|

Do You Want to Deepen Your Relationship with Jesus?

Byadmin

With the New Year comes the opportunity to begin reading through the Bible. You may ask, “Why should I read the Bible?” First, reading shows your hunger for more of God and your desire for more of God’s presence and guidance in your life. Reading God’s Word transforms the reader as it deepens love for God, the Author.

God’s Word Is Alive

God’s Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12) and speaks when we listen. The words on the pages of our Bibles are from “the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) and when given the opportunity, will transform the human ego into a humbled, obedient child of God.

You Will Love God More As You Read

Jesus gave the first and greatest command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). When we love God, we want to be with Him in His presence and in His Word. It’s the way to stay in love with Jesus.

Knowing Scripture is Significant to God

The church at Ephesus in Revelation chapter 2 heard an exhortation from Jesus to repent because they lost their first love. Although they worked hard to persevere, didn’t tolerate wicked people, and recognized false teachers without growing weary, Jesus said, “I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (2:4). But another church in Philadelphia (Revelation. 3: 8, 10) was approved as having loved and kept God’s Word. The more we know God’s Word, the more we can keep it.

The Theme of Scripture is Loving God and Obeying Him

The theme of the longest chapter of our Bible, Psalm 119, shows us the significance and importance of God’s Word. Of the 176 verses, this chapter begins with “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD,” and ends with, “For I have not forgotten your commands.” In the middle of this chapter is the verse we know by heart, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (119:105). Learning to obey God’s commands and love Him with all of our heart comes by spending time in His Word, His love letter to us.

Make Bible Reading a Priority

Scheduling time to read, morning is preferred, but any consistent daily time will set in motion the fruit of righteousness within.

Bible Reading Options

Bible reading options are available online. You can read chronological (in the order of events), straight through the Bible, or the One-Year Bible (reading including both the Old and New Testaments daily), and more. Numerous Bible reading options are available online and I’ve listed a few here.

The Ligonier website includes PDF downloads of several Bible reading options: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans

14 Best Bible Reading Plans: https://biblestudytogether.com/top-best-bible-reading-plans/

The Navigators have options: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Many options are listed at this site: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/

I hope one of those options will help you establish a regular time in God’s Word.

Bible Reading Benefits

May I encourage you today to pursue the Scripture? Some of the benefits of reading – it speaks each time I listen, gives guidance, reveals my shortcomings, transforms and conforms me to the likeness of Jesus, gives strength to obey His commands, changes my fleshly habits, and encourages and strengthens me.

Since retirement, I’ve made it a priority to spend more time in the Scriptures. The last couple of years I have been reading a book of the Bible a day, quite easy on the shorter books; but not so easy on books like Jeremiah or Isaiah (but what powerful books they are). I finished my third time reading through in 2022 and will begin again now that it’s 2023. My latest reading was in The Founder’s Bible, by David Barton, which includes historical documents of our nation’s founding. It’s more than excellent! You can find it at https://thefoundersbible.com/ and I hope you will check it out. I will be sharing some of his historical information with you through this coming year.

For most of my adult life, I’ve read through the Bible twice in a year. As a pastor, I loved reading and studying the Bible in preparation for preaching. But now in retirement, I have more time, giving a couple of hours in the morning, including studying and taking notes. I’m still listening and learning! If I’ve read the passage once or a hundred times, it continues to speak to me. Praise the Lord!

The More You Read the Easier It Becomes (like finding another piece of the puzzle)

If you struggle to be in the Word regularly, don’t give up. Start again! Set aside time each day to read–whether a chapter or a book – and stick to it. If you miss a day, start the next day again. 

The more you read the Bible, the easier it becomes. Each time you read. much like a puzzle piece being found, you get a bigger picture of God and of yourself. With each puzzle piece the picture becomes clearer, and your heart becomes more tender toward God.

If you are beginning to read, start with a short book such as Ephesians or Colossians. or the Psalms, and be faithful each day to read a few verses, or chapters. Consistency is the key.

For more seasoned readers, try to read through the Bible twice a year (read ten chapters a day, and you’ll get ’er done).

Start Today

Grab one of the planned schedules for reading, stick to it, and then enjoy the rewards of God’s Word.

