God’s word – Page 4

2 Samuel 16:20-23 – God’s Word Is True

Open bible on a wooden table with fall leaves laying nearby

Do you recall Nathan’s discussion with David back in Chapter 12? It was more a message from God rather than a discussion. Nathan had used a story to elicit an angry response from David, only to point the finger at David as being the “bad guy” in the story. His rebuke came as a surprise to David.

Thankfully, David didn’t die that day for arranging the death of Uriah and taking of Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife as his own. But recall the proclamation made by God in verses 11 and 12, “This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.”

Deuteronomy 6:14-25 – God’s Word is True

Read Deuteronomy 6:14-25

It is helpful for us to remember that when God makes a promise, he keeps it. His word is most definitely true. Moses reminds the people of that yet again. It is also helpful for us to remember that these words are spoken as part of the Old Covenant God made with his people. There was such a focus on being obedient. The people we were rewarded for their obedience and cursed when they disobeyed. There was a focus on earning and deserving. That’s not the same way things work now.

Jesus came and brought with him the New Covenant. He took on flesh, and he was our sacrificial lamb. We are cleansed and our righteousness is in Jesus. Now the focus is on believing and receiving. Our blessing comes from having faith in Jesus. Jesus bore our sins and failings in obedience on the cross. Our response and desire to please God and do his will comes from our gratitude to our Savior.

Proverbs 30:1-10 – God’s Word is True

Read Proverbs 30:1-10

There are so many messages bombarding us these days. It used to be there was the newspaper, the evening news, and a magazine or two. With the internet and social media, it seems we can’t escape someone trying to tell us something every second of the day. We hear these days about “fake” news. We know we can’t “believe everything we read.” So, what can we do? There is freedom when you can unplug and just be still in God’s presence. You can hear so much more.

Today in my stillness, I can hear the wind rustling in the trees, birds chirping, car horns in the distance, a dog barking (not mine), and a rooster cock-a-doodle-doing (they do that here in Mexico it seems at every hour of the day)! In my quiet time, I have God’s word. As verse 5 and 6 says, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” I don’t need to worry about fake news. I can trust God and his word.

Hebrews 4:12-13 – Word of God

Read Hebrews 4:12-13

While today’s Bible reading is short, it’s powerful. Any time God’s word talks about itself I stop and listen. It’s the instruction book of life we all long to have. It’s our love story with God. It illuminates the foundation of what we believe. It’s God’s gift to us.

How many times do you read a familiar passage but it sounds different? There is a new message that jumps out this time that you didn’t hear before. That’s a great example of what the writer says here, “[F]or the word of God is alive and powerful.” God’s word is alive and speaks to us differently at different times. It certainly is powerful when you think of how it fits so beautifully together, building on itself, one passage supporting another. Continue reading “Hebrews 4:12-13 – Word of God”

Ephesians 6:10-24 – Be Strong

Read Ephesians 6:10-24

Verse 10 is one of my go-to verses when I’m feeling weak and unsure of myself. Those times come more often than I’d like to admit, but having the assurance God is protecting is all I need to feel energized. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power!” We can all call upon this mighty power to help us stay strong and courageous during the storms of life.

The verses that follow have always been important to me, too, because they speak of how God equips us, the broken sinner, to be ready for the world each day. The armor of God was fun to teach children as well because it was so easy to act out. While the “armor” we had available, shoes, shield, helmet, and belt we used for our dramatization look completely different than what the 1st century Christians were using, the visual is still very helpful in making an impression. Continue reading “Ephesians 6:10-24 – Be Strong”