Scripture reading is the only way into the fullness of God. Without God’s word, we are powerless against the devil and subject to the world. Jesus said, in His prayer to the Father, before being offered up as our sacrifice:
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. John 17:15-19
Today, more than ever, we need His truth in His word. Jesus used the word of God to defeat Satan on the Mount of Temptation. Reading aloud God’s word sanctifies us especially when we don’t feel like it. This is when I need to read and hear God’s word the most.
Mark 10 – 16
This week, we finish Mark. There is so much movement and faith in these seven chapters. Mark, being the first gospel written, is concise and powerful as we open our hearts in faith.
1 Corinthians 9 – 16
We will finish 1 Corinthians this week. Paul sets the standard for ministry and service, as well as the examples of Israel’s failing in the wilderness. Idolatry, conscience, and the Lord’s supper are addressed. Spiritual gifts, unity, diversity of the body, and love are set forth. Then in Chapter 15, Paul lays forth the resurrection and future glory that we shall have.
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14
Deuteronomy 34
Moses goes up to Mount Nebo and is shown all the promised land. There he dies at one hundred and twenty years, fully alive.
Joshua 1 – 8
Joshua is now Israel’s leader and is given the promise and instruction on how he is to fearlessly lead. It’s the word of God meditated on day and night. Spies were sent into Jericho, crossing over the Jordan, memorial stones, circumcision and then the destruction of Jericho occurred in Chapters 2 through 6. The sin of Archan, who kept for himself the spoils of Jericho after the Lord had declared it was all His. Defeat, Joshua is dismayed, then the sin is dealt with. Then Ai falls.
Psalm 99 – 103
The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! Psalm 99:1 These Psalms activate faith and praise. Psalm 103 is one of my favorites.
Ezekiel 13 – 17
God’s rebuke to the prophets who envision futility rather than repentance. Idolatry will be punished. God recounts His love for Jerusalem at her birth, into marriage, and then her adultery against Him, in Chapter 16. The judgment that is coming cannot be diverted through the efforts of man, but then God will plant a humble people and exalt His people again.
