A Spiritual Feast

January 01, 2013            Gen 1–3, Matt 1, Ps 1, Prov 1:1–2

Today as we celebrate the New Year let us even more celebrate the new life we have in Christ. We begin this year reading, meditating, and applying God's Word. In the Scriptures, God reveals Himself to us, which leads us to worship His holy Name. Please be careful to not look at these daily readings as just another task to get through.We do not seek to conquer the Word of God as we would a textbook for an exam, but rather we seek to let the Word of God conquer us. We seek to be transformed, motivated, and amazed by the reading of God's Word. As you read the Scriptures do not be afraid to ask questions and seek answers. If I can help you in any way do not hesitate to ask. 

Genesis 1-3
Genesis is a book of beginnings. In these first three chapters of the Bible we see the beginning of creation, life, marriage, temptation, sin, sacrifice, death, and the promise of the Messiah. Psalm 19 and Romans 1 speak of how God reveals Himself through His creation. As we begin 2013 may we have a sense of awe of what God has created. 

What from Genesis 1 is most amazing to you? 
What does it mean that we are made in the image of God? What was lost in the fall? What was regained through Christ? In what way is Jesus the true image of God (Col. 1)?

In Genesis 2 God rested from His work. How can we apply this principle today?
What was the purpose of Adam naming the animals? 
What does Genesis 2 teach us about God's intent for marriage? 

In Genesis 3 sin enters into the picture. Satan deceived Eve and in turn Adam. How could they have protected themselves from the schemes the devil? How can we today?
How does Satan distort God's truth today?
How can we know when something is sinful?
What was God's judgment upon each individual in this text? How can we see this curse in effect today?
Verse 15 is the first promise of the Messiah. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Praise God that He is not only all powerful, but full of love and grace for His creation. 

Matthew 1
Matthew wrote his gospel to a Jewish audience. His intent was to prove that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. He quotes the Old Testament 129 times and in many ways Jesus is the great teacher in this gospel. Another great theme in this book is the authority of Christ. As you read through Matthew over the next several days note all the areas that Jesus has authority. 

What is the significance of this genealogy? 
What made the birth of Jesus unique? 
What does it mean that God is with us?

Psalm 1 
We need to have discernment in all the steps of our lives because the progression of sin is often slow. We go from associating with sin (walking), to considering sin (standing), to committing sins (sitting, joining).  
A key to staying away from sin is delighting in God's Word. Do you delight in the Word? Do you look forward to your spiritual feast as much as you do your physical feasts? 
This Psalm begins with blessing and ends with cursed. How are you going to position yourself for God's blessing and growth this year?

Proverbs 1:1-2
The Book of Proverbs is all about seeking wisdom from God. 
In what ways are you showing wisdom and in what ways are you showing foolishness in your life? 
How are you seeking God's wisdom? How are you helping others to do the same? 

Please pray for God to give you wisdom to be who He is calling you to be today. Pray for strength and discernment to be able to avoid temptation. 
We are called to lift one another up, spur one another on, and encourage in any way we can. Who can your encourage today?