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
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.
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
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.
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!
Why don’t we reach for vegetables when we are stressed, hungry, or tired? We reach for bread. The more we eat the more we want! When Jesus was fasting for over a month, Satan came to tempt him by saying he should turn the stones into bread. As hungry as Jesus must have been after 40 days, he responded with a scripture. He made an important statement that still emphasizes the paramount need of God’s Word.
The Scriptures say,
It is not just bread that keeps people alive. Their lives depend on what God says.
(Matthew 4:4). ESV
ESSENTIAL
Bread is an essential of life and has been through the centuries. Bread, a metaphor for all food and sustenance, gives our bodies much needed nutrition and energy.
HUMAN NEED
Sourdough is one of the oldest and most original breads of the Ancient Egyptians, dating back to 3000 B.C. Throughout history, bread has been the most widely consumed food in the world. Bread making was regarded as a great skill. It was so highly prized that the Egyptians buried their dead with loaves of bread to provide sustenance in the afterlife.
Today, one of the healthiest breads you can eat is sourdough bread. It reduces the phytic acid and pre-digests the flour so bread is easier to digest. Not only is it healthier, it’s delicious! It’s made from the wild yeast in the air as it was in ancient times. When yeast combines with a mixture of flour and water, a “starter” erupts through a fermentation process. The starter becomes the leaven.
Following the Korean War the orphaned children were taken in to shelters where food and care was provided daily. But at night they couldn’t sleep. They relived the terrors of war. Someone discovered by sending kids to bed with bread in hand relieved the night terrors. “I ate today, and I will eat again tomorrow” (Dennis Linn, Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life). Bread, like a security blanket or a favorite stuffed animal, comforted them through the night. They were reminded they would see tomorrow. Bread brought comfort through the night.
SPIRITUAL NEED
Manna
When the Israelites travelled out of Egypt to the Promised Land there were no places to stop and eat. No McDonalds, or Culver’s, no sit down restaurant. God miraculously provided bread (manna – “what is it?”) from heaven. The heavenly manna continued for 40 years and fed thousands of Israelites (Exodus 16:4).
God not only fed them bread from heaven, but his presence was in their midst as they ate (Exodus 13:21). God desires a relationship with his people to be with them. We need physical food. We need spiritual food. God is concerned about both. Both are essential. Both are food – one for the human body, one for the spiritual body.
5000 Fed
Jesus taught the crowds from God’s words, and he fed them bread for their growling tummies. Jesus miraculously multiplied the lunch of one little guy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. (Matthew 14:20). Remarkably, twelve baskets were left over (same as the number of disciples). The thousands “all ate until they were satisfied” (Matthew 14:20 ESV).
BREAD SATISFIES
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh baked loaf of bread filling the house and calling to your senses. We have fond memories of eating together with family for birthdays and holidays. There’s something wonderful about enjoying a full tummy with loved ones gathered around the table. There’s a bonding of friendship and love. Trust is strengthened. Food brings us together. Food satisfies!
Jesus rebuke to Satan reminds us that our bread is essential. He also reminds us that God’s Words are bread to us. As we eat each day, we need to eat of the Word of God daily, too. We need to read it as often as we can. “Every word” will satisfy and fill us. The more we eat, the more we want.
JESUS, the Bread of Life
Jesus fed the crowds with food. Jesus also fed them spiritual life from “every word,” his teachings. The empty place in life without Jesus is filled as we hunger for righteousness. As we seek Him, we will find Him. Jesus, God who came to earth in the flesh, is in the pages of scripture. He is the Bread of Life!
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me
will never go hungry,
and whoever believes in me
will never be thirsty.
John 6:35
In the fourth Gospel of John in the New Testament, Jesus made seven deity claims with the words, “I Am.” This one, the Bread of Life, tells us Jesus is able to fill and satisfy the longing of our soul. This is the same title used in the Old Testament story of God speaking with Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14).
As the Bread of Life, Jesus issued the invitation to “come to me.” Whoever will come will never hunger or thirst spiritually again. Jesus brings life!
