MATTHEW 3             

 

                Isaiah  40:3  “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him.”  And then there was John the Baptist who preached about repenting of our sins, baptized with water and announcing that there is one greater than he who is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 

                What I admire about John the Baptist is that he knew his place on earth.  “Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God.  But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am – so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  We can learn a lot from John.

                If you don’t know your purpose, ask and seek God for the answer.  And if you do know your purpose here on earth, are you doing it to the best of your ability?  Are you doing it for your own glory or for God’s glory.  You see, when we do things for God’s glory it puts everything in balance for us.  We receive a healthy perspective on everything in our daily lives.  Let’s take our daily life.  We wear many hats during the day.  I am going to use my life as an example.  I am a wife, mom, volunteer, and employee. 

                As a wife and mom, personally it helps me get through my day better when I start my day with my daily Bible reading.  I have come to realize that if I don’t read pretty early in my day it is much harder to sit and take the time to read.  The Bible is a gift to us from God.  He wants us to know about him and in turn he wants us to pray to him.  If you are knew to Bible reading than I suggest you to take a few minutes today and read Matthew 3.  Did you miss either of the first two days with your new Bible reading.  That’s okay.  Start right now and right here with Matthew 3.  If you have time, go back and read Chapters 1 and 2.  However, there are 28 chapters in Matthew and 31 days so there will be days to catch up on the daily Bible readings. 

                As the events of a day unfold, I am often reminded of God’s word.  It may not be what I read that particular day and it may not be word for word exact but it is comforting to know that God is here with me moment by moment.  It helps me in my decision making and it reminds me than my life is not my own.  I am God’s child. 

                Now today’s chapter is a very clear message about repentance.  Many people say they will start making changes the beginning of the year.  Are you like me and already have missed some of your new year resolutions.  That is okay.  We can start today and if it is a sin that needs to be stopped, than come to God today and ask him for your forgiveness and repent now.  But if it were June or August or October, if I am convicted that I did something wrong, I don’t need to wait until the next calendar year rolls around, I can ask God for forgiveness and make a point to stop that sin and to make better choices.  Reading God’s word on a daily basis does help me clear out the cobwebs and make wise decisions. 

                My favorite verse in Matthew 3 is Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”  I often wonder what the people were thinking that heard that voice from heaven.  What a sight to see.  The people at that time got to witness John baptizing Jesus and then the heavens opening, and the Spirit of God descending and then hearing a voice from heaven.  It must have been truly amazing.  Although, what else can we expect from God but pure amazement.

Cheerio!  And remember to Smile for today is the day God has made so enjoy it!