His words are spirit and life.
The Bible is a book of life. Jesus lived in it, declared it, and was submitted to it. He knew the word written must be fulfilled. He therefore was fearless in the face of a storm, a crowd who sought His life, and a lack of resources to feed 5,000+. God’s word must be fulfilled. He submitted to the word and resisted the devil on the Mount of Temptation. Jesus submitted to the word and was arrested at Gethsemane, saying to His disciples who sought to prevent His arrest, “How then can the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus” (Matthew 26:54)?
Word became flesh and the Son of Man submitted to the word of God unto death, and then The Word of God was resurrected from the dead. Oh, what a glorious gift we have been given to walk this life on earth in the power of His word!
WATCH – That I May Know Him Week 9
GOSPELS
Luke 13 – 19
This week we will walk through some amazing parables, exhortations, warnings, and Kingdom truths—most of which are recorded only in Luke’s gospel. Take time to ponder these amazing truths all given by Jesus to establish yourself in the truth of the gospel and the heart of God. At the end of this week, we enter Jerusalem in Jesus’ triumphant entry as He weeps over the city and declares this indictment, “…you did not know the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:44b).
EPISTLES
Ephesians 6
Paul calls us to honor and love in child-parent relationships, to the fear of God in employee and employer relationships, and into the armor of God in standing in Christ and praying always. Powerful chapter.
Philippians 1 – 4
Paul is writing from Rome, sharing his heart of love and sincerity of service. He calls us to one mind and that being the mind of Christ – humility – that brought Jesus to the exalted place He now holds. We model this working out of our salvation with fear and trembling. In Chapter 3 he calls us to embrace our losses in exchange for gaining Christ and the greatest freedom: being found not having to sustain our own righteousness through works (which is entirely impossible). We are encouraged to know Christ in His resurrection and sufferings. Chapter 4 reveals practical truths being worked out in joy, gentleness, and generosity.
Colossians 1 – 2
As we begin Colossians we notice similarities to the book of Ephesians in the revelations, prayers, and practical applications. I love this book because it expands areas of God’s provision for us in Christ. In Chapter 2 are warnings to not go backward into the law as a means to righteousness, but to be vigilant so that, “As you, therefore, have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6).
TORAH
Exodus 11 – 19
The journey of deliverance has begun with the 10th plague, the plundering of the Egyptians’ wealth, and leaving on the exact day that the Lord had prophesied to Abraham these events 430 years prior. God now begins removing the mindset of Egypt out of the Hebrews during the 40-year training in the wilderness. First stop is the Red Sea and there’s no way out! The Song of Moses is sung, Israel is led to bitter waters made sweet, and given manna (which translates: “What’s that?”). Now water from the rock, then Jethro’s (Moses’s father-in-law) advice, and then to Mount Sinai for Moses to bring the people to meet with God in Chapter 19.
POETRY
Psalms 11 – 14
These Psalms of David establish his unaltering trust in the Lord. Allow confidence to come to you in your circumstances because of God’s unfailing love and salvation.
PROPHETS
Isaiah 53 – 57
Isaiah 53 contains the prophecy that reveals God’s heart most through His provision of the suffering servant. Read our Lord’s submission to the Father’s decisions to become the offering for sin once and for all. Isaiah 54 calls those who are forsaken carriers of His promise to assurance of His commitment to fruitfulness. Isaiah 55 we are in the new way, in God’s word never returning void. Isaiah 56 we are promised, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). In Chapter 57 Isaiah addresses idolatry, its futility, and God’s promise of delivering His people from it.
