by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalms 1-3
Whew! We made it through Job and now we get a reward: the book of Psalms, one of the favorite books in the Bible.
Most of the psalms were written by David, and most of them were actually sung. This great king developed his gift as a singer and songwriter when he was out in the field, tending sheep as a young boy. That’s also when he developed his attitude of praise. As he looked around at the heavens, the mountains, and the beauty around him, David recognized his Creator as a great and mighty God.
That attitude of praise and worship stayed with him throughout his life. Thus the prolific book of Psalms which has strengthened and encouraged millions since .
David was also a prophet. Even though he didn’t sit in the office of a prophet, many of his psalms are clearly prophetic of the eventual Savior and God’s overall purposes. So often we can gain insight into how our God is operating in this present day by reading some of David’s psalms. Clearly God’s anointing operated in this man’s life as he composed his songs and poems.
We will see several themes laid out throughout the book. One is the significance of God’s Word and a life lived accordingly. Another is the faithfulness of God to those who are faithful to Him. A third is how important it is to have a heart that is circumcised unto God. In many ways, David was a foreseer of our present day covenant with our God.
Many of these concepts are introduced in the first three psalms. David starts with the importance of God’s Word and the life lived accordingly. He even understands the idea of meditating in the Word and allowing it to permeate one’s existence. That life will be flourishing even when those around it are not. (Even in periods of drought).
David goes on into the 2nd psalm with an amazing prophetic statement concerning our Savior. In fact, this scripture is quoted by Paul in Acts 13:33 as he is introducing Jesus to the Jews at Antioch. This Word is fulfilled in the Messiah.
The third psalm shows David’s remarkable humility throughout his life. This psalm is written when he is fleeing from his own son, who is trying to take over the kingdom. When David was fleeing from Saul for eight years, a king who was trying to find him and kill him, David trusted the Lord for his defense. We see the same when Absalom is trying to overthrow his father. David leaves the city and gives up his throne until the time when the Lord would make a way to bring him back.
Such humility! Such a trusting attitude! Oh we would do well to follow in these footsteps.
Acts 17:1-15
“These men who have upset the world have come here also.”(V. 6) As Paul and Silas preach Jesus to the Jews at Thessalonica, that’s the response from the leaders. In fact, they bring out the man, Jason, who has allowed them to stay with him, and accuse him before the city authorities. Thus, Paul and Silas have to leave by night and go to Berea.
The Bereans are “more noble-minded than those at Thessalonica,” (V. 11), in that they search the scriptures to see if these things be so. The Bereans are a good example for us today. Our understanding of God and His Word are progressive. The longer we live and walk with Him, if we continue to study and allow Him to teach us, we will grow in our understanding.
Being like the Bereans is a noble attribute, indeed. If we hear a teacher of the Word bring out some light we have never seen before, we need to search the Word to see if these things be so. Otherwise, we crystalize our understanding and never grow in our knowledge of God’s plan and purpose.
I want to be learning more from God all the days of my life. That means that sometimes what I think I know will be challenged. At those times, it is important to be teachable and willing to listen, looking to the Word for the final decision.
I will give an example of what I’m suggesting. About 200 years ago a “cessation” theology came onto the scene. This doctrine says that many of the gifts of the Spirit which came with the introduction of Christianity have ceased. Over the years, many Christians have subscribed to that doctrine, and have become crystalized in their thinking.
Today there are many Christians operating in these gifts, which others have said are no longer in existence. When confronted with the possibility that their doctrine may be wrong, these “cessationists” hold firm to their beliefs without looking to the Word. There is no Word which says the gifts are no longer here.
To be like a Berean would be to go to the Word and decide. Let the Lord teach you through His Word. You may be taking a giant leap forward in the new information which is given.
If we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us through His Word, we will never go wrong.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Job 38-40
I love it when God shows up, don’t you? If there is anything which will shut up a bunch of silly speculation, it’s God’s own voice permeating the atmosphere!
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind…”(38:1). Get ready: this is going to be good.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?”(38:4). That’s a good question, isn’t it? Then what about this one? “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place?”(38:12)
Then He goes on to ask question after question. “Do you know the time the mountain goats give birth?”(39:1).” Who sent out the wild donkey free?”(39:5). “Do you give the horse his might?”(39:19). “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars?”(39:26).
