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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

 

 

 

 

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The History of All Saints’ Day and The Challenge

Byadmin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1,2

Many people around the globe are facing persecution and death because of their faith. Terrorism, inhumane attacks on Israel, and our nation’s deterioration of Judeo-Christian standards cause concern. If the time comes, would we have the courage to face martyrdom for our faith?

According to Open Doors World Watch Trends, 5,621 Christians were martyred last year. Christians killed in 2023 numbered 80% more than five years ago (3,066).

Considering martyrdom is a harrowing prospect that prompts a myriad of emotions. Yet, it also finds comfort in the unshakable faith evidenced by those who’ve gone before.

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Plate VII, Death of Cranmer.

November 1 marks a significant event called All Saints’ Day, a time for Christians to remember and honor the martyrs throughout history. Considering the state of our world and the call to commitment in the face of adversity, this blog post will delve into the history of All Saints’ Day, exploring its roots, evolution, and significance for believers today.

Remembering Early Christina Martyrs

The history of All Saints’ Day can be traced back to the early Christian era when martyrdom was a common occurrence. Stephen, the first martyr in the New Testament book of Acts, is described as full of God’s grace and power, performing great signs and wonders.  While being stoned by unbelievers, he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 6:8-7:60).

Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd century, was a disciple of the apostle John and a faithful defender of the apostles’ teachings against early heretics. When Christians were interrogated and required to bow before the Roman emperor and renounce Christ, if they refused, they were brutally executed.  Polycarp was bound and burned at the stake, but then stabbed as the fire failed to consume his body.

William Tyndale (1494-1536) was an English theologian and scholar who translated the New Testament into English. In 1536 the Church of England considered him a heretic. He was strangled and burned at the stake. His famous last words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”

Another significant Reformer, Thomas Cranmer (1489-1536), the Archbishop of Canterbury, authored the book of Common Prayer, still used by many Christians today. Cranmer was arrested and tried for heresy under Queen Mary and burned at the stake in 1536.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), a German pastor and theologian who opposed the Nazi regime’s persecution of Jews, was executed for plotting the death of Adolf Hitler. He was hanged on April 9, 1945, at a POW camp, just days before the end of World War II. His last words, “This is the end—for me, the beginning of life.”

Countless others throughout history have suffered martyrdom for their allegiance to God. The early Church recognized the significance of honoring martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice, and All Saints’ Day was born.

Early Christian Martyrs and the Need for Commemoration

The Feast of All Martyrs was practiced in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and eventually made its way to the Western Christian calendar. This early commemoration laid the foundation for the concept of honoring all saints.

A most significant step in the development of All Saints’ Day came during the reign of Pope Boniface IV. In the 7th century, he consecrated the Pantheon in Rome, a pagan temple, into a Christian church dedicated to the martyrs. Today, it’s known as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.

The Shift to November 1st

The date of All Saints’ Day was initially celebrated on various dates. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory III officially designated November 1 as the universal date for All Saints’ Day to Christianize the pagan festivities of Samhain at the end of the harvest season.

Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), a pagan festival, celebrated on October 31 between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice.  Deceased ancestors were invited to visit the living during their festivities. To avoid unwanted attention from the supernatural, masks and costumes were used to disguise oneself from wandering spirits. These customs and traditions influenced the Western world’s Halloween practices in a more secular and commercialized form.

The Spread of All Saints’ Day

Over time, All Saints’ Day spread throughout the world. Today, it is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, often marked by church services, lighting candles, and remembering those who gave their lives for the cause of the gospel.

The Importance of All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day is both a historical tribute and a celebration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their unwavering faith in the promise of eternal life bestowed by God. It echoes the words of the apostle Paul to young Timothy; “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

In moments of reflection, we ponder: Would we, like these martyrs, be willing to lay down our lives for our faith? All Saints’ Day reminds us that we stand for something greater than life itself—our profound faith in the gospel. Following the example of Jesus, who bore the weight of our sins while innocent and sinless, we are reminded by 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

As Hebrews says, because “we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

The “great cloud of witnesses,” the martyrs, offered their lives for us. In gratitude for their sacrifice, we are inspired to live with the same unwavering dedication and determination for the gospel’s sake. Our heartfelt prayer remains that the Lord’s return comes before the need for such selfless sacrifice reaches our shores. In the meantime, we treasure the memory of those who bravely stood for their faith, and we, too, fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the race marked out for us.  