THREE NEXT STEPS:
EAT DAILY
There’s nothing like the fresh taste of heavenly bread (God’s Word, the Bible) that feeds the soul. If you haven’t developed the daily habit of eating, let me encourage you to start! If you aren’t eating regularly, schedule time each day. Make an appointment on your calendar and stick with it.
BE CONSISTENT
Do it every day! To be consistently in the Word every day is never easily accomplished. It’s unlike making a habit of brushing your teeth, or making your bed in the morning. This habit has a spiritual dimension. It’s a spiritual battle that takes perseverance and determination. God’s Word is alive and transforms us so we become holy and pleasing to God. That’s why there is a consistent battle to keep at it regularly. Busyness often wins the day. But as we hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life, we will be satisfied and full.
LOVE THE WORD
I love God’s Word. It’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). I am passionate about it! It is like physical bread, the more you eat the more you want!
God speaks through the divine pages. It’s as if neon lights blaze on a verse and it stands off the page speaking directly to my needs. No matter how many times I’ve read a passage, there’s always something fresh and new. It’s remarkable! It’s transformational!
God’s alive word drives to the very depth of my being, the real me. It takes off all the masks and goes right to the core of who you are. We cannot hide our most private secrets, fears, or worries. Nothing! Everything is open and bare before God. God gives us the grace and kindness needed to see who we are and still understand that God loves us unconditionally! We are accepted, forgiven, and no longer ashamed! God’s Word gives us power to live in victory, satisfaction, and energy.
The Bible is essential to life. Be consistent. The more you are in the Word, the more you will be filled and satisfied. You will know success in life and relationships. You will be confident and assured of eternal life.
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
P.S.
If you need a Bible reading plan check out the options on the “Bible Reading Plans and Tools” page. Finding a Bible reading plan will help you be consistent and love the Word.
Here’s five SWEET steps to help you (from another post called “Sweet”):
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 you are reading.
Consistency helps in comprehension. If you start reading the Gospel of John, for example, read through the chapter and next time pick up with the next chapter until you’ve completed the book. This will give you a more complete picture of the verses and chapters.
Easy read or read quickly, but notice what stands out to you.
The Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen through the reading. Remember, God’s word is alive 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, 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.
If you do this every day, it will become a life-changing habit of good for you! You will soon be on your way to discover more of God and the secrets available to you!
Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
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 MoreAs 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.
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!
When God opens a door of opportunity, it’s not always easy to walk through. Writing is a learned craft and one that hasn’t come easy for me. I love preaching, but the writing was a different kind of animal. Thankfully, I am learning.
I attended a Writer’s Conference in May with many experts, publishers, editors, teachers, professional writers, and regular people like me who are still learning the craft. The conference assembled to praise the Lord, get acquainted, and learn from the varied multitude of teachers and informative sessions. Besides all the contacts, handouts, and training, I came away with the confidence to pursue my dream of writing a book. Yeah! I’ve started.
Is there something that you have dreamed about doing and just haven’t put in the work to learn the craft? Don’t give up. Go for it and remember God will provide all you need to accomplish the task, with a bit of learning, no, a lot of learning along the way.
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Proverbs 37:4
It’s hard to find the truth from news sources, politicians, scientists, and woke pastors and teachers. What is the criteria for truth? Jesus said it was the Word of God. Truth cannot be reduced by the lies of a godless culture, the opinions of powerful people, or even the lies of the Deceiver. God’s truth is above all other truths and is divinely written in the Scripture. By reading the Bible, reading it first, and applying what we read to our attitudes, choices, and behaviors, we can walk in the truth.
Truth oozes from God’s holy nature. Jesus declares Himself the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The more we know the Scripture, the more truth we will gain.
Jude gives a warning to believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4). Contend (give your all, confront, grapple, push for, lock horns) for the faith, the genuine faith, which is truth.
SWITCH ON YOUR BRAIN
I just completed a fantastic book, Switch on Your Brain, by Dr. Caroline Leaf. “You are not a victim of your biology! Our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.” Dr. Leaf confirms the need to “switch” on your brain (renew your mind, Romans 12:1-2), and as you do, you will enable a happier, healthier, more enjoyable life by knowing the truth.
