Matthew 3

Before Jesus began his ministry to the people of Israel, we read that there was a man named John the Baptist. John is nothing like most people we read about; from his clothing (camel hair?) to what he eats (locusts...really?). John is different. He is also really different in what he shares with the people, in that they should "repent of their sins".

Most of us think of "repenting" as simply confessing our sins. But "repenting" actually means to change ones mind. We should change our minds about our sins.

When we lie; John the Baptist is telling us that we should not just feel bad about lying but we should also think about lying as really bad and that we should never want to do it again.

As we learned about this summer, Obedience is so important to living the life we are asked to live by God. We should all seek to do what is right, but if we do mess up, we should repent (change our minds) about our sins and try to never do them again!

I also thought it was really neat to be reminded that when wise men came to Jesus they brought treasures and gifts with them. Their worship of Jesus involved giving themselves of their time, their treasures, and themselves.

This should spur us on to give our own gifts to the Lord.

Everything we have is a gift from God - whether or not we asked Him for those gifts! God expects us to use the gifts He gives us. As we use our gifts to serve and help others, we're actually giving those gifts back to the Lord.

Matthew 2

It's early November and the first hints of Christmas are already peeking out! Last night as we were driving home from recruiting at UT we saw a house glowing in Christmas lights. I walked in Wal-Mart today and the first thing I saw when I walked in was a huge Christmas tree. It's crazy to see the decorations coming out, but I do get excited about celebrating the birth of my Savior and that we get to read about it in Matthew together.

As I was reading Matthew 2 a few things struck me. During this Christmas season you might see the shape of star - I know we used to put one at the top of our family Christmas tree every year. I think sometimes we forget the importance of the star. It was something God used to guide the wise men. Today God has ways of guiding us too. An awesome example of that is the Bible! When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced. When you see a star shape this season let it be a reminder that God is always there to guide us and to rejoice in that!

"After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

- Matthew 2:9-10