More Important Than Food

I’m SOOOOOO thankful for the Bible. It is life, and it’s alive (Hebrews 4:12). More important than my daily food (although that is important too) Jesus said: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Notice how Jesus placed Scripture as being from the mouth of God and of powerful value.

The Word of God is vital to our spiritual life.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

We hold the precious Word of God (the same title as Jesus) in our hands. To know Him more, we can fill our lives with His words. As we do, we can be confident in the promise of being transformed by God’s Spirit as it teaches, trains, and instructs us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Do you want to deepen your relationship with Jesus? Yes, we do!

Happy reading in 2023.  

Similar Posts

| | |

Why is ‘Jesus Wept’ So Powerful?

Byadmin
tears on face of crop anonymous woman
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Life often presents us with overwhelming moments filled with grief, sorrow, and tragedy. During such times, finding solace in the knowledge that God truly cares and empathizes with us is remarkably comforting.

The shortest verse in Scripture, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) defines much more than the sorrow of Jesus over the death of his friend, Lazarus. My article gives greater insight into the deep groaning of Jesus.

Read my published article here.

ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON THE SWEETS?

ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON THE SWEETS?

Byadmin

There are many philosophies and theological ideas floating in our society today.  Many are well-intentioned.  Many are self-helps, which we pursue.  Yet, the greatest resource and growth tool for those of us who seek to lknow and ove God comes through the living and active Word of God.   It’s no mistake the name of Jesus is the Word of God, as is our Bible. If you are just starting on the Manual or a seasoned bibliophile, I’d hope to encourage you along the way, with sweet steps to help.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

“…and his name is the Word of God.  Revelation 19:13

Photo by Dave Lowe Unsplash

DETERMINATION

We are busy people, and if we are honest, it’s just hard to find the time to read God’s Word.  We are so busy doing so many good things the day passes and we never opened the Book.   Kids, work, house, laundry, meals, sports, exercise, social life, and only so much time in a day.  Even in ministry, time in Scripture gets crowded out.  As Jude wrote, “Contend (struggle) for the faith.” Struggling takes great effort! It takes determination.  It takes perseverance.  It takes commitment to be in the Word daily!  

It’s easy to see the difference between people who are in the Word regularly and those who are not.  Without God’s word, we drift!  We lose sight of the eternal.  We live more for “me” than for God. 

Photo by Damir Spanic Unsplash

IMPACT

Scripture is the greatest impact in my life through the darkest and brightest days.   This all-time best seller is a life-teaching manual about relationships, ethics, discipline, history, and God.   It exposes right and wrong and it leads to direct connection to your Creator — who knows everything about you (fears, issues, what you speak, where you go, your thoughts before you say a word).  God knows your life intimately.  God’s Word is the answer!   Too often it lies neglected in our homes.

We live in a biblical illiterate society that is searching for truth, but missing the most importantsource –the Bible. A LifeWayResearch study found only 45 percent of those who regularly attend church read the Bible more than once a week. Almost 1 in 5 churchgoers say they never read the Bible—essentially the same number who read it every day.  Yes, they believe that Bible isimportant, but don’t make the time to get into it. 

HABIT

I’m asking you to take the time to read!  Why not begin a strength training course from this treasury of knowledge? Plug into the power within its pages. A few minutes each day will change your life.   Make it a habit! Schedule an appointment (just as you would the dentist or exercise, or work).  Then, keep it. 

This practice of Bible reading will become the most productive and fruitful growth time of your life!  You will get in on God’s secrets for you!

Yum! Have to go to the gym more! Photo by Jennifer Pallian Unsplash

FIVE SWEET STEPS

SET A TIME

Every day make time to read.  Start with 5-10 minutes.  Read a chapter and plan to read through the book. Stick to it.  Make it a habit.  Make it an appointment you keep.

WRITE DOWN THE PASSAGE

Consistency help in comprehension.  If you start reading the Gospel of John, for example, read through the chapter and pick up with the next chapter until you’ve completed the book.  This will give you a bigger picture of the message in the verses and chapters. 

