Discovering the Bible – Page 9

Psalm 19:7-14 💛 Why Pay Attention?

Have you ever wondered, “Why should I pay attention to what God’s Word says?” It seems like more and more people want to downplay the Bible, water down the message, and possibly even disregard it all together. Today’s passage gives us good reason not to do this.

This the second reading in the category, “Listening to God’s Word.” Look at the reasons the psalmist gives us in the first eleven verses! Read those a couple of times! I don’t know about you, but seeing the great benefits is very enticing. Reviving the soul and bringing joy are only two of these nuggets we’re entitled to.

1 Samuel 3:9-18 💗 Open My Ears

Read 1 Samuel 3:9-18

Girl standing on a beach at sunset, holding the sun in her hands with caption "Are you listening to God?"

We’re starting a new theme in our Discovering the Bible Challenge called “Listening to God’s Word.” You are precisely in the right place as we’ll walk through some great Bible texts giving us insights to the importance of listening to God rather than the mumblings of the world.

I especially like this first passage as it tells the story of Samuel hearing God’s voice. We have the Bible as God’s word to us, but Samuel heard God’s message first-hand. Whether you’ve audibly heard God’s voice or not doesn’t matter. It’s important that we be listening!

Psalm 23 💜 My Shepherd

Read Psalm 23

Jesus with his lambs, in a field with mountains and stream

I love this Psalm. It paints yet another picture of our wonderful Creator. He shepherds us and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. His grace is without limit. “I have all that I need.”

There is so much richness to this psalm, I could probably write a whole series of reflections on different sections. Take some time today to read through this a couple time if you can. How is it speaking to your heart? How do you see God a little differently when you see him as your Shepherd?

Luke 15:11-32 💚 God’s Embrace

Read Luke 15:11-32

We’re on a quest together during the Discovering the Bible Challenge to read the Bible looking for clues and messages from God. Our first mission is to recognize God’s majesty and grace. In today’s passage I see this coming through God’s love and compassion.

I have always loved this story that Jesus told to help illustrate God’s love and desire to be in relationship with us. We don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. He loves us all, even those who go “missing.”

Psalm 91 💙 My Rescue and Refuge

Read Psalm 91

Swan floating on lake with at least 4 baby chicks visible under her wing

When the world feels like it is crashing in around you, read this psalm! As we are looking at God’s character from the perspective of his majesty and grace, these verses remind us of his great love and care for us. We may be disappointed by friends and family, but God is steadfast and true.

There are some great images here for us to cling to. I have always liked the picture of a mama bird huddling her chicks close when I read, “He will shelter you with his wings.” Moms can be very protective! I always found it comforting to find my mom when I fell and scraped my knee or broke up with a boy at school. Moms are great, but God protects us even more!