There is but one God, Creator of heaven and earth. He is the designer of the universe and all that is in it. It was His idea to create man in His image.
So when God shows up and starts asking questions, there is nothing to do but agree.
So Job responds appropriately, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I do to reply to Thee? I lay my hand on my mouth.”(40:1). Good going, Job. that’s the right answer. Be quiet and listen.
God continues a little further. He compares Job’s power with that of a hippopotamus.
I think that Job is getting the point. (And we aren’t hearing a peep out of all of the friends).
We’ll wind up this encounter tomorrow. Are you ready?
Acts 15:36-41
Paul is such a zealous man for the gospel. He’s unstoppable and unwavering. When someone has character traits like that, they can truly be annoyed with those who are wishy-washy. We see some of that here.
In Acts 13:13 there’s a seemingly inconsequential verse, but now we see its significance. John Mark, a young Christian, had chosen to go with Paul and Barnabas as they sailed on their first missionary journey. I’m sure that he got caught up in the excitement of a journey, without thinking about the hardships of the travel or the toughness of the mission. But when they were in the middle of their trip, Mark decides he has had enough, and sails back to Jerusalem.
There is no mention of Paul being annoyed at the time, but we see his reaction in this current passage.
After the council meets in Jerusalem, Paul wants to go back to the areas they had visited and strengthen the churches. That’s fine with Barnabas, and he wants to take Mark.
Paul will have none of it, and the two apostles have such a “sharp disagreement” that they separate. (V. 39). That’s heavy. These two men who have worked so well together for the cause of the gospel get into a fight with each other over John Mark and what to do with him.
So Barnabas takes Mark with him and goes to Cyprus. Paul takes Silas and fulfills his mission to Syria and Cilicia.
I have seen several attempts to characterize Paul and Barnabas as to their gifts or personality types. Paul is a true apostle, with only one mission, and that is to fulfill God’s purpose. He is tough and unbending in his approach to this purpose, and has no time for the weak or vacillating character who might hinder the goal.
Barnabas, on the other hand, has been characterized as a true pastor, or shepherd in his nature. He knows that John Mark has fallen short, but he wants to give him a second chance. He is more interested in the person than the mission.
Both gifts are essential for God’s mission to be complete. There are those called to show patience and support for people as they grow. Then there are those who are so focused on the mission that they don’t have time for the weak. It’s interesting to see these two as they conflict in this passage.
As these men mature in their growth with God, each of them will come more toward the center. I think that Barnabas will get tougher. I know that Paul increases in his patience with others. In II Timothy 4:11, Paul tells Timothy to “Pick up mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.”
There is a mellowing of the pointed, unwavering character he once had. Paul now appreciates Mark, and he and Barnabas are probably good friends again.
This is typical. As we grow with God, the edges of our personalities will be sanded down. The harsh will get softer and the soft will get tougher. Even though the original traits are still quite obvious, the life spent with God will reduce the rough edges and cause more of His purposes to be manifest.
God’s purposes always include all of the gifts, because all are needed. After all, He is the one who designed it that way.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Job 34-37
Our young friend, Elihu, is on a roll and he continues to let everybody in on what he thinks. He is getting a little cocky, as he says, “For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.” (36:4) So Elihu thinks his reasoning surpasses them all.
Certainly this young man hits upon some truth as he exclaims the magnificence of our God. Our Creator is truly mighty and above reproach.
However, the big missing piece in all of the dissertations is evident to us on this side of the cross. God is credited or blamed with everything. There is no knowledge of the devil and his workings in the earth.
The full disclosing of Satan and his work wouldn’t be given until man would be able to deal with him. (And that would not come until man could be born again – after the resurrection of Jesus).
So Elihu is like his neighbors in that he thinks God is controlling everything, good or bad, that happens on the earth.
It’s time we hear from our Creator, Himself. We will tomorrow.
Acts 15
Today we encounter one of the greatest controversies in all of Christianity. The difference between the law and grace.
