Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 4

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by

Amy
in ,

Wednesday’s reading is Matthew 4.

Before I get in with the devotional guide, I want you to know that I am really enjoying reading each of your comments and SOAPs. I am sorry I haven’t responded to each of you. Please know that I am reading as I can, and I am praying for you, but, to be honest, I’m overwhelmed with so many other things right now that I haven’t typed comments to each of you. Please know that I am thankful for each of you for joining in and I do enjoy your observations. I love seeing how each of you is experiencing God through this, right alongside me. I hope to devote more time to responding individually in the future but, for now, I just cannot.

Okay… on with the devotional. Thanks for letting me share that.

Before you begin reading, try to clear your mind of all your To-Dos and get ready to focus on God’s messages for you today.

Take a few moments to thank Him for the blessings of yesterday and today.

Next, present all of your requests to Him. No prayer request is too big or too little. He wants to hear it all, so take your time. Your prayer time can be silent or out loud.

Once you’ve prayed through all of your other requests, ask Him to guide you through today’s reading and call your attention to what He wants you to hear specifically.

Next read the passage through once.  If something grabs you, go ahead and begin recording your SOAP observations. If nothing grabs you right away, read it again and ask Him to lead you to the verse or verses where He wants your focus.

After you finish your SOAP observations, do your best to sit quietly, in as  much silence as possible, for 3 minutes. (You might need to set a timer. Often it is harder to do this than it sounds!) Try your best to just listen during that time. You might hear something from the Lord or you might not, but if you don’t give Him this time, it will make it that much harder to hear anything from Him at other times.

Thank Him for the time you spent together and anything else that comes to mind.

Feel free to record your additional thoughts or observations after your listening time, if you would like.

Here is what I heard today in Matthew 4:

Scripture: ( I had 2 jump at me today.)

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Observation:

Man lives on EVERY word from God, not just a few nibbles. Studying only part could keep you from understanding the whole message.

Application:

Each of Jesus’ answers here point to a full understanding of the Word.

“Every word,” stuck out to me in verse 4 and, “also written,” grabbed me in verse 7.

Scripture can be, and often is, quoted out of context. The only way you will know if the whole truth is being shared, is if you take the time to explore and read it on your own. Even if something sounds right, take the time to look it up and see what surrounds the message to be sure you are getting the full intention of His words.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us your written word… and now giving it to us in so many convenient formats!

Please guide me in my understanding and studying of your Word as a whole, so that I do not get led astray by partial quotes. Please guide others in this, as well, Lord. Thank you for this warning today.

 

What did you hear in your  SOAP or listening time? If you’re up for it, I would love to hear all about it! Feel free to  leave a  link to your own blog post about it, provided you link back to this post in your own.

Comments

25 responses to “Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 4”

  1. Ashley Pichea Avatar
    Ashley Pichea

    Wrote it in my head yesterday but didn’t get to a computer until this morning: The importance of knowing the Word!

    Reply
    1. Ashley Pichea Avatar
      Ashley Pichea

      Whoops, wrong link above. Here’s the correct link: Why it’s important to hide God’s Word in your heart!

      Reply
  2. Meredith Avatar
    Meredith

    Still a day behind… but that’s okay. :)

    http://realfaithjourney.blogspot.com/2011/04/blogging-through-gospels-matthew-4.html

    Reply
  3. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Finally had time to sit at my computer and blog about Matthew 4. I chose verses 20 and 22. The disciples Jesus called followed him immediately, leaving behind their jobs and their families. Would I do the same if it were me?

    Reply
  4. Q Avatar
    Q

    http://lovethesmellofnapalm.blogspot.com/2011/04/blogging-through-gospels-day-3.html

    Reply
  5. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    Here is my two cents. http://quietdeja.blogspot.com/2011/04/blogging-thru-gospels-matthew-4.html

    Reply
  6. Julie C Avatar
    Julie C

    I was simply struck by the reminder to be always in the word. I know it to be a living word, always applicable, always relevant because He speaks through it. I was struck by how little I truly know and felt a gentle (!) nudge that I can choose to read a magazine.. temporal, of little consequence and though relaxing has no impact on my spiritual life or that of my family and friends. The bible nourishes my soul and everyone else I come into contact with because I choose to be teachable. No brainer right. Why is it so hard to do?:)
    But this is helping. Thanks Amy!

    Reply
  7. amy goins Avatar
    amy goins

    I have been wishy-washy when it came to this challenge. Yes, i am going to do it; No, i have too much going on; Yeah, i think i will; No… i don’t want to…

    I decided last night to get involved before i was too far behind.. I hope that SOAPing will help me to get more out of the reading, and i want to be in practice before the next Bible 90 Days challenge..

    Reply
  8. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    This project is really helping me to develop the habit of truly digging into scripture and pondering it’s meaning for me! So much deeper than a quick surface scan. THANK YOU!

    My SOAP for today was on the importance of immediate obedience to God’s direction. http://www.bethsfaithwalk.com/2011/04/06/immediate-obedience/

    Reply
  9. quilly Avatar
    quilly

    Every word …. God and I had a discussion about this before he lead me to your Bible Study. I knew I was being prompted to read the Gospels again, but I said (in prayer), “I can’t just read them without something to make me think about what I am reading, other wise I will just skim through and be done in a day or two. I need a study.” And the next day I saw a comment from Beth about her participation in your study so here I am, reading every word intentionally.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Shonda Avatar
      Shonda

      I was reading through the NT before I started this study, but I wasn’t reading for anything, just to check it off. I’m glad to be doing this so I can dig deep just lie you said and also read every word intentionally is a fantastic way to focus!

