Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Six

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

Do you ever prep for something? I seem to spend a lot of time doing this…prepping everything before cooking a meal, gathering supplies before a retreat, organizing personal items prior to packing, planning the approach for a task, warming up before a long hike, arranging everything prior to hosting a party, priming my mind before a hard meeting, etc. The list of things I do to prepare whether it is simply going to work or spending the afternoon in the yard working with my husband.

So why do we deem this an important task? Lots of words come rushing like mighty waves: provision, organization, projection, preparing, setting up, developing, provision, road to success, forecasting, etc. All these words attached at the hip to planning and even the mindset if you fail to plan you plan to fail. We all do it in some form or fashion and for some rhyme or reason no matter how slight or significant.

For me, the work on the front end seems to set the stage for success. Much like any sport, theatrical production, concert, etc…practice and rehearsal allows for skills to be enhanced, training to be precise, and run throughs to address effectiveness. Preparing is part of it. It is a procedural system that eventually becomes a routine habit.

But what about reading God’s Word? Chapter six addresses how to prepare for Bible engagement through practical approaches. It affirms the importance of prepping by defining this as a method to “slow down and let the Lord lead” and to “allow the Holy Spirit to pilot your attention and guide your hearing.”

“Allotting moments to read and engage with God’s Word involves planning— The way you move toward your time can make a large impact on everything that follows.”

We often jump right into abiding in Scripture without giving any thought into abiding in God. Our thoughts are still in this world and distracted by daily life. Our focus can be hindered by the issues, problems, concerns, and all the other things we face in a fallen world. These are things the enemy uses to cloud our thinking and keep us from hearing and understanding during Bible engagement. Would you agree?

Below are some tried and true tips from this chapter:

Pause prior to reading: This is a brief mental exercise to separate yourself from the world. The length of time is dependent, but it is a way of letting go of your surroundings and opening your mind to greater things.
Pray first: “Ask the Lord to direct your focus and provide you with His discernment.” Wow, just a short prayer can display intentionality to prepare for what God has to say.
Prepare your heart: Pausing and praying opens the door to sharing your heart and giving your concerns over to the Lord. It is a way to safeguard your time in Scripture and letting the enemy know that he is not welcome. “He would love nothing more than to distract you form having a softened heart.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to lead: He is abiding within you to deliver knowledge and understanding. He is our GPS when we allow Him to be. He can channel our attention to hear and see what God speaks as we read. He often highlights portion of our reading to guide us through our pathway. He is often just waiting for us to ask.

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:2 (NIV)

Give these four tips a whirl the next time you engage with God’s Word. It is not easy to carve out uninterrupted time to read the Bible, but our approach to Scripture can deliver a more productive experience. Let these practical methods allow the Lord to bless your time, reveal a personal message, and assist you to hear His voice through the words. “Remember, He is Jehovah, a relational Father so, pause, praise Him, and reciprocate your interest in Him and His Holy Word.”

May you find your prepping well worth it in the end.

March 12, 2024 1

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Five

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I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)

Framework…And does that mesh with Scripture study? As with anything the mind comprehends, the brain needs structure to organize the incoming information. Once we process context, we mentally filter and decide what is valuable enough to place in our memory bank as we build our schema around the topic.

So, you may be still asking, what does that have to do with God’s Word? Our understanding of the Bible requires a deciphering and configuring system for the vast array of wisdom found in Scripture. It furnishes a structure to consume the words of the Lord and establishes how we can approach, process, and absorb passages. Framework is an important tool to assist in comprehending the individualized message through God’s love story.

There are lots of options available: SOAP, TEXT, SOAK, POWER Inductive method, PRAISE, and the list goes on. If you would like to read more, here is a website highlighting a few: 27 Bible study methods for beginners and groups – The ultimate guide – The Faith Space The purpose behind each is to assist readers in pinpointing the essential knowledge and recognizing the significance for their life. It is not meant to complicate or hinder the process.

Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? Job 11:7 (ESV)

It is a system to enhance your time with God’s Word and permit you to grasp and comprehend Scripture easier. If you choose something too complex, the purpose become a moot point. Although it does take time to develop a muscle memory framework, the deciding factor should be based on the significant difference it can make on your life over time.