Until Jesus came and man could be born again, the Jewish law reigned supreme. The Jews were cultivated all of those years to protect the law and live by it. Not only the ten commandments, but the law of circumcision, and sundry laws which affected every area of life were given by God to protect His special people and keep them cognizant of His nature and His holiness.
Now all of a sudden, the rules change in a dramatic way. This is a difficult time for the Pharisees who have prided themselves on keeping the law. These Jewish leaders agree that the gentiles now have the benefit of the covenant with God, but they think that the new believers have to be circumcised.
When the council of elders meet, the men share their testimonies. Peter reminds everyone of how the Holy Spirit fell on the centurion and his family, with no mention of circumcision. The others share also, and the decision is made. Circumcision will no longer be a requirement. There will be very few requirements of the law for the Gentiles who believe.
The argument concerning the law versus grace is still troubling people today. Through the blood of Jesus we now have a righteousness based on grace and not works. Many misunderstand this. There are some who believe that outward dress and appearance are necessary to live a holy life. That’s not true. Others believe that grace means you can live a totally ungodly life and still be “okay” because of the blood of Jesus. That’s certainly not true either.
Because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we now have the opportunity to be born again. Our spirits can now come alive, a condition that was not available to people since the fall of God’s first man. Through this miracle of rebirth, we now have the very nature of our God living on the inside of us – leading us, guiding us, and empowering us to do His will.
This is the life of grace. So what does it mean? It means that we are not bound by the law, but our standard is higher than the law. Under the law, we shouldn’t commit adultery. Under grace, we won’t even lust after another’s wife or husband (Matthew 5:28). Under the law, we were not to kill. Under grace, we won’t even hate others. (Matthew 5:21)
Our lives under grace are such that we are walking as one with our God, our lives totally committed to Him and His will. Now we can live as we couldn’t before. Now we can understand mysteries as we couldn’t before. Now we can benefit from His love and mercy – and extend it to others, as never before.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Job 30-31
Job’s pride is being demolished, and he shows the anguish he feels. First, he makes note of all of the humiliation he is suffering from those around him – especially from the younger ones. There was a time when Job was held in high esteem, but now he considers himself a byword.
Then he goes on to list all of his good points.
- He doesn’t lust after women besides his wife.
- He doesn’t lie to others.
- He hasn’t abused his power by taking advantage of those less fortunate.
- He hasn’t trusted in his wealth.
- He has been compassionate even toward enemies.
Job wants to defend himself to God directly. He pleads to meet God and speak to Him personally.
He’s still trying to defend his righteousness.
In the middle of this, I have an ah-ha moment. Remember a couple of days ago we speculated about how Job communicated with God – and how he could know about Him?
Well, today, he mentions Adam – and how he covered himself. (31:33) We know that at the time of Job, there was no written word, but obviously there had been an oral tradition which had been passed down.
For Job to know about Adam, someone had to have passed that information down. So, though he hadn’t been privy to an established Word of God, he obviously had some knowledge of God and His workings in the earth.
A partial understanding was available, if not a complete one.
Acts 13:44-52
The attitude of Paul, Barnabas, and the early disciples amazes me! These men are exposing themselves to persecution and abuse by the Jewish leaders in every region they penetrate with the gospel. But that doesn’t seem to faze them. In fact they shake off the dust and move on , always “filled with joy and rejoicing.”(V. 52).
How could they be so positive? I believe it is that they are always filled with the Holy Spirit of God. He has enveloped them with His power and presence, and they are partaking of that heavenly element of life.
In the presence of God, there is “fullness of joy.”(Psalm 16:11). So when the disciples are allowing themselves to be filled with the presence of God, they have joy.
Throughout these next chapters of Acts, we will see how the persecution gets really heavy. Yet when they are sharing with the other apostles and telling them about their experiences, the emphasis is always on the joy of seeing others saved. They don’t whine about their abuse.
We could really benefit from some of this attitude. It’s easy sometimes to look around and notice how tough our lives are. (I dare say that none of us has approached anything like the hardship faced by Paul and Barnabas). We might not have the car payment this month. Or someone at work might have said something bad about us. Or we might have been mocked because of our stand for Jesus. We might have even lost our job, or suffered a divorce of illness.