THE BENEFITS GOD GIVES Psalm 103:1-5

Byadmin

This is a short study on this psalm of David. Why does he encourage us to praise God with everything within us and remember the benefits God gives? 

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Soul comes from the Hebrew word, “nephesh” meaning a living being.  In the Greek, the world soul comes from “psuche” (breath – God breathing) and root of the English words of “psyche” and “psychology.”  Both the Hebrew and Greek indicate the vital breath of life.  Our soul, therefore is the true self, the depths of being, the who you are, the very heart and make up of you, emotions, appetites, desires.  Together with “all my inmost being” speaks of everything within me, all my joy, all my desires, wants, fears, aspirations, goals, the “who I am” that praises God’s holy name.

To praise is to kneel, or bless God’s holy (righteous, worthy, incomparable, honorable) name.

NAMES of GOD

God’s name has many meanings that help us understand more fully “who” He is.  Here’s a few:

  • Alpha, Amen, Ancient of Days, Anointed One, Author
  • Bread of Life, Beginning and the End
  • Christ, Chief Cornerstone, Creator, Counselor,
  • Deliverer, Door, Divine, Desire of Nations
  • Everlasting God, El Shaddai, El Elyon (most high God), Eternal
  • Faithful and True, Father, Firstborn of All Creation, Friend
  • Gate, God, Good Shepherd, Glorious Lord
  • Healer, Holy God, Holy Spirit, High Priest, Helper, Head of the Body, Head of the Church
  • Immortal, Immutable, I am, Immanuel, Image of the Invisible God
  • Jehovah, Judge, Jesus, Just One
  • King of Glory, King of Kings, King Eternal
  • Lord of All, Life, Lord of Lords, Lamb, Lion of Judah, Light, Logos (Word)
  • Master, Merciful God, Most High, Majesty, Messiah, Mediator, Maker
  • Name Above All Names, Nazarene, No Other Name
  • Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omega, Only Wise God, One and Only
  • Prince of Peace, Prophet, Priest, Physician, Perfector of our Faith,
  • Qanna (Jealous/husband), Quickening Spirit
  • Rock, Refuge, Redeemer, Resurrection, Root of David, Rose of Sharon, Rewarder
  • Shepherd, Shield, Strong Tower, Seed, Son of God and man, Stronghold, Sun of Righteousness, Star out of Jacob
  • Truth, Trinity, Treasure, Teacher
  • Upright, Upholder of all things, Undefiled
  • Wonderful, Way, Who is, Word, Word of God, Worthy
  • X – Greek for Christos
  • Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah), Yes and Amen
  • Zealous, Zur (Rock)

One way to praise God is to say his names back in prayer and let that praise fill your heart and mind. Rehearse these names through the day and let faith grow and overcome obstacles you may be facing. Another benefit: you can’t stay angry when you sing praises. 

David has discovered the secret of success even in the storms of life – it’s praise to our God!  Praise is a secret-weapon for victory that continues to turn our worry to rejoicing.

BENEFITS FROM GOD

  1. Forgiveness of sin
  2. Heals all your diseases
  3. Redeems your life from the pit
  4. Crowns you with compassion and mercy
  5. Satisfies

Think about these benefits.

FORGIVENESS OF SIN

who forgives all your sins


2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins

Jesus reconciles us with the Father through his death and resurrection.  God cannot live with sin and therefore Jesus as a perfect, spotless, pure One was the only one who could be a substitute and die in my place for my sin so I could be made right with God and one day stand in His presence.   

He forgives, pardons ALL our sins, guilt, punishment for iniquity, our failures, our wrongs, our regrets.  All is inclusive of everything we’ve ever done wrong.  Every one.  All of them. By believing and accepting the death of Jesus is a gift of grace.  Forgiveness is founded upon a willing heart to walk with God in the divine plan of salvation. 

