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 41-42
Well today we get to the end of the book of Job. God is continuing to speak, and Job is listening. “Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?”(41:1)
Leviathan is another word for a crocodile, but toward the end of the chapter, the reference seems to aim toward Satan himself.
When Job answers, there is total humility before God. He realizes that his speculation has been inaccurate. “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”(42:3)
He goes on to say, “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee.” (42:5)
When we started out, Job was self-assured that he had been this perfect man. Now, as he stands before God, Job realizes how small he really is. He also realizes how great God is. “Therefore I retract and I repent in the dust.” (42:6)
There is a moment for each of us when we face our God. Hopefully, we receive that moment in this life, because we will face Him sooner or later. (It’s not a good thing to wait until later). As Job sees God for the first time, he realizes that no one is “righteous” before God. Our Creator is so holy that there is no human who can compare.
It is in this frame of mind that Job repents and realizes that much of his speculation has been inaccurate.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
So God’s grace is poured out upon Job, in that he receives back double what the devil had stolen from him. He had 7,000 sheep before; now he has 14,000. He had 3,000 camels before; now he has 6,000. He had 500 yoke of oxen before; now he has 1,000. He had 500 female donkeys before; now he has 1,000. He goes on to have more children and his life is blessed for 140 more years. Job lives to see his grandchildren to four generations. What a blessed life, wouldn’t you say?
Over the years I have seen many people want to claim that they were going through the “Job experience.” I personally never claim that. Job was not in covenant with God and I am, through Jesus.
Of course, I have had times when obstacles were really prevalent, and “going got tough.”I have recognized those times as times when the devil was raising his head in my life. However, I always sought the Lord for the proper weapons to be used for my defense. I know that my Father is for me, and not against me, and He has provided us with weapons of warfare which destroy the works of the devil.
Remember, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Acts 16
After having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go into Asia, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him to come. So he heeds the Spirit of God and sails to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia. The episode which ensues is one of Paul’s finest.
As he is preaching the gospel, a young girl is following him, crying out, “These men are bond servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” (V. 17). Now since she is speaking the truth, it would be easy to assume that this girl is a witness sent by God. However, she isn’t.
Rather than helping Paul’s mission, the girl is hindering it. Her continual shouting is creating confusion for those trying to hear Paul’s message. So Paul casts a demon of divination out of the girl, and she immediately stops the irritating behavior.
More trouble for Paul and Silas. The girl’s masters had been using her for fortune telling and such., and now with the demon out of her, she has lost her power to do that. So her masters charge the two apostles with “proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept.”(V.21).
The magistrates tear off the robes of Paul and Silas and beat them with rods. (Inflicting many blows). (V. 23) Then the two are thrown into prison – not just the prison proper, but the “inner prison.”
Now put yourself in their predicament for a moment. You have been stripped and beaten with many blows, so you are bloody and hurting. Then you are thrown into an inner prison where it is dark and moldy. Finally your feet are put in stocks. Your very life is being threatened. What would you do or say? Most people would have a pity party at that point. (We are trying to do God’s will, and this is what we get. Oh, God, where are you?)
Not Paul and Silas. In fact at midnight, they are singing hymns and praises to God so that the other inmates hear them. (They must have been singing pretty loudly). These amazing men of God are showing to all the reality of their faith. Their praises at this dark moment are drawing angels to the scene.
And God shows up! An earthquake shakes the prison and everyone’s chains are unfastened. Imagine that. The moment is so profound to the chief jailer that he runs in and falls down before Paul and Silas asking how he might be saved. This God is real!!
So the first church in Philippi is started by the jailer and his family and friends.
Then Paul brings to the attention of the magistrate that he is a Roman citizen, and he is released.
Once again, what the devil had meant for evil, turned out to be for good. The first church in Philippi was now started on a strong foundation of faith in God’s power.
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 32-33
Elihu speaks up. He is younger than Job and all of the other friends, so he has waited to speak. He wants to hear what the others would say, and besides that, he’s shy. However, he can refrain himself no longer. With the zeal of a teenager, he lets them all “have it.”
Elihu is angry with Job because he justifies himself before God, and he is angry with the friends because they are condemning Job. Nobody is pleasing him.
To Job, he says, “I have heard the sound of your words: ‘I am pure; without transgression.'” And he continues, “Behold let me tell you, you are not right in this, for God is greater than man.”
It’s refreshing when you see young people spout their zeal. Sometimes there is some confusion, and not the wisdom which will come later, but when the young have pure hearts, they always take up for God.
There is an idealism in devout young men that you often don’t see in older ones. They are ready to believe that God is really who He says He is. Nothing is impossible with Him.
I like that! I pray that we will keep that attitude – or recover it – all the days of our lives.
Acts 14
Faithful and unstoppable! Those are two words which describe Paul.
As Paul and Barnabas are introducing the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles who live in Asia, they encounter a man who has been lame from his mother’s womb. Seeing his faith, Paul commands him to rise and walk, and of course, he does. Paul is acting with his faithfulness to the Lord.
It’s amazing to see what happens after such notable miracles take place. At first the crowds think the apostles are gods, and start bringing sacrifices. But a short time later, they get stirred up by the Jews, and stone Paul, dragging him out of the city (supposing him to be dead). “But while the disciples stood around him, he arose and entered the city.”(V.20). Truly unstoppable.
Paul is a powerful man of God. He gets stoned or beaten and gets right back up and goes again. If he had been stoned enough to be supposed dead, he had to be badly beaten, but his condition didn’t stop him. (Actually, I’m quite sure that some divine healing was taking place there also).
As is usual for him, instead of soliciting pity, Paul is busy thinking about strengthening the souls who had just committed to the Lord. He wants to leave them in a strong state, so he appoints elders and gives them encouraging words before leaving the territory.
Finally, as the disciples arrive back at Antioch, they gather the church together and share “all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”(V.27)
As we study the life of Paul in the New Testament, we see this trait many times. He emphasizes what God is doing – not what the enemy is doing. Many of us would have gathered the church together to whine about the stoning or the hard days of travel. Not Paul. He always emphasizes God and not man or the devil.
I want to emulate that characteristic in my life. Every day we have the opportunity to focus on what God is doing – or focus on what the devil is doing. I want to focus on the former. When we keep our eyes on our God – and not the problems we face, our faith stays high – and so does our morale.
Paul is such an excellent example for all of us. I want to be more like him. For that matter, I want to be more like Jesus! I know that you do, too.
