Tag: God’s word

Mark 4:1-20 – Check the Soil

Read Mark 4:1-20

“Once again,” are the words Mark writes as he begins this story. Mark’s gospel is such a great collection of stories telling us about Jesus’ life and how he interacted with the world. Mark’s style of writing doesn’t necessarily follow a strict timeline, so enjoy every story as it unfolds.

Jesus loved to preach with parables, but his meaning was often hidden. He even tells us why in this reading. Thankfully, Jesus shared the meaning with his disciples so we, too, can understand and appreciate the real-life examples. This parable is one of my favorites, although I probably say that about most of them. Continue reading “Mark 4:1-20 – Check the Soil”

Psalm 119:9-16 – God’s Word Equips Us

Read Psalm 119:9-16

Fun Fact: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible! In its entirety, it’s a great meditation on the importance and beauty of God’s word in nurturing our faith. I love how this section speaks to us as believers, whether we’ve been believers for ten minutes, ten years, or our whole lives.

The psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart.” Is it safe in our hearts, far enough away from the clutches of sin? You might wonder how this happens exactly. Over the years, I have helped countless children in my Sunday School classes commit Bible verses to memory. Once in our heads, we can let them rest in our hearts. That way, God’s wisdom is always safe inside us, ready to nurture or empower us. Continue reading “Psalm 119:9-16 – God’s Word Equips Us”

Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words

Read Psalm 19:7-14

Why should we listen to God’s Word? The psalmist gives us eleven verses full of reasons and benefits. We can’t really deny any of these descriptions. Yet it’s almost as if they are shared in defense of God’s Word, as if God’s Word were under attack. I see evidence of such an attack all these years later, don’t you?

Some people view the Bible as a book of rules or just a collection of words. It’s much more than that. The psalmist uses words like “instructions,” “decrees,” “commandments,” “commands,” “laws,” and “a warning.” Those are some direct and descriptive words. What a good reason to pay attention! For those of us who have always wanted an “Instruction Guide for Life,” we need look no further. Continue reading “Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words”

Psalm 119:11 – Hide It!

“I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

This verse sums up precisely why I often reflect on one verse at a time. It is easier to memorize or “hide” God’s word in our hearts when it’s in smaller chunks. When we can associate a given situation with a verse, it helps us to recall when those situations arise.

Context (Psalm 119:9-16): This is only a small excerpt from the longest chapter in the Bible. This psalm’s central theme is the importance of God’s word. The psalmist knows our lives depend on our obedience to the truths of Scripture. Other descriptors for God’s word include decrees, regulations, commandments, and laws. The whole psalm follows this pattern of singing the praises of God’s instruction book for us. Continue reading “Psalm 119:11 – Hide It!”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – What a Gift!

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I always use these verses when I’m teaching children about the beautiful gift we have in the Bible. It’s helpful for all believers to be reminded of the importance of God’s word. It’s not just a book that sits on the shelf. Don’t you love how the Bible points to itself to explain exactly what a treasure we have in our hands?

Context (2 Timothy 3): Paul’s warning to Timothy about the last days is critical to understanding how important the Bible is for our future. Paul knew that standing on the truth of Scripture was going to help Timothy and us stand strong when opposition comes. In the surrounding verses, Paul describes what those end times are going to look like. Arming ourselves with the word of God is not a new concept for Paul. He talked about the armor of God to the Ephesians, and the Bible was the sword of truth, a weapon. Continue reading “2 Timothy 3:16-17 – What a Gift!”

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)