Since 1985 she has worked in cognitive neuroscience, and her research has been in linking scientific principles to the truth of Scripture. She proclaims, “Each morning when you wake up, you have new baby nerve cells born inside your brain to use wisely as you remove bad thoughts and wire in new ones (Lam 3:23). This is called neurogenesis. You have been designed for deep intellectual thought (Psalm139:14). You were wired for love, and fear is a learned and not a natural response (2 Timothy 1:7). You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).”
Here’s a few of Dr. Leaf’s practical side of Scriptural truths:
You can be happy and filled with peace regardless of your circumstances.
You can overcome and control depression and anxiety—some scientists show you can even control and overcome schizophrenia and OCD.
Forgiveness is not the battle you think it is.
You can get the chaos in your mind under control.
You don’t have to walk around in guilt and condemnation.
If you wired those toxic thoughts in, you can wire them out.
You don’t have to fear that if a condition runs in your family, you will get it (for example, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression).
You can balance your over-thinking and over-analyzing mind.
You don’t have to keep digging into the past to get free from it.
Dr. Leaf concludes that the path to wholeness is found in the Scripture. You can be an overcomer! That is the truth!
TRUTH DEFENDS AGAINST THE LIES OF THE CULTURE. We are made in God’s image, and we can have the mind of Christ. Where do we acquire that mind? Through reading, meditation, studying, and abiding in the Word of God, we think, learn, and find purpose.
John the beloved Apostle writes in 1 John 4:6, We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
The Apostle Paul urges the believer to put on the truth of Scripture like armor. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14). Without truth, listed by Paul as the first piece of armor around our core, we have doubts, fears, uncertainty and are easily deceived. The reality we learn in God’s Word will defend us against the culture’s lies and the lies of the enemy of our souls.
START reading in one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or a Psalm, or an Epistles one of Paul’s shorter letters such as Colossians, Ephesians, or Galatians with only 4 – 6 chapters).
Psalm 119, The longest chapter in the center of the Bible, defines the power and life of God’s written eternal revelation of His Word. Don’t you think that is significant – at the center of the Bible, the longest chapter with 176 verses?! When God’s Word is the center of our lives, we will prioritize reading as it tells us what is right and what is wrong and keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
In the New Testament, the book of Titus (a letter of Paul to a young pastor) says God, through the Word, “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12).
With Scripture hidden in our hearts, the very core/depth/foundation of our being, it teaches, corrects, exhorts, and instructs in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17). But we have to grab it, take hold of it, and desperately desire it to acquire the truth. We can know the truth (and Jesus, who is the Truth). If you haven’t read my previous post, CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE? You can do it here.
TRUTH IS KNOWABLE “You will know the truth (John 8:32). Truth is truth, whether you believe it or not. God’s truth triumphs my truth or anyone’s truth. The Author of all truth gives us the secrets to knowing and walking in truth (Psalm 86:11).
1. READ THE WORD DAILY
Read it, read it, read it, and reread it until you get it. Read it until it gets into your heart and changes you. Each day the Holy Spirit will bring you a new revelation of truth, an answer, a direction, a conviction. The Divine Author’s divine words speak. “Take hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands, and you will live” Proverbs 4:4. That’s the truth!
REPETITION BRINGS CLARITY. The more we spend in the Word, the more we will understand God’s Word’s beauty, instruction, and intrigue. Like a puzzle at times, repetition and consistency will reveal the missing pieces. So keep reading.
There are multitude promises of blessing for the person who’s pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. (Psalm 1:TPT).
Confusion and ignorance of Christians are often the results of not knowing the Scripture. According to the American Bible Society, only 9% of respondents read their Bible daily. Is it any wonder Christians are not sure what is the truth?
READING LEADS TO FRUITFUL LIVING. When we measure life against the Scripture, we find the truth that God will be our guide. God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each reader. Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success (Joshua 1:8).
We won’t have one foot in the world if we have daily time in the Bible. John the Apostle, who walked with Jesus, learned the difference between loving the world’s things or loving God. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” 1 John 2:15. Believing the lies of the Enemy of our soul play along with cultural approval of moral issues and dissipate God’s favor.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
2. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR DEVOTIONAL – READ THE BIBLE FIRST
Instead of a page out of a devotional written by someone else, read right out of your Bible. Let God’s Spirit connect with your spirit.