Ephesians 2:8,9 says  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Psalm 103 verses 11 and 12 tells us that God’s love has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west, and repeats that same phrase again to emphasize how far they are removed! In other words, they are gone forever! A gift given with grace, not earned but given freely.

HEALING

and heals all your diseases,

Emotional, physical, spiritual healing is available through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our creator knows how are bodies were formed in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and has the power to heal all our diseases.  No matter what we face in life, God is able to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory.

“All” speaks of the whole of our being, including emotional health, spiritual health, and physical health.  It’s God’s nature to heal and to make whole. Even though it is God’s nature to heal, there are times that healing may not be in God’s time, or may be later, or for another purpose that we may not understand. Yet, it is God’s nature to heal. Faith to believe God heals is a key. Here’s a few of many more verses –  Isaiah 53:4,5; Jeremiah 17:14; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:23-24; Psalm 107:20; Proverbs 3:7-8;  Psalm 30:2; 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 5:14-16).

REDEMPTION


4 who redeems your life from the pit


Redemption is the act of saving from our sin and being reconciled back to the Father. Jesus gave his life, a sinless Lamb of God, shed his blood, and secured our salvation. We are redeemed from the pit (destruction, separation from God, the place and abode of those who are in the grave).

Redemption speaks of being bought back, as in being redeemed by a kinsman-redeemer.  Boaz became that kinsman-redeemer for Ruth (a Moabite – perpetual enemy turned believer in God) who returned from a foreign land with her mother-in-law, Naomi.  The story is found in the Old Testament book by her name, Ruth.   She is a picture and  beautiful example of someone being redeemed by Boaz, her husband and kinsman- redeemer.  Boaz purchased Naomi’s property and married Ruth.

Our redemption is provided by Jesus, our kinsman-redeemer, who redeemed us by paying the price for our sin on the cross. Jesus saves, rescues, and restores us, and reconciles us to the Father.

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10

CROWNS YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION

and crowns you with love and compassion,

To crown is to encircle, to protect, compass as to true north.  With the crown there comes honor. You are regarded with esteem, regard, with a showering of love and compassion and tender mercies. 

Compassion or tender mercies speaks of the womb as when you cherish an unborn baby, or as one who is tender as with a maiden.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he know how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” V. 13, 14

Verse 8-10  describes the Lord as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.  We aren’t treated as we deserve, but with mountains of love and kindness.

You will notice God’s love is endless and everlasting.  But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. V 17-18

I love this promise for our children’s children.  As a grandparent, daily prayer goes up for each of our grandchildren.  We are rich with priceless grandchildren. Nothing is more valuable to us than knowing each of them walks with God with their whole heart and life, and love God’s Words!

SATISFIES YOUR DESIRES


5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

To be satisfied is to have your wishes, expectations, needs and pleasures coming to fruition. There’s contentment, fulfillment, enjoyment. There’s satisfaction in helping others. Satisfaction in work done with excellence. Satisfaction in knowing your customers are pleased with the services. Satisfaction with a new home. Satisfaction with a successful accomplishment. 

However, things don’t satisfy for long. 

See how Billy Graham put it:

“God declared that things will not satisfy. God satisfies! This is the secret of soul-satisfaction: Let your soul delight itself in fatness. Remove the obstructions, tear down the barriers, and let your soul find the fulfillment of its deepest longings in fellowship with God. “

Even in old age  these benefits bring a sense of youthfulness in our attitudes and outlook.  We can rejoice in the satisfaction of knowing our sins are forgiven and God’s gracious love and compassion are upon us each day. We are the redeemed, going to heaven.  God is working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).  We are the recipients of God’s gracious benefits.

REMEMBER

REMEMBER

David challenges us to “remember” all the benefits of God and offer praise.  “Forget not his benefits.”  Often we do forget and move down into the mollygrubs of life rather than living in the victory of being a child of God.

Another of David’s famous writings in Psalm 23:6 says,

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Because of these benefits of forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion and love, and satisfaction, David reminds us to PRAISE THE LORD! As we do, our heart and mind will rejoice and become filled with thanks and praise. Attitudes change. Sorrow is replaced with joy. Worry diminishes as we realize the greatness and power of God. Guilt no longer has a hold on us as we rejoice in God’s forgiveness and grace. We realize again, redemption is secure, and our soul is satisfied!