EASY READ, or read quickly, noting what stands out to you

The Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen through the reading.  Remember, God’s word is living and active. Jot down what God is saying to you through the passage.  How does it apply to me today?

END WITH PRAYER

Reiterate to God what you’ve heard from the word as you make the application and offer thanks and praise.  Then put it into practice.

TELL SOMEONE

Tell your spouse, kids, friend what you read and how it spoke to you today.  It will encourage them and help you express what you applied from the reading. 

If you do this every day, it will become a life-changing habit of good! You will soon be on your way to discover more of God and the secrets available to you! In the days ahead I will work through Scripture and share the secrets I am continuing to learn.   

Remember, God has secrets just for you, and the more you read and listen, the more you will hear your own secrets from God!  So what time will you schedule that next sweet encounter with God? The God-secrets are waiting just for you. SWEET!

|

WHY I SHOULD READ MY BIBLE EVERY DAY

Byadmin

Murdering Bible translators was not uncommon in England. John Wycliffe (although dead the Pope ordered his bones exhumed and burned), Czech priest Jan Hus, and William Tyndale were Bible translators who saw the eternal importance of people reading the Bible in their language and gave their lives to get the Scripture into every household.

During the Protestant Reformation, William Tyndale, a famous British Scholar, translated the Bible into everyday English. At the threat of doing so, the church regarded the translation as unauthorized and illegal.  Getting that Word into the people’s hands compelled him to pursue in spite of opposition and threat.  While speaking to a group of clergy who were woefully ignorant of the Scripture, Tyndale made a pledge,  “If God spares my life, ere many years pass, I will cause a boy that driveth the plow shall know more of the Scriptures than thou dost” (Christianity.com  “William Tyndale: Father of the English Bible”). 

 Running for his life from England, he found a publisher in Germany who printed copies of his handwritten translation. Shutting down the press after a raid, Tyndale moved on to Worms where six thousand copies were reproduced, published, and then smuggled into England.

                    Tyndale burned at the stake.  Photo by Hulton Archive.  Getty Images.

 

Betrayed by a friend, he spent time in prison for his work in translating.  Tyndale’s faith in the Scriptures, salvation by faith and forgiveness of sins,  compelled his urgency to get the Scriptures into the hands of all people.  Tyndale translated the New Testament and much of the Old Testament when he was strangled and burned at stake.  At his death, he prayed that God would open the King’s eyes.  Within three years, Henry VIII decreed an edict that every church in England would give Tyndale’s English Bible to all parishioners.       https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/translator-william-tyndale-strangled-and-burned-11629961.html

Today 87% of households own at least one Bible, according to the Barna Report, “State of the Bible 2017: Top Findings.”

Half of Americans are “Bible users”—that is, they engage with the Bible by reading, listening to or praying with the Bible on their own at least three to four times a year (50%). This proportion has remained relatively consistent since 2011. But nearly one-third of adults say they never read, listen to or pray with the Bible (32%), a five-percentage-point increase over 2016.

More than half (58%) of all adults wish they read the Bible more often.

For the full report see the link here.  https://www.barna.com/research/state-bible-2017-top-findings/

With more than 900 English Bibles in a variety of translations ( American Bible Society), there is excellent access to daily Bible reading.

The Bible is God’s Word, divinely given to us.

God spoke through human writers that were led by the Holy Spirit to include the words directed and authored by God.  It’s incredible that all sixty-six books (66) have a unique unity, written by over 40 writers, in three continents, over 1600 years.  The accuracy of our modern copies is very close to the original languages of the Old and New Testaments.  God’s Word is eternal.    

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.  Isaiah 40:8

 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

I can know God through daily Bible reading.

  1. God reveals secrets to me.

Much like a love letter, God reveals his nature and character through the pages of Scripture.  Through challenging days, God’s Word speaks to my needs.  God’s Word gives answers to morality, ethics, emotional health, and life.  The Word of God is living and has the power to dive into my heart and renew or change my thinking.  I understand more about the secrets of God’s love and will for my life.

