Matthew 1-9

I loved reading all of this.  I think the passages are so good and I read them over and over and read the study guide portion of the book for most of the stories to make sure I was understanding all angles of what Matthew was trying to say.  I think the biggest lesson I took out of these passages is to not be so proud and boastful about good works because the only one I or anyone should care about is God's eyes seeing good works.  I also loved 9:13 about Jesus coming to help the sinners and those seeking God's grace.  What a better place the world would be if everyone followed God's word.

I have been reading a lot of blogs lately of people who have suffered great losses like the loss of a baby in womb, at birth, as an infant, toddlers and even a spouse (the mother of 4 young children).  While a tragedy like this is incomprehensible to me, a common thread that I read on these blogs is the difference in the writings of the moms and parents who follow Christ and trust that God called their children and loved ones to heaven as opposed to the deep sadness of the ones who have not found comfort in the Lord.  It's very motivating for me to want to trust in God more, to have such peace and faithfulness so that someday if and when I have to deal with very tough situations, God will help me through it.