READ THE BIBLE FIRST! Devotionals are helpful but often only an appetizer. Get to the entrée. Explore the Scripture for yourself, first! You will hear the Holy Spirit speak to you directly rather than through another person’s version of what God is saying. You’re an adult with a sound, capable mind. You can think through and hear what the Spirit is saying to you, personally. Scripture is alive (Heb 4:12). It speaks! Read the Bible first, then add the devotionals and commentaries.
READ AT LEAST TEN CHAPTERS A DAY. Better yet, read an entire book of the Bible in one day. Let it fill your mind and heart. Attitudes and behaviors will change.
What you are thinking every moment of every day becomes a physical reality in your brain and body, which affects our optimal mental and physical health. These thoughts collectively form your attitude…and it’s your attitude and not your DNA that determines much of the quality of your life (Switch on Your Brain, p 13).
Your thinking affects our spirit, soul, and body and the people around us. Scripture can train our thoughts to be pleasing to God and wholesome to others. We cannot control circumstances, but we can control how we respond. Dr. Leaf puts it this way: “Good thinking = good choices = healthy thoughts; toxic thinking = toxic choices = toxic thoughts” (Deut 30:19).
Reading a book of the Bible a day reveals a hungry seeker after God. Human nature is exposed. Applying principles from the Author of Truth teaches ethics, relationships, self-control, decision making, character development, persevering faith, and much more. It’s the cherished textbook for life and eternity.
DIVE into the Old Testament. The New Testament refers to or quotes 250 Old Testament quotations and 1000 references by Jesus, Paul, John, James, Matthew, Luke, Mark, and Peter. Jesus proclaimed he fulfilled the Old Testament Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-22).
READ COVER TO COVER The first time I read from cover to cover, and I was amazed by the balance of God’s justice (Old Testament) and love (new Testament). In religious circles, love is often emphasized to the exclusion of justice. Those who say they love the Lord but ignore His commands do not read Scripture from cover to cover. If they did, they would realize there is no real justice without agape love. Just think of the cross, justice paid for the penalty of sin by the divine love of a perfect sacrifice, Jesus.
Reading each day will build a firm foundation in God, His truth, and in how to live life to the fullest!
Find Bible reading plans on the menu of my blog here .
3. BECOME A STUDENT OF SCRIPTURE
Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 3:15,16).
I seek to honor God and know His approval. I gain confidence through time in the Word. Obedience becomes a joy and not a burden.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is key. With knowledge of the Scripture, we will know what is required. And, when we abide in the Word, “Then you will know the truth” (John 8:31-32). Truth brings changes and builds godly character as it unleashes the favor of God.
BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
Knowing the Scripture will produce confidence in God’s love and promises and culminating eternal life. God’s Word teaches how to live daily life, making the right choices. God’s Word vanquishes fear, worry, unforgiveness, selfishness, and hatred. God’s Word provides direction for a successful life as a triumphant overcomer. It reveals who you are and who God is. God’s word is TRUTH for each day, each situation, each relationship, and each circumstance.
Ask questions as you read. What did this mean to the people to whom it was written? What promise is there to claim? What example to follow? What command to obey? What sin to confess? And, how does it apply to my life today? The Holy Spirit will speak as you listen for the truth!
In a world of lies, how do we find the truth? Read God’s Truth – the Bible. Read it and reread it over and over, cover to cover, all of it. Read it first! Read it every day, not just a chapter, but a book of the Bible. Become a Word student, filled with wisdom that leads in straight paths every day, though falsehood is all around.
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST RICHLY DWELL WITHIN YOU. Colossians 3:16
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 ourhelp 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).
Damage to the depths of our being caused by a betrayal, slanderous attacks, or a broken relationship wreaks havoc emotionally and spiritually. Feelings of worthlessness, remorse and depression accompany the pain. In such times, will peace ever come?
I love the scripture that gives us insight into how God restores us through the many trials of life.
May God speak to you with encouragement from the life of David in one of the darkest days of his life.
This is my second published article with Christiainity.com. I’m pleased to share it with you.