January 3-Daily Bible Reading
Insights: Preacher RichD
Each day Preacher RichD shares some of the insights from his Daily Bible Reading. You will notice his insights line up with Scripture, not within the box of a certain denomination.
Longevity of Early Man
The Bible does not specifically say why mankind lived over 900 years old in the beginning of creation. We can make some assumptions, but they are only assumptions. There was a time man was vegetarian and thus would have not eaten animals with diseases. We can assume as sin increased over a period of time the consequences of sin became greater and greater, one of which would be sickness, disease, and early death. The further man gets from God, affects longevity. Genesis 6 gives us a hint of why the longevity of mankind decreased drastically.
This we know, we should do our best to eat healthy, exercise, feed our spirit, so that we can serve God as long as possible-to be a vessel of honor for Him.
Genesis 5:1-32
Genealogies from Adam up to Noah’s sons.
Corruption of Mankind
We see in Genesis 6 the corruption of mankind. Interestingly we see the lifespan of man is changed to 120 years.
Genesis 6: 3
Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not [remain with man forever, because he is also flesh; nevertheless his days shall be 120 years.”
It should be clear that sin and rebellion by man grieves God’s heart. Thus, when we sin, we are grieving the heart of God.
Genesis 6:5-6
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. 6 So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
When God is bringing judgment upon the land do you not want to be like Noah?
Genesis 6:8-9
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
Mercy of God
Notice that God shows mercy not only to Noah but to his sons, his wife, and his son’s wives. Yet, Noah is the only one called righteous. This shows the significance of the covering of a husband over his family when the husband is living according to the will of God.
Genesis 6:18
But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.
Man Vegetarian Until After the Flood
It is clear in Scripture that mankind was vegetarian up to the flood. That cannot be denied. It also cannot be denied that up to the flood man lived up to 900 years old. Even after the flood when man eats animals there are only certain animals that were considered food. Does that mean we need to be vegetarians or only eat certain animals? Maybe, but if nothing else we should at least make sure we are eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying away from items that clearly are not good for us. If nothing else eat in moderation. If nothing else see our body as a holy temple in regard to what we put in it. Yes, we will fall short. Mainly because most pastors are poor examples of how to eat healthy. Mainly because this is a subject most churches avoid or mock. Mainly because gluttony is the sin no one wants to talk about. Notice in our culture how obesity is being presented as something that should be embraced with acceptance and dignity.
Genesis 6:21
As for you, take for yourself some of every food that is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and them.”
Noah Walks in Obedience
Noah walks in total obedience in regard to God’s command regarding the ark. This certainly was a defining moment to show Noah was a righteous man.
Genesis 6:22
So Noah did these things; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did.
Confronting Wickedness
There are times we must confront wickedness. Especially when there is no evidence of repentance, and it is leading people astray. In our confronting the wicked we still need to point them to truth-they need to repent.
Matthew 3: 7-10
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance; 9 and do not assume that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you that God is able, from these stones, to raise up children for Abraham. 10 And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.
The Importance of Water Baptism
If Jesus, who had no sin was water baptized, how much should we be water baptized? Water baptism does not save us, what it does is challenge us to not be ashamed of being a follower of Jesus Christ. What it does is put a marker in our life that reminds us we are child of God and have turned from sin. It is symbolic of the old man dying, and the new man rising up within him. As the baptism is drained it is symbolic that we have been washed clean. Note: We were washed clean when we accepted Christ into our life.
Matthew 3:13-15
13 Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” 15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *allowed Him.
Jesus Spirit Baptized
After Jesus was water baptized the Bible says a dove descended upon Him. All agree the dove is a symbolism, of the Holy Spirit. Many say this is a baptism of the Holy Spirit. They as far as to say that baptism of the Holy Spirit for the believer is always at the time of salvation. However, that is not biblically correct based upon examples found in the Book of Acts. However, it is biblically accurate to say when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we immediately have the Holy Spirit living within us. We will look further into this when we get further into Scripture.
Matthew 3:16-17
16 After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, 17 and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
The Temptation of Jesus
Take note that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted/tested by the devil. God will at times allowing temptation in our life to test us. May we pass the test the way that Jesus did, through Scripture and obedience.
Matthew 4:1-4
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He [a]then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
Grace for the Testing
When God allows temptations to come our way He will give us the grace and power to overcome them.
Matthew 4:11
Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.
God Helps Us When We are in Trouble
In Psalm 3 we see that God is our shield, when we cry out to Him he hears us, He sustains us, He will come against our enemies, our salvation comes from Him.
Enticement/Entrapment of Sinners
Sinners, evil ones, the wicked will try to entice and entrap us. They will use the enticement of wealth. God commands us to not walk with them, in fact run from them.
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
Proverbs 1:13
We will find all kinds of precious wealth,
We will fill our houses with plunder;
Proverbs 1:15-16
15 My son, do not walk on the way with them.
Keep your feet from their path,
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they are quick to shed blood.
These Insights are based upon the Daily Reading Plan from the TyndaleAudio’s The One Year Bible NLT. The bible verses are from the NASB.
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