May 26 - Do You Understand What You are Reading?

Acts 8:26-35

Today we read about Phillip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. “This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.” All indications are that he was reading from Isaiah 53, a wonderful prophecy about Jesus.
Phillip asks this man a key question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” And… Phillip goes on to explain the scripture including the gospel message. The eunuch believes and is baptized (Acts 8:36-38).

In my last Bible Blast I wrote about being able to share our faith. Paul gave an example by sharing his faith with the people of Athens in Acts 17:16-29. Now we are looking at the same topic.

This is an area where I have lots of room for improvement. I tend to think that most people have heard the gospel message and there is no need for me to share it. That is not true. Some quick research indicates that approximately 35% of the people in Franklin County identify themselves as Christian. That means that even if all of the 35% are truly believers, roughly two out of every three people that we encounter in Franklin County don’t know Jesus. Certainly some have heard the gospel and have not yet believed, but just as certainly a significant number of people have simply never heard – or like the Ethiopian, never understood.

Today’s reading and some other scripture verses provide some guidance when it comes to sharing our faith. Paul sets an example of sharing our faith in simple terms: 1 Corinthians 2:1 -2 “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Peter asks that we share our faith with gentleness and respect: 1 Peter 3:15 “ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” And now Phillip demonstrates that a familiarity with God’s Word is helpful when people are searching for truth but do not understand: Acts 8:30 “ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.”

These examples from scripture provide some good “food for thought” as we encounter people in our daily lives. Sharing our faith in simple terms, doing so with gentleness and respect, and studying God’s Word are all practices that we can put into good use!

Engaged Minds Want to Know

Years ago, when I was involved in the nursing home ministry, I learned how to prepare and share a brief message with the folks who lived there. This was a tool I would later learn to use to my own benefit. Having to choose a Bible text and share a few thoughts on those words and provide some application at the same time, grew me in so many ways.

I was speaking to the residents one day and a question was asked of me. I don't remember the question or my response, but what I do remember was my ability to use a scripture to respond. The words God gave me were found in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

It was the perfect response to the question asked and it provided opportunity for me to share my faith with these folks, and in turn, ask questions about their faith journey. I realized that day how God would use me for that season of my ministry. I always felt a connection to older people; my comfort level was not with the kids, but with their grandparents. What a revelation!

Once Satan recognized that Jesus knew scripture and that He could not be tempted because His mind was engaged with the Father's, "...the devil left Jesus. And heavenly messengers came and ministered to Him."(Matthew 4:11)

This was the beginning of my love for God's Word. It set me off on a journey to seek out passages in the Bible to help answer questions, get direction and find guidance. What a blessing it has been to discover how to engage my mind in this fashion.

 John 15:18-25 

 John 15:18-25 

An Adventure Book

Reading is fun, it is entertaining, it is educational, it is relational; and it is a wonderful use of our time. I love to read fiction, nonfiction, memoir, autobiographies; all genres. I have found that every time I start a new book, it takes a little bit to get into it; to be drawn in by the characters or the story-line.  But eventually I engage and move forward with being entertained, or taught some life lesson.

It was pretty much the same way with the Bible when I first attempted to get into this book. I was convinced to open my Bible to the old testament dig into it when I finished reading a fictional series by Lynn Austin called Chronicles of the King. This five-book series told of King Hezekiah and the history of his day. I was so captured by the story (and the scripture quoted) that I opened my Bible and began to discover a whole new world of intrigue, love, evil and good.

Over the years, I have garnered my favorite authors, who take me on new adventure with their roots in Scripture. The plot and story come from the pages of the Sacred Words of Scripture. The writer can deposit me right smack-dab in the middle of life application.

This has begun an exciting journey and relationship with the Bible. I will read many other books, but I always remember that they drew me to the complete Word of God and began an adventure that is still going strong. Give it a try.


Hebrews 3:7-9

Better Is One Day In Your Courts

I love music.  Worship songs allow me to lean into God and catch a glimpse of what it will be like in heaven.  I particularly love songs that come straight from scripture. Psalm 84 is one of those scriptures that has been put to music.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God. -Verse 1,2

Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  -Verse 10

Click here to listen to Better Is One Day, by Matt Redman

As you listen to the words. Spend some time thanking God for your blessings. It is so easy to take each day for granted. 

Psalm 84 also says

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, 

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

Lord Almighty,

blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Read  Psalm 84 here

God raised Jesus from the dead

   ApriL  18

Read Acts 2:22-24 and reflect on the passage.

I encourage you to re-read the scripture two More tines. This is a passage that will too easily be placed into a box of understanding for those who are familiar with it. After re-reading the Scripture, ask God what He wants to teach you about Himself and just listen for a couple of minutes; set a timer.

