This week, we are in the Epistles. It will be a coupling of grace through faith. The word of God read and listened to, mixed with faith (our accepting what we are reading as truth) moves us into obedience (attentively hearing under) as we enter into His rest. Rest is ceasing from our own labors and entering what the Father has accomplished in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As we read together this week, let’s practice receiving grace through faith. We will let the miracles of Exodus inspire vision of our own deliverance. Psalms become our praise and each declaration our confession of God’s faithfulness and ability to deliver. Isaiah is calling us higher still with powerful imagery of salvation by grace through faith.
All scripture is inspired by God making us complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. As we receive with meekness the implanted word it goes about saving our souls. Truth makes us free. We mix what we are reading with faith. Inspired by its inspiration, we are complete in Christ, equipped for every good work and our souls return to rest in salvation.
Luke 6 – 12
We will begin with Beatitudes, that call us into heart obedience. Here is the kingdom of God’s constitution. In chapter seven is miracles, John the Baptist in doubt, and a sinful woman forgiven. The parable of the Sower, Jesus asleep in the boat under the word God’s word, “Let us cross over…” Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter, and a woman with a twelve year old issue, are both touched. In chapter nine, the twelve our sent out, the five thousand are fed, Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ, the Mount of Transfiguration, John and James are rebuked for not knowing what spirit they are of, and the cost of discipleship renewed. In chapter ten, the seventy are sent out and come back with joy. Martha invites Jesus to her house and Mary sits at His feet to hear His word. In chapter eleven, the Lord’s prayer is given at the request of the disciples wanting to be taught to pray. Ask, seek, knock, God will give the Holy Spirit to everyone who asks. Chapter twelve is the call to be a faithful servant, the blessing, and the warning. Jesus came to send fire.
Galatians 5 – 6
The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. We are to walk in the Spirit (fruit) being led by the Spirit and thereby not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Take time and imbibe the Sprit and His fruit, love. What does it feel like? Joy—time to cheer up. Peace—we are safe here. Take each fruit and imbibe. Chapter six is sharing one another’s burdens, don’t grow weary while doing good, and Christ is everything, the new creation.
Ephesians 1 – 5
Read slow and let your heart absorb the truths of our redemption in Christ. Each verse carries promises so rich and accessible. There are two prayers of Paul, in chapter one and three, to pray and receive. In chapters four, we begin walking worthy of such a high calling in humility in love. We are all in one body, not many. We are all growing up into Christ, the head, and putting off the old man and putting on the new man. Forgiveness and love. Chapter five we are called to walk in love, walk in the light, walk in wisdom, and follow the pattern of Christ and the church for our marriages.
Exodus 3 – 10
Moses and the burning bush—We see his reluctance to go back to Egypt and God’s insistence and covenant renewal in a most unusual way. Moses shows the signs, and encourages the elders of Israel. Pharoah is unimpressed and increases the burdens on Israel’s back. The elders are discouraged, Moses is discouraged, and God is decreeing that He has made Moses as God to Pharaoh. Let the plagues begin. In chapters seven through ten, Moses brings the nine plagues, as Pharaoh hardens his heart after each one.
Psalms 5 – 10
Some of the best loved Psalms are in our reading this week. Read slowing, as praise to the Lord. Let David’s word become your words and the truths in the Psalms will transform your life as it did David’s. Psalms, as praise, brings courage to our life, thanksgiving in our living, and strength to our soul. These are our Psalms, our praise, and our promises.