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

What other secrets are you hearing from this beautiful chapter of praise and benefits?

Would you take some time right now and begin to give thanks and praise to God for his rich benefits? Praise the Lord!

O God, I praise you, with all that’s in me. I worship you with all my heart. And with my body, and with my spirit, I worship you for who you are!

Words and music by Judy
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DO YOU EXCUSE DISOBEDIENCE? King Saul Part 1

Byadmin

My granddaughter, who is four years old, is an expert in making excuses. When I asked if she was keeping her room clean, she said her playmate had been over and messed it up!  Children aren’t the only ones who make up excuses!  We all do it, but should we?  Excuses, in the story of Saul only disguised his disobedient heart towards God.  As old as the story of Adam and Eve, when God said don’t, they still did, each blaming the other. Their disobedience resulted in being driven away from God’s presence (Genesis 3).  

Excuses make me look better than I am, or cover up my sin and avoid the consequences of my actions. At times, it’s easier to blame someone else for my lack of responsibility. “It’s his fault I’m like I am.” The story of Saul helps us see the problem of making excuses, a cover for self-pride. The opposite of making excuses is obeying God. As we grow in knowing God’s Word and doing what He says, we can overcome our prideful excuses. Self-driven pride is something God hates. But, God loves the obedient.

Whoever loves me will keep my word…Jesus

John 14:23

Let’s look at Saul’s story.  I believe you’ll see yourself – as I did.  

Photo by Mark Duffel Unsplash

CHOSEN BY GOD

Saul had a golden opportunity to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.  He could have become known for his servant-heart before God and led the nation back to God.  Instead, he excused his disobedience and dishonored God. 

SAUL ANOINTED KING  

Then Samuel took a bottle of olive oil. He poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him. He said, “The Lord has anointed you to be the King of his people. 1 Samuel 10:1

Tall and impressive, a young man without equal, God chose Saul to lead Israel.  Samuel, a lifetime Prophet, Judge, and acting priest of Israel, anointed Saul as King.  Saul humbly responded.

“But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?  Why do you say such a thing?”  

On inauguration day, Saul hid in the baggage. (1 Sam 9:21).   God anointed this humble man to lead Israel out of the tyrannical oppression of the Philistines.  God equipped him.

Saul was appointed, anointed, and twice confirmed as King at Mizpeh and Gilgal.  But in the second year of his reign, Saul’s humility gave way to pride and disobedience.

Photo by Goh Rhy Van Unsplash

SAMUEL’S WARNING TO THE NATION AND THE KING

Israel’s leader, Samuel, openly rebuked the people for rejecting God by asking for a king.  

 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.  As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.  Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly” 1 Samuel 8:7-9.

Samuel warns the people if they continue to turn away from God, both the people and the new King will perish (1 Sam 12:24-25).  Saul was to lead the nation to obey God.

SAMUEL’S INSTRUCTIONS TO SAUL

Moving from a humble, hiding-in-the-baggage youth, now a King with 3000 soldiers at his command, his mission was to defeat the godless Philistines.  Samuel gave Saul the order to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to come on the seventh day and make the sacrifices with final instructions from God (1 Samuel 10:8).

Photo by Adam Birkett Unsplash

SAMUEL REBUKES SAUL

The oppressive Philistines had assembled for attack.  They were as numerous as the sands on the seashore.  Saul was becoming more fearful by the minute as his soldiers were fleeing. Anxiously waiting for Samuel to arrive, Saul decided to sacrifice without him (1 Sam 13:9).  Bad idea!

Before he finished, Samuel arrived and said, “What have you done?” Saul excused his disobedience.  

“When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Sam 13:1-12). 

This story may seem relatively insignificant, and we may, at first glance, “excuse” Saul for his disobedience to God.   Why the big deal over Saul offering the sacrifices and not waiting for Samuel?  With an army breathing down his neck, soldiers fleeing (now down to about 600 from 3000), should he not have acted?  Saul was the King and had to make decisions as a leader, right?  Not! Obedience is of first importance with God.

Samuel rebuked Saul. “You have done a foolish thing…now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

WE ALL MAKE EXCUSES

It’s human nature to make excuses.  We all do at times, but do we fail to see pride as the reason?