The message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.  Colossians 1:26

I’ll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables —confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45:3  MSG

  1. The Bible teaches me right and wrong.  

Not only do the commandments guide me, but there are also many instructions to right relationships in marriage,  children, enemies, and employers.  The principles of every relation of life are found in its pages.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

  1. The Bible keeps me from sin.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

The Bible is a textbook on morality, ethics, relationship, work, wisdom, creation, right and wrong, values, rules of conduct, and more.  The commandments and promises of God keep my heart in check.  When I listen and do what the Bible says, I will know God’s blessings and help each day. 

  “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”  American Evangelist, Dwight Moody (1837 – 1899)

4. Scripture reveals direction in my life.

When we seek the Lord through his Word, we will have a sense of the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding us in the right ways.

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

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:9-10

  1. My love for God grows.

When spending time in God’s word, I learn more about God and his character and nature.  When I was dating my husband, in the days before texting and email, I re-read over and over every letter I received.  In his letters, my mind was overflowing with his love for me.  I found out more about him, too.  Similarly, the more we read God’s love letter to us, the more we’ll grow to know and love God.  The more we’ll have God’s blessings and promises. 

If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15

  1. My love for others grows.

Relationships can be challenging.  The Bible teaches us how to love our enemies, what to do with anger, and how to wait on God to take care of vengeance.  Without God’s instruction, we would easily remain in our human, selfish nature.  With God’s Word, we learn to rise above, conquer, and overcome the carnal, sinful nature as we allow God’s character to grow in us as evidenced by our behaviors.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

 

DAILY READING PLAN

  1.  A  CHAPTER A DAY KEEPS SIN AWAY

If you aren’t reading the Bible each day, may I suggest you start by reading one chapter each day?  With the ample availability of Bibles on our phones, computers, and books, you can read a chapter at breakfast, or waiting in line at the checkout, riding in the car as a passenger [not while driving :-)], or even just before bed. 

  1. READ SHORT NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS IN ONE SITTING

Once you read a chapter a day, you can move to read several Psalms with many short chapters.  You can read some of the shorter books of the New Testament such as Colossians (4 chapters), Ephesians (6), Philemon (1), James (5), 1 Peter (5), 2 John (1) for starters.

  1. SWEET STEPS

For more ideas in journaling, see my blog post entitled “SWEET STEPS.” Just click on the title.

 

  1. READ THROUGH THE BIBLE ONCE or TWICE A YEAR

By reading 3-4 pages a day, you will read through your Bible in one year.  Reading 10-12 pages daily, you will complete the Bible twice a year.  You can move from there to reading entire books at one sitting. 

  1. BE CONSISTENT

There are many ways you can spend time in knowing God through the pages of Scripture.  It all starts with being consistent and making that time for God daily!  It’s the best thing you can do for your life and your family! 

 

 

I’d be very interested in hearing from you as to how you are growing in your daily Bible reading. Just send your note in the comments.  

The more you engage the Scripture,  the more you will love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| | |

OUR GREAT DELIVERER, Psalm 18:2

Byadmin

Often in reading scripture, it’s easy to quickly gloss over words and fail to see the deeper meaning.  In Psalm 18:2, our thoughts can anchor into the protection and deliverance God provides as a rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn, and stronghold.  Consider the deeper meanings of these symbolic words describing our Deliverer.

David’s Psalm powerfully reminds us that a perfect God watches over us.  This Psalm, repeated in 2 Samuel 22, may have been written near the end of David’s reign, and again proclaims God’s faithfulness to protect and save from enemies and troubles.  Before David ascended the throne as King of Israel, he spent years running from the murderous threats of God-dethroned and jealous King Saul.   This 3000-year-old Psalm of David continues to shout praise to our Living God, who is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn, and stronghold.  

Psalm 18:2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

ROCK “The Lord is my rock,”

We live in Arizona, and a few miles from boulder rocks, some more massive than our house!   Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by magnificent, majestic mountains that inspire and point to the heavens, where our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1).  David, fleeing from King Saul found a sure footing on the unwavering, stable, secure rock, often towering above his enemies.

A gifted and prophetic muscian, David,  through the Holy Spirit, wrote the Pslams.  David said, The Lord is my rock.  In the New Testament, the foundational rock of faith is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16-18).  We are wise to build our lives upon that firm foundation, Jesus!

