by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalms 16-18
There is a place in God’s presence which empowers us beyond anything the human mind can imagine. When we are in that place, we see Him for who He is – the author of all that is in existence. The One who set the world in order and designed all of its elements. He placed us here in our time and in our space, and for our purpose.
When we are in God’s presence and see him for who He is, there is nothing which could bring fear upon us. Sure there are enemies out there. Sickness, financial burdens, marital problems, and issues with our children still exist, but our God has an answer for every one of them.
Through our God, “we can run upon a troop and leap over a wall.” (18:29) Sounds a little like Superman, doesn’t it?
Well, we do become super people when we engage ourselves with our Almighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. There is nothing too difficult for Him. He always has the answer for us. Sometimes He will give us wisdom about what we are to do. Then sometimes He will accomplish miracles on our behalf.
Our God is a faithful God. He is our Rock. He is Wings over us, protecting us. He is our Shelter and our Deliverer.
“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed my heritage is beautiful to me.” (16:6)
Acts 19: 23- 20:16
Everywhere Paul goes there seems to be an uproar. Most of the time, it’s the Jews afraid of losing control of their congregations. In Asia, however, Paul is upsetting some of the Pagan economy. The silversmiths, who have been prospering by crafting statues of Artemis, riot. They are afraid that Paul will turn the people against the god they are selling. So Paul leaves the area and goes to Greece.
Then a crowd gets stirred up against him in Greece, and he has to leave there also. Does this seem like an indelible pattern to you? He really makes folks mad! They want to kill him. Actually, it’s the devil who is stirring up the people; he doesn’t want the word about Jesus to be spread.
Now for all of you ministers who have been concerned about people falling asleep in your services, Paul has the same problem. (Of course, it’s because his sermons last until after midnight). Eutychus, falling into a deep sleep, tumbles from the third story, and dies. Paul, however, raises the boy from the dead and goes on preaching.
Paul and his crowd are in constant expectation of miracles. That’s an element our modern-day church has lost. Most people are so geared toward medicine and science, they don’t expect God to move in a spectacular way. But He does still, when people believe Him.
I want to take the wraps off of my faith in Him. I want to expect the supernatural in my everyday life. I have seen many miracles, and I want to see even more.
The God we serve is beyond our comprehension. When we try to understand all of who He is with our finite minds, we miss it…and we limit Him in our lives.
I hope you will join me in allowing our faith to be stretched. There is nothing too difficult for our God!
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalms 10-15
David had some tough times during his lifetime. He had to hide from Saul who was trying to kill him, and from Absalom for the same reason. There were others also, who were provoked by the devil to attack God’s anointed one. Some lied about him; others tried to do bodily harm.
As David wrote his poems and songs, he poured out his heart. One of the themes which came up often was lament of the fact that evil people still prospered in the earth. He wanted to see justice right away.
In almost every case, however, even though David would cry and complain, he would wind up his poetry with one more exclamation about God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His justice. “O Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble; Thou wilt strengthen their heart; Thou wilt incline Thine ear.” (10:17) “For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.”(11:7). “Thou, O Lord, wilt keep Thy words.”(12:7).
It sometimes seems that David talks to himself, and reminds himself of God’s goodness.
That’s something we need to do. Everyone has tough times. There are times when we are treated unjustly and it seems that “life just isn’t fair.” During those times, we need to talk to ourselves, just as David did. We need to remind ourselves of God’s goodness and His faithfulness.
In fact, we can take some of David’s own words and do some therapy on our own minds. “I will sing unto the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”(13:6) That’s a good verse to use in times of trouble. He has dealt bountifully with all of us, and we need to remember it.
When we are going through hard times, it is easy to start focusing on the negative things which occur. We may have one thought which gets fixated in our mind’s eye, and that thought dominates our attitude. That’s when we should do as David did, and shake it off. Begin to quote some of his words and substitute the new thoughts with the negative ones.
Our mood can change in an instant when we substitute the thoughts of praise. There is always something to praise God for, and He is faithful to carry us through.
He has dealt bountifully with us!
Acts 19
This chapter gives a really good look at the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When Paul comes to Ephesus, he comes upon some disciples of the Lord. Yet he must have noticed something lacking, because he says, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They never even heard that there was a Holy Spirit.
So Paul prays with them and this group receives the fullness of what Jesus paid for – and begin praying in tongues and prophesying.
There are many Christians today who think that the gifts have gone away, but they haven’t. Of course, I’m not saying that people can’t be saved without the gifts, but the Christian life is truly empowered by the gifts. I highly recommend seeking all that God has for us.
In my own life, as I was seeking a deeper walk with the Lord, I knew that there was something called “tongues,” but I didn’t know anyone who had that experience. One night, as I was alone praying, I began to babble. To be honest, the experience startled me a little at first. I wasn’t sure about where this was coming from. (Was I going off the deep end)?
After a friend’s encouragement, however, I gained faith in what was happening. The Holy Spirit, who lives on the inside of us as Christians, can actually pray through us with words which are too deep for our understanding. As that happens, we are praying God’s perfect will for ourselves – and for others. We are praying in other tongues – other languages.(Romans 8:26-27)
My first experience came to me over 35 years ago, and that has been a major part of my prayer life ever since. I have literally seen God work miracles in the lives of my family and friends as I have prayed for them that way. And as I have prayed in an unknown tongue, I have increased my sensitivity to the Spirit of God.