“It’s my friend’s fault my room is messy.” (Who’s responsibility is it to keep it clean?)

” I don’t have time to read the Bible today because I’m too busy.”  (What does this tell God about how much we love Him and want to be with Him?)

” I want my way, and until I get it, I’ll give you the silent treatment.” (Is this putting others first, as Jesus taught).

Saul’s excuses included people’s approval, fear, feeling entitled, being ungrateful, and strife.

  • Saul’s disobedience was in response to look like a King and uphold his people’s approval, more important than God’s.  Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 when we “try to please people more than God, and then I am not a servant of God”.
  • Saul was afraid when the troops were leaving.  Rather than waiting on Samuel and the Lord, fear took hold and he trusted his own judgment more than what God said. 
  • Saul wasn’t a priest, and without authority, offered the sacrifices.  He felt entitled, thinking he deserved to do this because of who he was.  He forgot humility and obedience.
  • Saul’s humility turned into ungratefulness.  Saul erected a monument in honor of himself on the heels of his disobedience to God.  
  • Saul’s strife against God’s pick for the next King of Israel turned into hatred and rage.  He tried to murder David.  Where there is strife, there is pride.  Proverbs 13:10a

Pride and excuses caused Saul to lose the kingdom and his life.  

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Proverbs 16:18

Conquering excuses takes responsibility.  Time in God’s Word can bring change as we not only listen to God through His Word but do what He says.  James 1:22 tells us, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

DO WHAT IT SAYS! Are we making excuses instead of obeying God’s commandments?

  1. God says, be honest (9th command).  Are we truthful?  What about little white lies?
  2. Don’t curse using God’s name (3rd command).  How about the casual, without even noticing the expression of OMG?  Are we giving careful thought to not taking God’s Name in vain, even in casual conversation? 
  3. Go to church and honor the Sabbath (4th command).  Are we faithful to worship with the body of believers in our communities?  Are we making sure our children are learning the Bible stories and lessons taught each Sunday? Are we honoring God by this command, “Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).
  4. Don’t covet what your neighbor has (10th command).  This is a hard one for Americans.  More than most of the world, we are all quite wealthy but still don’t have enough.  Are we spending beyond our means to enjoy the things of life like our neighbor?  Are we honoring God with our tithe first, showing our love and trust in Him?
  5. Don’t have idols above God (1st command).  What demands most of our time and money reveals where our heart is.  Is God first in everything?

To overcome pride, we must say “yes” to obey the Lord, not only those five commands above but all of them.  We have the help of the Word and the Holy Spirit.  We can say “no” to excuses and disobedience (Titus 2:11-14).   

In the critical, testing times, unlike Saul, we can quit making excuses, stop blaming others, and obey God.   Obedience is the measure of our love for God!.

Jesus said, Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

John 14:23

Saul is given another opportunity to take responsibility for his actions and obey God, but does he do it?

Go to Part 2, Do You Excuse Disobedience?

PLANTING SEEDS FOR SUCCESS

Byadmin

Who doesn’t love a good secret, especially when God tells it?  Jesus was telling the following crowds a parable about the importance of having a receptive heart to the words of Jesus.  The immense crowds enjoyed following the latest trend in Galilee by this miracle working man but weren’t really interested in becoming true followers of Jesus.  Jesus admonished the crowds to hear.  He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  Apparently, they were hearing but not comprehending.  They didn’t want to change their lives to follow, they just wanted to be part of the crowd and excitement.   

The disciples, on the other hand, were wanting to know the meaning of what Jesus was saying.   They had left all to follow Jesus.  They tuned in to every word and when they didn’t understand asked Jesus to explain. 

Jesus shares a wonderful promise with them when he said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them” (Matthew 13:11).

Here’s the parable from Luke’s gospel.

Luke 8:4-9 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 9His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,” ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’”

Those who see but don’t see and hear but don’t hear or understand was a reference to the book of Isaiah.  Jesus said in them (crowds) this prophecy is fulfilled.  Look at this text from Matthew 13:

13 This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.

Jesus continued to say the disciples were blessed because they had a heart to perceive and understand.  They were that good soil that heard, retained, and persevered in the things of the Kingdom. 