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24, 25

When we anchor on the Rock, Christ Jesus, we will be anchored through the storms of life.  When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:25

 

FORTRESS  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress,“

A fortress, as in a military stronghold, is a safe place.  We are secure inside not susceptible to outside influence or disturbances. God surrounds his people. 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Psalm 125:2).

In spiritual warfare, not unlike a military battle, we fight the enemy of our soul.  Knowing God is our Fortress, together with daily time in the Word (the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17), and prayer, we can stand against the forces of evil.

This symbolism reflects the strength and power of God to keep and protect from the attack of our enemies, especially the Devil.  God’s presence is our safe place of refuge and peace. 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear (Isaiah 41:10).

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).

DELIVERER  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;”

A deliverer is someone who rescues from harm or danger.  Our Savior has saved us from sin and death.  You may recount times God has kept you from an accident while driving or protected you from a harmful situation.  Our Deliverer is always aware of every detail of our lives.  Our Deliverer has given us the Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter, and daily guide. 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Not only does God deliver us in this world, but from the eternal wrath to come: and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

REFUGE  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,“

In a time of trouble, we have a shelter from the storms of life, a place where we are safe and sheltered from pursuit, danger, or stress.   God speaks that if the mountains fall into the sea – which would be more than alarming and frightening – God says, don’t be anxious, but be still.  Over 300 times in the Bible God says we should not be afraid.  God says it so many times because he knows we are repeatedly afraid and fearful. Thankfully, God is our rock, fortress, refuge, and deliverer as we put our trust in Him.  

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. 

 Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:1, 2 ,10).

God also provides a refuge from lies, mean and hurtful words or actions of others.  When we fix our mind on the Lord’s promises, we find that secret place of peace and refuge.

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20)

 God is imminently ready to be our refuge!

 

SHIELD   “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield,” 

A shield is protective armor against an attack of the enemy.  David, on the run from Saul, knew God as a shield, ultimately the Protector who would fulfill his destiny.

The shield, in essence,  is a reference to the Sovereign God who does the impossible.  A  Sovereign  is one who possesses supreme, ultimate power, able to defend.   In Genesis 15, God calls himself a shield (Sovereign) of Abram. 

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”  But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Genesis 15:1, 2).

The Sovereign Lord did the impossible by giving a son to a 90-year-old barren woman and 100-year-old man.

 …” a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:4, 5

The supreme, ultimate power of God knows how to fight our battles.  He is our shield! 

 

HORN OF SALVATION  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

Horns symbolize strength and victory. 

  • Horn in the Old Testament was a shofar, ram’s horn, like a bugle.  At Jericho, the first Canaanite city conquered upon entrance into the Promised Land, the horns blew, the people shouted, and the walls fell (Jericho 6:20). 
  • Horns in Revelation symbolized the power of nations and their leaders (Revelation 13:1)
  • Horns on the altar in Temple were placed on each corner, symbolizing atonement, or purity by the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice of animals, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament  (Exodus 27:2; Ezekiel 43:20).

The horn of salvation symbolizes not only strength to help, but victory over sin.   Forgiveness of sin, the strength of God through all Jesus accomplished on the cross and resurrection, gives overcoming power and triumph to the child of God.  Not only over sin but strength to achieve daily tasks and energy to do more than we think we can.   David said, With God’s help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall (Psalm 18:29).  

God, the horn (strength) of our salvation is stronger than any other power.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us to defeat sin and give life.

 

STRONGHOLD  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

One of the most beautiful places in Israel, in the Judean desert and next to the Dead Sea, is a place called En Gedi.  David found this fortified and protected stronghold from an attack, an oasis of canyons and caves, fertile vineyards, freshwater springs, and animals that provide food.  Strongholds, like David’s, was a place of protection, an oasis in the desert. 

Metaphorically, negative strongholds in the mind – uncontrolled anger, addictions, sexual temptations,  alcohol, or hoarding –  can be overcome by the power of God.   Armed in the transforming Word and God’s presence guarantees a protected stronghold against fears, stresses, and insecurity.  We are safe as we remain in God’s stronghold.  The Word will keep our thoughts right, actions pure, and lives under God’s protection.

