For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Bible reading brings our temporal life and struggles into God’s eternal life and victory. Simply reading the scriptures brings us into life, power, and the sharpness. With one stroke of the word, we can be brought into separation from our soul and spirit, and joints from marrow. The word goes so far as to discern for us the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. I know no other book that can do that.
This is why the word is truth, and when read with a soft heart receiving the truth of the word we are transformed from glory to glory. Sometimes, the scripture catches (convicts) before it releases (frees) us. Sometimes, it frees us from lies we have held as truth. Sometimes, my motives are revealed, and God’s will returns as primary. It is simply amazing how full of life, power, and clarity the word of God is.
Luke 20 – 24
Jesus is being examined by the Pharisees and Sadducees. He in turn examines them in their hypocrisy. The widows two mites are more than all have given, the signs of the end, and the importance of watching in prayer. Jesus institutes the Lord’s supper, speaks of one who will betray Him, and the disciples argue among themselves as to which of them will be the greatest. Prayer in Gethsemane (Jesus often went there to pray) and when He came this night, He came “to the place.” Prayer builds a place, both in heaven and on earth, of heavenly communication and union. Jesus faces Herod. He is crucified and buried. The resurrection, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”, the angels ask the women. Luke 24:7 In chapter twenty four, we witness, and can claim for ourselves, the burning hearts caused by the opening of scriptures and an opened understanding that brings comprehension of the scriptures.
John 1, 2
John is the disciple whom Jesus loved. John spent time in Jesus’ bosom. John is old at the writing of the Gospel of John, and so we gain many insights into the heart of God and the workings of His Son. Behold the Lamb of God! The first miracle of turning water into wine, and the temple is cleansed at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Colossians 3, 4
Seek the things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, and so chapter four compels us into the new creation in Christ. Put off the old man, and put on the new man, but above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Apply all these truths to all primary relationships while we continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
1 Thessalonians 1 – 5
As one of Paul’s first letters written, this epistle is filled with calling us into faith, hope, and love, turning to God from idols. Paul uses himself as an example of love, identifies with their persecutions acknowledging our union together in glory and joy. Chapter three is an encouragement in trials, and the truth that we are all one in these testing and rewards. Chapter four is the call to purity in our conduct with one another, especially in possessing our bodies in sanctification and honor. The revelation of the rapture is presented as a comfort to those who have lost loved ones in the faith. They sleep now but will proceed those alive at Jesus’ coming. Chapter five builds on this revelation and many other charges to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2 Thessalonians 1
Hold your patience and faith in your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. God is coming to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe!
Exodus 20 – 27
The ten commandments are given. The people are afraid and stand back They ask Moses to continue the conversation with God and to tell them what to do. Moses is then given more laws in chapters 21 – 23. The promise of the Angel keeps them and brings them into the place God has prepared. Chapter 24, the covenant is confirmed, the elders come up on the Mountain and they saw His heavenly realm. Moses is called up further “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there.” For seven days Moses waits outside the cloud of glory until the Lord calls him out of the midst of the cloud and Moses enters into the midst. God’s plans for His tabernacle are now given to Moses in chapters 25 – 27. And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. Exodus 25:8, 9
Psalms 15 – 19
These Psalms of David are some of my favorite Psalms. “Who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? Psalm 15:1 “O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.” Psalm 16:5 “As for me, I will see Your facie in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I wake in Your likeness.” Psalm 17:15 Psalm 18 is David’s famous Psalm that he writes on the day the Lord delivered him from all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalms 19:1
Isaiah 58 – 63
We are in some very powerful prophecies, beginning with the fast the Lord has chosen in chapter 58. The Lord saw there was no intercessor, so He sent His own right arm (Jesus). Isaiah 59. Arise shine for your light has come! Isaiah 61 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because the Lord has anointed me. Isaiah 62. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. Isaiah 62. “I looked, but there was no one to help, and I wondered that there was no one to uphold; Therefore, My own arm brought salvation for Me and My own fury, it sustained Me.” Isaiah 63: 5