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

 Jesus shares secrets of heaven with those who have receptive hearts.  Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6).

Hearing and understanding reveals a spiritual hunger, a seeking heart. Unlike the crowds, the disciples wanted more. They listened to the words of Jesus and learned. Their lives are impacted and changed.  Jesus, the Great Shepherd declared, “My sheep know my voice and follow” (John 10:27).  They hear and understand.

Then Jesus explains the secret meaning to his disciples by explaining how the soil received the seed (God’s Word) and produced a crop of a heart for God.  They were becoming a new creation in Christ, being transformed into a godly character.

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.

12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Unlike the crowds, the disciples had good soil and a noble and good heart.  They heard the words of Jesus, retained it, and persevered in their relationship with God.  And they were productive.

KING SAUL’S EXAMPLE

In my reading this morning Saul illustrates the non-receptive heart.  He had some seeds scattered, but his soil didn’t allow the seeds to take root.   Although he had many opportunities to hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop, his heart remained unchanged.  He didn’t have his ears on, or his eyes open. 

The story in the Old Testament is found in 1 Samuel 9. 

(To read the entire scripture text, click on the link: 1 Samuel 9

Samuel, Israel’s prophet and judge was God’s messenger not only to the people, but to Saul.  The Israelites had grown distant in their relationship with God.  When they asked Samuel for a king to be like other nations, God granted their request.   God chose Saul, a tall and impressive young man without equal. In Saul’s time God spoke through prophets, like Samuel.  Today we have the scripture as our divine revelation, and main source of hearing God speak. Prophet Samuel listened and obeyed God’s plan to make Saul the king of Israel.

5 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel: 16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.”

17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”

18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

19 “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. 

20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?” 

SAUL ANOINTED  1 Samuel 10

(To read the entire scripture text, click on the link: 1 Samuel 10)

1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord  anointed you ruler over his inheritance? 2 When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What shall I do about my son?”’

This oil poured on Saul’s head for anointing was symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s empowering Saul for his leadership role as King of Israel.  With the Holy Spirit he would be able to accomplish much more than just any King.  God was fitting Saul and filling him with the Spirit’s power to lead Israel, God’s chosen people. 

1 Samuel 10: 6 The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.

 Verse 9 says this happened.  “God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.”  Saul experienced the Spirit of God as he joined the prophets.  Saul prophesied with them.  The people were amazed at this new power in Saul’s life.  But his anointing as King was not yet public knowledge, until Samuel announced it at Mispah.  The people responded shouting, Long live the King!”

 SAUL CONFIRMED KING

(To read the entire scripture text, click on the link: 1 Samuel 11)

The Holy Spirit comes powerfully upon Saul the second time as he led the charge against the Ammonites who were defeated.  Then the people were exhilarated with their new leader and proceeded to publicly proclaim him king. At Gilgal they sacrificed offerings and held a great celebration as Saul was crowned king of Israel.

SAMUEL RELEASES HIS LEADERSHIP TO SAUL

Samuel who has served Israel since a young boy now old and gray, releases his leadership to King Saul.  Samuel admonishes him to serve the true King of Israel, God.

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish” 1 Samuel 12:24, 25).

Samuel also admonishes the hard-hearted people to recall God’s faithfulness through their history.  He said to turn back to the Lord.

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish (1 Samuel 12:24, 25).

 SAMUEL REBUKES SAUL

(To read the entire scripture text, click on the link: 1 Samuel 13)

Saul was preparing to lead the charge against the vast and powerful Philistines. Samuel, as usual, would make the sacrifices to the Lord to prepare the troops to trust God for victory. Samuel told King Saul to wait for his arrival (1 Samuel 10:8)

Saul’s remarkable military son, Jonathan, had attacked the Philistine garrison in Geba.  Saul claimed the victory and called the people to come Gilgal and prepare to fight the Philistines “as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (1 Samuel 13:5).  Saul and his troops were at Gilgal waiting for Samuel to come.  The troops with him were terrified and began to scatter.  Saul waited for Samuel to come and offer sacrifices to the Lord before battle, as was customary. 