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.   2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

I LOVE YOU, LORD, MY STRENGTH

As you consider these terms as symbolic of God’s divine help as rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of my salvation, and stronghold, we can say as David did,  I love you, Lord, my strength!  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1,2).

The Lord lives! 

Praise be to my Rock! 

Exalted by God my Savior!

Psalm 18:40

 

 

 

 

| |

IS THE WORD IN YOU TODAY?

Byadmin

Merely by speaking God brought the world into existence. God spoke.  Creation happened.   God created words.  According to Oxford Living Dictionaries,  there are probably three-quarters of a million words in our English language.  The website, Ethnologue, Languages of the World,  details 7,111 known living languages.   Words have power and coupled with God’s authority, that Word changes us as we live in the Word.  One of the best ways to know God, dwell in God’s presence, and love Him is to enjoy the Word daily.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH God,

and the Word WAS God.  John 1:1

 

 

Wrodcloud IS THE WORD IN YOU TODAY post April 18, 2019

 

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD

Word (logos) as in “the Word of God” is a divine reason and creative order identified as Jesus in John 1.  Jesus gives us God’s Word, and he IS the Word.

  • GOD SPOKE

God spoke the world into existence.  God speaks….and it happens. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light (Genesis 1:3).  Ten times in the first chapter And God said, brought an immediate, actual creation.  And it was done!  He spoke, and it came to be (Psalm 33:9).

  • GOD WROTE

God wrote to Moses and the Israelites with His own finger (Deuteronomy 9:10),  These commands were written and stored in the Ark of the Covenant, a portable tabernacle, complete with a cloud of God’s very presence, and a fire at night.

  • GOD DWELLS

God’s words of commands and promise were placed in the Ark, which when the Israelites were not traveling, was located at the center of the camp, a symbol of where God wants to be with his people – in the center of their lives.  The Ark with God’s Words was the place of God’s presence among the people.

word Jesus
Photo by Erwan Hesry

AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD

THE WORD IS JESUS

The Word is Jesus and was with God at creation.  In Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God (the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) created the heavens and the earth.  Colossians tells us that Jesus was the image of the invisible God who created all things.  For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth (Colossians 1:16  ESV).

AND THE WORD WAS GOD

Jesus, the Word of God, is the very image of God.  As God wanted to be the center of the His people with the Ark of the Covenant and later the temple, Jesus wants to be at the very center of our lives.  Jesus only spoke what God told him to say (John 12:49-50).

John 1:14 says, The Word (Jesus) became flesh so he could dwell among us.  He laid aside some of His glory to come and live among us.   Jesus, the Savior who paid for our sins by his perfect and sinless life, nailed them to the cross.   With his resurrection, we have eternal life.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

When Jesus comes to set up his kingdom, his name is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13).

God spoke life into existence, and God gave written words so we could know God and live in His presence.  As we fill our hearts and minds with God’s words, God will dwell with us. (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 10:16). And we will know an abundant life!

If you love me, keep my commands.  John 14:15

rod-long-355994-unsplash

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night,

so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will

be prosperous and successful.  Joshua 1:8

 

My husband often says it is easy to believe God loves us.  The hard part is, do we love God? One of the best ways to show our love for God is to devour His Word.  Read it like a love letter from the man you’re going to marry.  Keep reading it over and over.  As the word fills our mind and hearts, faith grows.  Our relationship with God grows.  Our nature and character become transformed into being more like Jesus.

Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart. Proverbs 7:3 ESV

I’m going to keep reading through, again and again, meditating, learning, and growing.  I hope you will too!   I’d enjoy hearing some of the insights you are gleaning along the way!  Write in the comments or send me an email on the contact page.

photo-1530636200389-1a383ed86b46

HAVE YOU READ THE WORD TODAY? 

Jesus is the Word!  The Word of God is eternal, like Jesus, who was in the beginning, was WITH God, and WAS God.  The Bible we hold in our hands is filled with the spoken and written words from God.

GOD SPEAKS and creates life in us through his word.