At times, He has shown me things as I have prayed. I would suddenly receive wisdom about a particular problem. At other times, He would give me understanding about individuals for whom I was praying.
One of the tremendous benefits of praying in tongues is that your faith rises. It’s as if you are seeing things from a heavenly perspective, a perspective which always is faith-filled.
When you look at the character of Jesus, you see One who was never worried about what was happening. He was never at a loss for words; never confused about what to do. Whether the Pharisees were trying to kill Him or capture Him, He remained above the fray. And that was because of the fullness of the Holy Spirit – at all times leading Him. That’s the perfect picture of One filled with God’s Holy Spirit.
As we seek more of Him, we also are more confident in His guidance through the tricky waters. Our God will empower us and give us the wisdom we need to accomplish our purposes on the earth.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalms 7-9
As we read Psalm 8, we can see David out in the field with his sheep, looking around him at God’s magnificent handiwork. “What is man that Thou art mindful of him? Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God”(8:4-5).
David has a remarkable understanding of man’s place in God’s plan. “Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands.”(8:6). While many people of that era consider God to be running the earth as if men were puppets, David grasps the divine plan of man’s purpose. Dominion on the earth.
One of the verses was quoted by Jesus with a different twist. (Matthew 21:16) “From the mouths of infants and nursing babes, Thou hast established strength, because of the adversaries, to make the enemy and vengeful cease.”(8:2) Instead of the word “strength,” however, Jesus substitutes “praise.” So praise is the strength we have to stop the enemy in our lives.
There is a power in praise unto God which is beyond our understanding. When we praise God, our own strength arises. Yet there is more. When we praise God, the enemies flee from around us. They hate to hear that praise. It’s like salt on a wound.
You will continue to see David use that weapon of war. He praises God for being his stronghold in times of trouble. He praises Him for his handiwork. He praises Him for His mercy and forgiveness.
If we follow in David’s footsteps, our lives would be better off. We too would reap the fruit of a life filled with praise to God. Mercy, protection, and divine deliverance.
Acts 18
Paul gains reinforcements as he continues in eastern Europe. Aquila and Priscilla had been sent away from Rome, so they came to reside in Corinth. That’s where Paul met them and started ministering with them. This couple will continue to be helpful to Paul for many years. Since they are tent-makers, as he is, Paul lives with them for a season.
Even though there is some resistance, God speaks to Paul and tells him to stay in Corinth for a while. “For I have many people in this city,”says God. (V. 10). So Paul settles there for a year and a half, which is unusual for this man who is always on the move.
When the Roman official won’t get involved in persecuting Paul, the Jews publicly beat the leader of the synagogue. That’s when it’s time for Paul to leave.
So the gospel continues to be spread – now to Ephesus. These people want Paul to stay and instruct them, but he can’t at the moment. He plans to return, but must first go back to his region for reporting on his work.
Along the way, he also picks up a fellow worker, Apollos. This eloquent man is “mighty in scriptures,”(V. 24), but he doesn’t know about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When Priscilla and Aquila share this aspect also, he is empowered to be even more of an evangelist.
The troops are gaining in number and in power. Look out, world, changes are coming!
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalms 4-6
David had a lot of enemies during his lifetime. In fact, all kings do – and especially those who are following the Lord. Many times in the psalms, we see David running to God because of these enemies. He is asking for mercy and for protection.
Actually, while David is seeking God’s hand, he is also showing his own humility. Even though David is king, and he could have tried to force his enemies to submit to him as did most kings, he didn’t take that route. Instead, David counts on the favor of the Lord to see him through.
David also continually seeks strength to continue in God’s way. “O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes. Make my way straight before me.” (5:8) What a focused heart! Such an example to us.
Many of the kings we have encountered have been completely obstinate against God. When prophets would confront them concerning sinful issues, these obstinate ones would ignore the advice. David has a completely different attitude as he considers his sin. This king wants to “get it right” before God.
When David recognizes his faults, it grieves him and causes anguish. David is a man after God’s own heart, totally dependent on his mercy.
Acts 17: 16-34
“Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.”(V. 21) This is where Paul comes and waits for his companions after the persecution in Berea. These Athenians remind me of our modern society. People like to have their ears tickled with new theories of this and that. Therefore they are willing to listen to Paul. It’s something new to them.
Then Paul mentions the inscription he sees. A monument has been erected “To The Unknown God.” (V. 23). That too reminds me of our culture. There are many Christians in our society who don’t know their God very well. To them He is unknown.
It doesn’t have to be that way. When we spend time with Him in prayer and the Word, we get to know Him very well indeed. He wants to have a close walk with us, but we have to do our part.
Paul goes on to say that “in Him we live and move and have our being.” (V. 28). Our God actually lives within us by his Spirit. When we acknowledge Him and spend time with Him, we begin to see the higher calling He has for us. We grow in our understanding of His ways and His character.
We also grow in our ability to hear his voice and to follow His leading.
As Paul gives his dissertation, some mock him and others believe. That too is the way it is today.
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.
