As January continues I wanted to pass along an encouragement to keep reading thru the Bible. Some of you have had a good start, but I know how things can slow down in some of those - "what in the world is he talking about?" - sections of Scripture. Be of good cheer...I find myself in that spot from time to time and I've been reading through Scripture for 35 years!
One of the best things to do is "pray" the Scripture you're reading. For example, this week in my teaching we're going to see the story of the Patriarchs that followed Abraham - Isaac and Jacob, and Jacob's 12 sons. Their story is not smooth, often filled with "what are they doing?" kinds of drama. Nevertheless you cannot help but see - as the stories unfold - how God is at work in the background.
I often imagine that God interrupts and moves things along much like a chess match. He makes a move and we try to play against him...but he always knows the best move to counter our flesh. So, when I read how Jacob deceives to get what he wants - however good it might be - I can stop and think about where I'm at with others in the things I want. Am I being deceptive? Trying to get through manipulation or deception to make things happen? The Psalms are full of those kinds of behavioral/belief contrasts. Pray those issues as you read. Ask God's Spirit to show you what you might be doing that is also like what you're reading.
At a recent Elder's meeting I asked the Elders to join me in praying for four weeks. Here's what we are doing each week, and I'd invite you to come along with us:
One of the best things to do is "pray" the Scripture you're reading. For example, this week in my teaching we're going to see the story of the Patriarchs that followed Abraham - Isaac and Jacob, and Jacob's 12 sons. Their story is not smooth, often filled with "what are they doing?" kinds of drama. Nevertheless you cannot help but see - as the stories unfold - how God is at work in the background.
I often imagine that God interrupts and moves things along much like a chess match. He makes a move and we try to play against him...but he always knows the best move to counter our flesh. So, when I read how Jacob deceives to get what he wants - however good it might be - I can stop and think about where I'm at with others in the things I want. Am I being deceptive? Trying to get through manipulation or deception to make things happen? The Psalms are full of those kinds of behavioral/belief contrasts. Pray those issues as you read. Ask God's Spirit to show you what you might be doing that is also like what you're reading.
At a recent Elder's meeting I asked the Elders to join me in praying for four weeks. Here's what we are doing each week, and I'd invite you to come along with us:
Week 1: Pray for yourself and your family. Pray
that you would know the riches of your salvation in Christ and that your family
would too. “Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may
know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his
glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Eph. 1:1)
Week 2: Pray for your neighbors, church, and
coworkers. Pray that our church would shine as a light in our communities. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill
cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14)
Week 3: Pray for villages, city and nation. Pray for our leaders, judges, and President. Pray that our nation would worship the one true God. “Ascribe
to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and
strength!” (1 Chron. 16:28)
Week 4: Pray for the world and the global
church. Pray that God would provide opportunities for the gospel to penetrate
unreached people groups. “At the same time, pray also for us, that God
may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.” (Col.
4:3)
Peace to you
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