There are truths hidden within passages of Scripture that are easy to gloss over because “we have heard this before.” I am guilty of this as well. Yet I believe if we take even the most routine of Scripture and ask God to teach us something about Himself, we will see something different.

To me what stood out is that Jesus was not handed over because of a mistake, or even because of a rebellious apostle, but because God had purposed it. God has purposes in our world today and those purposes will continue with or without our agreeance or willingness to participate.

Jesus died and was raised but the story does not end there. God’s purposes remain and we are invited to participate—with the power of Jesus—in the continuing of God’s purposes for our world.

Questions

1. What is God teaching you about Himself today?

2. God’s purposes are continuing today; what are you going to do this week in response to that truth?

Prayer

Lord, what is Your will and purpose in the world today, and how can I join You in that?

—Aaron Benson

The Pages of History (His Story)

Romans 3:9-12 (MSG) So where does that put us? Do we Jews get a better break than the others? Not really. Basically, all of us, whether insiders or outsiders, start out in identical conditions, which is to say that we all start out as sinners. Scripture leaves no doubt about it: There's nobody living right, not even one, nobody who knows the score, nobody alert for God. They've all taken the wrong turn; they've all wandered down blind alleys. No one's living right; I can't find a single one.

We all start out equal; our feet are poised on the same starting block, anticipating the sharp sound which begins the race. No one holds an advantage, no one is better than another; we are all sinful humans, neck and neck as we inhale our first breath.

Then everything changes. The family we are born into shapes our steps, our first years. Their faith system, or lack of one, will prompt ours. We will be shaped into worldly beings with different tastes, likes, and dislikes. Some of us find silver spoons between our teeth while others, not so much.

The sweet thing about this is God considers us equal. From birth, we are loved with the same passion as our brothers and neighbors, by the same loving God. God is by our side from the beginning -- if we acknowledge Him or not. His Holy Spirit is prompting us to try something new and step outside our comfort zone. He is using people every day, to pull us to Him.

Growing up Catholic and attending Catholic grade school taught me about this man called Jesus. The one thing lacking for me was God's Word. I'd heard about the Bible but was never encouraged to read for myself. I grew up thinking only authorized personnel were permitted to open and read scripture

and pray for understanding.

Then I learned how much God wants me to love Him and walk at His side.  I discovered the most exciting way to do this was to dig in and check things out for myself. This journey of discovery is more thrilling every day. I wake up anticipating what God will have in store for me each morning between the pages of His Story.

Luke 24:13-33

On The Road To Emmaus

Two men traveling down a dirt road from Jerusalem to Emmaus were talking about everything that happened in Jerusalem to Jesus of Nazareth. They were approached by a stranger and asked what they were talking about. They could not believe he did not know of the event. He seemed oblivious. The two men share that “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” They had hoped Jesus was going to redeem Israel, but shared great disappointed that it had not happened. That Jesus was not the one.

As they traveled on foot together, this stranger shared with them what was in the scriptures about Jesus. He knew the complete version of the story, for He WAS Jesus, but they did not recognize him. He wanted his followers to know that His life, death, and resurrection were all foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. Can you imagine walking and talking with Jesus, and not knowing it’s him?

These two unknowing believers even got to share dinner with Jesus. At their table, Jesus broke bread and shared it with them. At that moment their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. Then in an instant, He disappeared. Just when they would have had the opportunity to have really had great conversation with Jesus, He vanished.

Perhaps there are times we too, unknowingly see, walk or talk with Jesus. He certainly has the power to arrive on the scene in a moments notice. If perchance Jesus does show up unannounced and in disguise, will we love Him as He modeled for us; unconditionally and without hesitation, with our whole heart?

This relational God we serve expects that of us. His sacrifice was for everyone. His love knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is unending. Is ours?

Read/Listen to: Luke 24:13-33

Cheer Up, God is Near You

Psalm 42:11 (NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Depression strikes each of us at some time in our life. We all face depression for a day or two once in a while. It is a normal occurrence.  Maybe we are in a difficult or trying season and can't shake the sadness. Often after enduring the death of a loved one, we emerge from mourning only to face an intense sorrow, one we can't seem to climbing out of.

The practice of writing in my journal and praying while seeking out God's direction from the pages of Scripture always helps me overcome the depression which comes from life hitting you hard. The Goid News is God's Word is filled with encouragement and direction.

For instance the other day, after listening to national news and hearing of war and hatred, and then the local news where again there was much violence and death, I started to wonder what this world was coming to. Can we be salvaged? I opened my Bible and began to read, and the words in John 16:33 came alive. "I have told you these things, so that in my you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world." 

Put your hope in God. Nothing can be gained from turning to the world for peace or joy. Psalm 27 teaches in verse 1: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear. The LORD is the stronghold of my life whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 42:6-11

Training and Equipping

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

As we conclude our Sunday Study of The Word for September, I was reflecting on what the other writers I am privileged to share this blog with, had to say. Though we live miles apart and do not collaborate regarding what we will author, and have written from many different Books of the Bible, including Psalms, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Proverbs, Revelation, Hebrews, etc., a common theme surfaces. Below are a few excerpts from the September Blog writings I feel compelled to share. This BOOK is a true gift from our Father! 

"But the Bible is present. The Holy Spirit is alive and active within the pages of scripture! Faith is created when we spend time in the Word, faith is strengthened when we spend time in the Word, and God often speaks to us through His word." 

"When we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns our Faith is ignited. Discernment comes into play as we seek to understand the words which lay open at our fingertips."

"God has given parents a tremendous responsibility when he entrusts them with one of his souls. A key part of that responsibility is to teach their children God’s Word, and train them to be disciples."

 "We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word."

"Still, instruction is clearly the smoother route and we do well to travel it as much as we can.  So to that end, Solomon hands us his atlas of proverbs and bids us farewell on our trip to Wisdom with this sage advice: Travel the freeway of instruction ... you’ll know it when you see it ... it’s the path that begins with the fear of the Lord." 

"Reading scripture on a regular basis and delving into His Word attempting to learn how to apply it to our lives, will keep us clear thinking." 

"What better tool to use than God’s Word." 

"The Life Application Bible Notes puts it this way - The Bible is like medicine: It goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, or examples that you can put into practice."

Amen!

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

                 Looking for inspiration? “Google It!”

I did. As I read through the hundreds of inspirational quotes, it occurred to me that though not stated, a good portion of them were bible based whether the author of the message intended it to be or not. It is true that many quotes people think came from the bible,  have no biblical base, such as “God helps those who help themselves,” but to an extent it is good to know that God’s name is being referenced in the life of those who may not be truly committed. There are also verses spoken by preachers and teachers of the word that may not be directly taken from the bible yet reference how we are to live our lives based on biblical principles, like one of my favorites from Chuck Swindoll. 

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are reminded: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

If we are familiar with God's word, we can make reference to his teachings and help others make connections to the bible; our training manual for life, when we have the opportunity. Everyone loves to be inspired, so let's use our daily circumstances and interactions to direct others to His Word. What does the bible say?

1 Chronicles 28:20                    James 1:23-25
Deuteronomy 31:6                    1 John 3:18
Joshua 1:9                                Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 27:14                              1 Peter 1:13
1 John 1:9                                  Hebrews 6:11-12
Philippians 4:13                         Daniel 11:32
Proverbs 28:13                          Luke 11:9
James 4:10                               James 2: 14-17
...and many more                      ...and many more

            2 Corinthians 5:17

            James 1:12
            Romans 5: 3-5
            Matthew 24:13
            Hebrews 10:36
            Acts 2:38
            Matthew 18: 21-22
            Psalm 32:5
            Luke 23:43
            ...and many more

God's Word on God's Word

[Blogger's note:  In the devotional text for the day, John 10:31-42 (to read, click here), Jesus asserted this eternal truth:  the Scripture cannot be broken.  Today’s blog post further explores what Scripture says about itself.  With the exception of this introduction, today's blog post consists entirely of the word of God.]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. [John 1:1-2[

Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.  [Psalm 119:89]  By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.  [Psalm 33:6]

Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. [Deuteronomy 8:3]  Every word of the Lord is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.  [Proverbs 30:5]  For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.  [Psalm 33:4]

O Sovereign Lord, you are God!  Your words are trustworthy.  [2 Samuel 7:28]  The sum of your word is truth.  [Psalm 119:160 (NASB)]  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.  [Isaiah 40:8]

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  [John 1:14]

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  [Hebrews 1:3]

Scripture cannot be broken.  [John 10:35]  Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  [Matthew 5:17-18]  It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.  [Luke 16:17] 

The word of the Lord endures forever.  [1 Peter 1:25]  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  [Matthew 24:35]  The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.  [John 6:63]

God's word is not chained.  [2 Timothy 2:9]  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  [2 Timothy 3:16-17]  For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  [Hebrews 4:12]

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.  He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.  [Revelation 19:13]

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  [John 17:17]

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  [John 15:3-4]  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God  [1 Peter 1:23]

When you received the word of God ... you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.  [1 Thessalonians 2:13]  Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  [2 Peter 1:20]

Blessed ... are those who hear the word of God, and obey it.  Luke 11:28  Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  [John 14:21]

Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.  [John 6:68-69]