However, none of us has been stoned. Or beaten. Or mobbed and thrown out of town.
Today, just as in Paul’s day, if we allow ourselves to be filled with God’s Spirit, our attitudes will be different. We won’t look at the hardships, but at the victories we have.
My husband has often compared the spirit-filled life with a sail in a hot air balloon. When we have lots of air (Spirit), we sail up high, far above the obstacles on the ground. When the air starts escaping, we start bumping into things. The idea is to stay filled and soaring, rather than empty and bumping into our problems.
The difference between the filled life and the empty life is not that the problems disappear. What changes is perspective. When we are soaring with God, we see our lives from a different angle – we see things the way He does. Most of what we worry about is small in His eyes and easily handled. If we will soar with Him, we will see our problems confronted more readily. Change can come quickly when we are soaring with God.
So let’s purpose in our hearts that today we are going to soar. We refuse to bump into every bothersome event around us. We are going to stay up high with our God and continue in the joyful life He has ordained for us.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Job 20-21
Why do the wicked prosper while good men remain poor? That’s Job’s question, and it’s also the one asked by many.
Some have an idea that God is “running the earth” to His liking, deciding who will be rich and who will be poor. But this concept totally overlooks the free will of men.
We are not puppets on the earth, with our Father pulling the strings. We are all free – wicked and righteous alike – to pursue our lives with the way we see fit.
Yet there are laws by which the earth runs. Vision, hard work, and diligence are all attributes which contribute to success and these are free to all. Besides that, families sometimes benefit from the vision and diligence of their ancestors. If an ancestor was very rich then the descendants might be also.
Being rich or poor does not in itself indicate a relationship with God. However, the rewards of vision and diligence can be multiplied by the blessing of the Lord.
There are many of God’s people seeking His Kingdom to such a degree that their diligence is in a vocation which doesn’t produce earthly wealth. Take a look at someone like Mother Teresa, for instance. Certainly she implemented all of the skills and virtues which would have made for wealth, if that were her pursuit. Yet that was not her pursuit, and her rewards from God came in a different way.
In my mind, the rewards of love, peace, and joy in a person’s life far out-rank any kind of material blessings.
One more note: when I talk about the free will of men, I don’t mean that God isn’t involved in our lives. He definitely is involved, and the more we seek Him, the more we will see His hand at work. In fact, when our lives are totally His, He will direct our paths, as we trust Him. And sometimes the trials we face cause us to seek Him in a deeper way.
Acts 10:23-28
Cornelius is excited! At the same time the Lord is giving Peter a vision and directing him to go to Cornelius, an angel appears to Cornelius and tells him to send for Peter. So the two are connected.
Cornelius really demonstrates his appreciation for the event in that he gathers his household, relatives, and close friends. This centurion truly values God’s gift of salvation. He wants it desperately, and he is about to get it!
“Now then we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” And Peter replies, “I most assuredly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him”(V. 33-35)
The outcome astounds those who have come with Peter. After Peter has proclaimed the gospel, the Romans believe and the Holy Spirit is poured out upon them as on the day of Pentecost. They begin to speak with other tongues and exalt God, having been transformed by God’s power.
This is a one more monumental day in the new dispensation. Now not only the Jews may receive Jesus, but it is obvious that the gentiles may receive Him also. It’s mind-boggling to the Jews. They are continually amazed at the Lord and all that is happening in this new season.
I can’t leave this passage without making one more note. If we take another look at Acts 10:38, we get a compelling view into the life of Jesus and the intentions of our Father. We see that Jesus “was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power” and He healed all that were oppressed of the devil.
So who was oppressing them? The devil. Who healed them? Jesus. How many did He heal? All that came to Him.
This shows us the will of God – that all would be healed. It also shows where the sickness and disease come from. The devil. Sometimes we come across traditions of men which try to deny these principles, but the Word is what I believe. If there are traditions which contradict the word, I want to discard them – and stick with God’s Word.
God is good – all the time. Jesus came that we might have life and that more abundantly! That’s the gospel in a nutshell, and I believe it. Don’t you?