1 Samuel 13 7b Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 

10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.  11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel.  Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”

SAUL DID NOT KEEP THE LORD’S COMMAND

Saul couldn’t follow orders.  He didn’t trust God.  He didn’t trust Samuel. So he took matters into his own hands.  He was king, after all!  More importantly, Saul didn’t have a heart for God.

13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”

Samuel was looking to Saul to hear his confession and sorrow over directly disobeying God.  Instead, Saul gave excuses. It’s a human tendency to blame someone else for our sin.  Saul blamed Samuel because he didn’t come earlier. Saul took no responsibility for his sin of disobedience.  And because of that disobedience God would give his leadership to someone who had a heart after God.  

OBEDIENCE BETTER THAN SACRIFICING

A third time Saul had opportunity to obey God.  Saul just didn’t listen.  The Lord came to Samuel, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” (1 Samuel 15:11).  Samuel was very angry and cried out to the Lord all that night.  Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul, but heard he had gone to Carmel to erect a monument to himself in his own honor. Cold-hearted Saul wasn’t aware of his sin and instead built a monument to himself. He was proud and disobedient.  His heart didn’t need God.  He was self-sufficient.  He wanted to look good in the eyes of the people and could not see how far from God he had drifted.  His religiosity didn’t fool Samuel.  God was grieved over Saul’s blindness.   Once Samuel finds him, Saul boasts to Samuel that he carried out the Lord’s instructions.   Samuel rebukes this disobedient, hard-of-hearing, hardened-soil king.

1 Samuel 15:22-24 

But Samuel replied, “What pleases the Lord more?
    Burnt offerings and sacrifices, or obeying the Lord?
It is better to obey than to offer a sacrifice.
    It is better to do what he says than to offer the fat of rams.
23 Refusing to obey the Lord is as sinful as using evil magic.
    Being proud is as evil as worshiping statues of gods.
You have refused to do what the Lord told you to do.
    So he has refused to have you as king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I’ve broken the Lord’s command. I haven’t done what you directed me to do. I was afraid of the men. So I did what they said I should do.

 Although Saul said he had sinned, he continue to reject God.  The seed of God’s words never took root.  He feared the people more than he feared God.  

OBEDIENCE – A KEY TO GOOD SOIL

The seed in the parable of Jesus is God’s Word.  The soil represents the receptiveness of our hearts to the words of the Lord. The Word (seed) gets into our heart (soil) and changes us. We begin to sprout God fruit.  As we hear, retain, and persevere in the Word we grow

  • We live to do God’s will more than our own.
  • We follow Jesus, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
  • We are not self-sufficient but God-dependent.
  • We obey.
  • We trust God through the storms of life.
  • We wait on the Lord until the answer comes.
  • We seek God’s favor more than man’s approval.
  • We fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word so it works to the core of our being and refines us.
  • We live to be holy and seek to please the Lord.
  • We work on pulling the weeds of worry, removing the rocks and thorns of the deceitfulness of wealth.
  • We let the seeds take root in our good soil as we hear it, retain it and persevere in it!

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15}. This is a good motive for being in the Word regularly – so we will know God’s commands and obey.  That’s the good soil.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

As we hear/listen to the Word of God, retain and apply it, we will become transformed in our character.  We will persevere in being successful as a follower of Jesus.  We will obey. There are still rocks to be moved (challenging choices of surrendering our will), weeds to be pulled (sins to be overcome), and waiting on God’s sunshine and rain (trusting through the hard days).   Jesus made it clear a harvest would result, 30, 60, or 100 fold. 

The crowds and Saul had opportunity to know God’s secrets but didn’t listen.  They were consumed with the cares and worries of the world.  They didn’t take seriously God’s Word. They didn’t let the seeds take root.

DAILY IN THE WORD

Jesus promises to share the secrets of the kingdom of God as we open our hearts to the seed of God’s Word each day.   It is the heart of love and obedience of the fourth soil-worker that makes the difference.  As we “hear,” “retain,” and “persevere” (obey) we will grow in God. We will know abundance.   Jesus told his disciples they would know the secrets, and so will we. 

 “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’  Luke 8:10, 11

I want to learn more secrets. How about you?

 

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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.  

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