Everyone must find a framework to furnish them a way to deepen their understanding of Scripture and open a pathway to better communication with the Lord. The structure should not only simplify how to approach God’s Word, but challenge you in your spiritual growth. God wants us to explore the Bible to gain a greater understanding of His message and to know Him on a deeper level.

If you do not currently have a framework, I encourage you to read over some methods and start with one you feel you would benefit from using. If you do have a system in place, research other approaches and see if there is one new idea you could include periodically to avoid a stagnate engagement with the Bible.

I have been asked many times of what I would recommend. My suggestion is much like what Bible to buy—one that you will truly use. I rely on the AMPS approach presented in chapter five. This is a combination of various proven methods from humbling yourself before the Lord to inductively participating with Scripture. I found this extremely effective when I am working through the Bible chapter by chapter, but it is also relevant to any time when His Word is studied.

This has become my choice of framework for the following reasons:

It reminds me to posture my heart, mind, and soul under the authority of the trinity.
I tend to read Scripture with more intentionality and Holy Spirit vision.
This method reminds me to read the text in context and search for the meaning in Biblical times as well as the here and now.
AMPS prompts me to remember the text is living and God’s perspective should be my priority regardless.
The framework has given me a way to stay accountable for my actions.

I would encourage you to find your “skeleton diagram…to build your Bible intake actions and approaches while strengthening your relationship with the Father”. Pray about it and begin searching for your personal plan for Scripture study. It is the next step after determining why you want to engage with God’s Word. Let your desire generate your scaffolding. Once you find your platform, be ready for a new level of understanding with the Father and His Word. It will come with a great reward.

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 (ESV)

February 25, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Two

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

Have you ever feared something in your life? I know I have and compiling a list might be overwhelming. So, what is fear? It can be an emotion, or an action based on believing something or someone may be dangerous and/or cause pain. From my past experiences, I might add – it can raise your anxiety level because of what you feel is to come. Fear can also be a chance to respond by decelerating or igniting even more fear.

What do you think of when the word fear is spoken? What if I said fear could be a healthy thing?

The Bible often references fear word regarding the Lord.

Job 28:28b “. . .The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 “. . .Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind.”

I have struggled with “Fear of the Lord” throughout my lifetime especially when I reflect on Proverbs 1:7 which clearly states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. But as I have pressed into His Word and gained a greater appreciation for Scripture, I have come to realize fear of the Lord begins with accepting the fact that God is the only one who knows everything.

Fearing the Lord displays a healthy relationship with God. It is an action where we surrender to His authority not because we are forced to do so, but because we know He knows best. He expects us to keep an open mind to His advice and embrace His reproof. The Father is very clear about the outcome of those who follow Him and those who do not.

Romans 11:19-22 ESV Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.

This verse gives us the knowledge of God’s position on following Him. He wants us to seek His wisdom and love His ways by being a lifetime learner. As a helpmate, He provided His very words, the Bible, to give us Godly counsel and instructions yet much like our salvation, the choice is ours.

We must believe Scripture is:

A living document assisting in engaging with God
A source of inspiration to change our perspective and actions
A guide to molding and shaping our lives to do His will
A window to knowing God’s character
Transformational, miraculous, powerful, set apart from all other text
A love story with us

Elevating biblical text necessitates work and a commitment to go BEYOND!

Fear-do you value God enough to understand the fear of the Lord? How deep is your awe and submission to the Father? Does His Word play a significant role in your life? To what lengths are you willing to go to make Scripture engagement a life-changing event in your life?

Chapter two of Beyond Scriptural Typography is entitled Exceeding Reasons. We each must find the exceeding reasons to embrace the fear of the Lord and why we would seek Biblical knowledge. The personal choice does come with the wisdom that “obtaining life-changing engagement skills with God’s Word is a refining process with a time factor attached.”

How will you spend your days ahead?

February 5, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter One

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For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

Welcome readers! This post begins a ten weeks study over a newly released book entitled, Beyond Scriptural Typography. It is designed to assist believers in personalizing their interactive framework with the Bible. In the introduction, the book refers to Scripture as “an open invitation to go beyond the charming print and a chance to experience the life-changing power…”. The book offers readers a chance to become better equipped in interacting with God’s Word no matter their level of spiritual maturity.