GOD WROTE our Bible through divine revelation  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

GOD DWELLS with us as we identify and walk with God at the center of our lives.  As God dwelt with the Israelites with the Ark of the Covenant (his commands and promises), so God dwells in the word, our Bible, in the living and active words.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any

double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul

and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts

and attitudes of the heart  (Hebrews 4:12)

Job said I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread (Job 32:12).

Jesus said, we can’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

When we fill hearts and mind with the Word, God will be our God, and we will be his people. (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 10:16).

I’M PRAYING FOR YOU!

Dear Lord, fill us with your Word and your presence as we read today.  Be the center, the priority of our lives today!  Strengthen our hearts and minds with truth and love.   Thank you for giving us Your eternal, life-changing words!  We love you for it!  Amen!   

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. 

Colossians 3:16 ESV

 

 

 

DO YOU WISH YOU READ THE BIBLE MORE?
|

DO YOU WISH YOU READ THE BIBLE MORE?

Byadmin

More than half (58%) of all adults wish they read the Bible more often.  Fifteen minutes a day will help you accomplish reading through the Scriptures in one year.   You will glean God’s secrets, know right and wrong, find clear direction, love God, learn how to love others.  Make Bible reading more than a wish. Begin today. 

Knowing the Scriptures is like an artist who blows off the dust of a picture and discovers it’s a masterpiece. It’s like hidden treasure unearthed. God speaks through His Word.

God spoke through human writers led by the Holy Spirit to include the words directed and authored by God.  Incredibly, all sixty-six books (66) have a unique unity, written by over 40 writers, in three continents, over 1600 years.  Our modern copies’ accuracy is very close to the original languages of the Old and New Testaments.  God’s Word is eternal.    

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.  Isaiah 40:8

 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

I WILL KNOW GOD THROUGH DAILY BIBLE READING.

1. God reveals secrets to me.

Much like a love letter, God reveals his nature and character through the pages of Scripture.  Through challenging days, God’s Word speaks to my needs.  God’s Word gives answers to morality, ethics, emotional health, and life.  The Word of God is living and active, with the power to dive into my heart and renew or change my thinking.  I understand more about the secrets of God’s love and will for my life.

The message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.  Colossians 1:26

I’ll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables —confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45:3  MSG

2. The Bible teaches me right and wrong.  

Not only do the commandments guide me, but there are also many instructions to right relationships in marriage, children, enemies, and employers.  Within its pages, the principles of every relation of life are found.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. The Bible keeps me from sin

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

The Bible is a textbook on morality, ethics, relationship, work, wisdom, creation, right and wrong, values, rules of conduct, and more.  The commandments and promises of God keep my heart in check.  When I listen and do what the Bible says, I will know God’s blessings and help each day. 

  “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”  

American Evangelist, Dwight Moody (1837 – 1899)

4. Scripture reveals the direction for my life.

When we seek the Lord through his Word, we will have a sense of the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding us in the right ways.

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

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:9-10

5. My love for God grows.

When spending time in God’s word, I learn more about God and his character and nature.  When I was dating my husband, I re-read over and over every letter I received in the days before texting and email.  In his letters, my mind was overflowing with his love for me.  I found out more about him, too.  Similarly, the more we read God’s love letter to us, the more we’ll grow to know and love God.  The more we’ll have God’s blessings and promises. 

If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15

6. My love for others grows.

Relationships can be challenging.  The Bible teaches us to love our enemies, how to deal with anger, and wait on God to take care of vengeance.  Without God’s instruction, we would easily remain in our human, selfish nature.  With God’s Word, we learn to rise above, conquer, and overcome the carnal, sinful nature as we allow God’s character to grow in us, as evidenced by our behaviors.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

MORE THAN A WISH, BUT A LIFE-CHANGING REALITY

More than half of all adults wish they read the Bible more often.  Today is the day to change from wishing to reading! 

Daily set a regular time to read with a prayerful attitude, take notes on what God speaks to you, and read with a plan to complete the entire Bible this year.  Tell someone of the nuggets of truth God reveals through this Book of Books!   

A few minutes a day will change your life. 

O how I love and treasure the revelation of your word;
throughout the day I fill my heart with its light!  Psalm 119:97 TPT

Bible Reading Plans and Helps Here

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *