January 5, 2026 -It Is Written

Psalms 5:1-12

Matthew 4:1-25

Genesis 9:1-29

Genesis 10:1-32

Bible in a Year Through Song - Day 5 of 365

^{Matthew 4:4} But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

^{Matthew 4:7} Jesus said to him, “Again it is written,

‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

^{Matthew 4:10} Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God    and him only shall you serve.’”

It is written! The reason the word of God is able to beat the devil when he is trying to temp Jesus is because scripture is authoritative. It has ultimate authority over the wants and desires of man. The devil tried to temp Jesus in His humanity. Appealing a human weakness of hunger, doubtfulness in trusting God, and the desire for power and riches. But Jesus shows us all that when we are tempted the way out that He provides is found in His word. There is always a truth that is written that we can use to overcome temptation. Our feeling and desires may feel strong, and we will be tempted to justify our actions with the depth of those desires but in truth the word of God has authority over all earthly things. All our decisions that contradict and disobey the word of God are sin. Jesus did not sin because He relied on the truth of the word of God. The devil tried to use the word out of context but there is no power in that. Only in the word as intended by our creator has power. But we need to remember it and use it as the powerful weapon that it is. The more scripture that we know the more power we have over evil. Memorizing scripture is an excellent way to do that but if you struggle with memorizing scripture word for word, study it so that you learn the context and meaning of the scripture. You can speak the truth of scripture by its meaning, and it will still have power. Our faith in Jesus and trust in the power of the word of God is the ammunition that the weapon of God's word uses to overpower the enemy.

^{Genesis 9:15} I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Imagine after Noah's family went through this flood. They knew that everything and everyone was wiped out because of their sin. I can see the enemy trying to use that memory against them. Tempting them to not trust in God. After all, if He got angry enough to flood the earth and start all over again once He surely could do it again. But all Noah and his family had to say is "God said..." which is the same as "It is written". "...the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh".

Anytime you feel overwhelmed, tempted, lazy, selfish or anything else that might separate you from God just remember the words "It is written" and speak God's word out loud and in truth until those thoughts, and feelings flee. There is power in God's word.

It is written,

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

John 17:17 - Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Luke 11:28 - But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.