing things, even 'moving mountains' to make it possible for many to hear the good news. May we continue to exercise faith in God as we seek power from Him to do His will. Regarding this ministry, 2Corinthians 4:7 says, "We have this treasure in [jars of clay], so that the power beyond what is normal may be God's and not from us."


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