      Reply
  10. DaenelT Avatar
    DaenelT

    Good morning! Oh, Amy, so true! The one thing that reading the entire Bible has taught me is that there were times that I was only hearing part of the Word or hearing something out of context. I don’t think it was done on purpose but reading the stories/scriptures for myself certainly put everything into perspective.

    Here’s my SOAP for today’s reading: http://livingoutsidethestacks.com/2011/04/blogging-through-the-gospels-matthew-23/

    Reply
  11. Angie in GA Avatar
    Angie in GA

    Amen Amy! I love what you said! We need to full course not just a full nibbles of certain dishes!! =) I reflected on that same verse as well.
    http://theonethingps274.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/blogging-through-the-gospels-3/

    Reply
  12. Penny Lane Avatar
    Penny Lane

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/balancingpenny

    Good Morning! Today in Matthew 4 I wrote on verse 11. This was the verse that jumped off the page.

    I also wanted to say that I was also struck by the wording “also written” and “Every Word” Such strong words when spoken in this context.

    Thank you:
    Penny Lane

    Reply
  13. Selena Stewart Avatar
    Selena Stewart

    I am loving this. I absolutely enjoy going back through and reading what others have posted. Everyone see things differently. And I pick up on some things that otherwise I would have missed.
    What stuck out to me was that Jesus had to fight Satan too; just like we do. But, he got rid of the devil by fighting him with the written word. Guess that shows why we need to study and learn the bible. It is our sword against the devil.

    Reply
    1. Angie in GA Avatar
      Angie in GA

      Wow, that is so true, Jesus himself stood toe to toe with Satan, just as we might have to do. I’ve always known that but just reading your comment it struck me like it was the first time I had ever heard that. Thanks!!

      Reply
  14. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    I am loving this Amy! My post: http://www.thekelleyeight.com/2011/04/blogging-through-gospels-matthew-4.html

    Reply
  15. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Wow. Before I read today I poured out my concerns to God and prayed that my husband and I would be able to put our lives in his hands. We are seriously thinking about making some changes in my husband’s work so that we can be a family more…and considering ME going back to work so that we can afford our house, etc. I also prayed that money would not be a such a big factor in our decision making process, but that God’s Will for our family would. Well 2 verses stuck out to me. Wouldn’t you know that the very first verse God put in front of me was to not be tempted. I took that as talking straight to me saying, Money is NOT what’s important. And I can not serve 2 gods. Well I’M choosing to serve God, not money. I’m trying everyday to serve God and forget that money has a grip on me. (I’m not talking about big money either, just the idea that I need more…I want some new clothes, a haircut, insignificant things that we just don’t have extra for right now. Its always a good reminder for me to take my focus off of worldy things and bring them straight to Christ).
    The second verse that stuck out is an oldie but a goodie. When the disicple just dropped what they were doing and followed Christ. This too is part of my prayer, that when we hear a call, we don’t question, we don’t stall, we just go. These are two very big ideas to wrap my head around. As I heard a minister say recently at church. It’s time to put up or shut up. Do what I say I’m going to do or stop saying/praying it.

    Reply
    1. Angie in GA Avatar
      Angie in GA

      Laura, Amen and Amen!! Thank you for sharing your heart!!

      Reply
  16. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Yes, Amy, we would never expect you to be able to read everyone’s post and comment on them! I just so much appreciate your organizing and running Mom’s Tool Box, and the Bible in 90 Days as well as the Blogging through the Gospels. It is by knowing that I am doing these activities with others, that it helps me stick with it and not let it slide on those busy mornings (especially in the Bible in 90 Days program I just finished with you!).

    I found it funny that you also chose two verses in today’s reading–I couldn’t narrow it down to just one either! And even with picking two, there were a couple others that were also jumping out at me! :)

    My blog post: http://tnquiltbug.blogspot.com/2011/04/blogging-through-gospels-matthew-4.html

    Reply
  17. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    Amy you are doing an amazing job, thank you x

    I agree with you, ‘Scripture can be, and often is, quoted out of context.’ – it can be very confusing for baby Christians. I’ve been talking to God for 19-years on blind faith and He has worked miracles in my life. It is only in the past 3-4 years that someone put a Bible into my hands. It is amazing how much God can say to a believer through his word. Your advice to ‘take the time to explore and read it on your own’ is priceless.

    God spoke to me through Matthew 4:9 today.

    Reply
    1. Annie Avatar
      Annie

      My SOAP for Matthew 4: http://temporarilywithoutfunds.blogspot.com/2011/04/gospels-matthew-four.html

      Reply
  18. Austin M. Avatar
    Austin M.

    Here’s my latest blog article, on Matthew 4…..

    http://tennesseephotographer.blogspot.com/2011/04/blogging-through-gospels-matthew-4.html

    ~Austin M.

    Reply
  19. Christin Avatar
    Christin

    Oh Amy, no need to apologize! I certainly don’t expect you to comment, please don’t feel guilty. :)

    I chose the same verse you did, ha ha—for much of the same reason, too! But also, that entire passage (4:4-11) shows how Jesus used the Word as His weapon against the temptations of Satan. And as you said, Scripture is often misused or taken out of context–which is what Satan did in verse 6.

    This lead me to apply more of God’s Word to my life by reading more regularly; even more than once a day, since our bodies need nourishment more than once a day. But also to memorize so I can use it to fight off temptations.

    Reply
  20. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    No need for feeling guilt, Amy. You are amazing and are guiding us through this experience regardless. I’m reading along but not blogging. THANK YOU for all your time and efforts and prayers.

    Reply

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