Pondering Revelations

As you ponder how many Bibles you own, how do you define the Bible? This week’s focal verse is Hebrews 4:12. The verse clearly refers to Scripture as the “word of God”. These words are often found in lyrics like a song by Mercy Me: Word of God speak, Would You pour down like rain, Washing my eyes to see Your majesty. To be still and know that You’re in this place. Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness-Word of God speak. The Bible is an intentional mode of communication established by the Lord to speak to each one of us. It is the very words of God.

We cannot deny the Bible is alive and active, more than print on a page, when we begin using it as a guide to daily living. Chapter one states:

“The potential elevation level of biblical print will always remain flat without action on our part.”

Scripture has transformational power ready and waiting as an invitation to ignite change throughout our lives. However, it is our choice to accept the welcoming welcome, surrender to it’s authority, and determine the depth of our interaction with God’s Word.

The Bible provides the knowledge that God lives among us, loves us, and longs for us to intimately know Him the way He knows us. He has full transparency of all that is within us, good, bad, and ugly, and yet loves us despite of it. The Lord has provided His Voice as spiritual food to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. It is a tool to obtaining intimacy, but we have to be in it’s presence-reading, studying, interacting, listening, relying, praying, and believing on it’s every word to experience the beauty of the relational instrument.

His Voice can ignite change throughout our lives as our reliance grows daily. Matthew 4:4 reminds us that every word from the Father helps us know right from wrong and gives us a roadmap to carry out His plans. As we accept His invitation to partake in Scripture, we have to ponder our actions. To what extreme are we willing to serve and seek? Can we be all in with a willing mind showcasing a wholehearted commitment? What are we willing to do to learn “how to truly read, study, and apply the Bible?”

Chapter One gives you the opportunity to reflect on your Bible intake and Scripture infusion. It presents a challenge to embrace the process of discovering new ways to engage with God’s Words as part of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5)

“No one innately arrives with the knowledge, skills, and experience to comprehend and digest God’s Word.”

If you envision yourself fully saturated with Scripture, intentionally leaving no room for the enemy to pull you away from God, this book is exactly where the Lord needs you to be. It is an opportunity to foster an individualized method to delight in His Word through defining the Bible’s value for you and obtaining practical methods to experience its active and living power.

Chapter One helps you reveal your current interaction with Scripture, gives you amp opportunities to ponder your unfiltered view and value of the Bible, and identify ways you need God’s Word to be a stronger beacon in your life. The chapter end with Psalm 119:105

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

I look forward to this book study the next ten weeks: a discovery to use God’s Word to navigate life.

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Scriptural-Typography-Genna-Stotts/dp/B0CCCVPVV6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PBOFUJ69LXUX&keywords=beyond+scriptural+typography+genna+stotts&qid=1706479815&sprefix=Beyond+Scriptural%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

January 28, 2024 0

Scripture: Nourishment for the Soul

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; … Psalm 1:1-6 ESV

Reading God’s Word has often been referred to as nourishment for the soul. So why isn’t everyone feasting on it daily?

This is a question I have asked myself over and over for years because I lived daily without Scripture being my manual for life. You may be wondering my reasons for this.

Well, I felt inapt to study the Bible on my own. I also had a fear of inadvertently misunderstanding text and possibly taking it out of context. I knew how easy it would be to possibly twist God’s Word to fit my liking. Also, I had not truly developed a routine nor sought ways to study Scripture on my own. And of course, I had all the traditional excuses too.

It wasn’t until life hit rock-bottom and I mean flat of my back-overwhelmed and determined to no longer live, that I realized my lack of personal seeking God through Scripture had caused a self-induced deficiency in knowing and relying on God for who He truly is, especially in the pit of darkness!

Therefore, the Lord allowed many rocky years as a method to gain my attention (aka…getting through to my thick skull) to ignite a mission within me. A journey to infuse my life with Scripture and discover the LORD on a deeper level.

So, where does one start to become a discerning student of the Bible? My first response would be-Go to God and pour out your heart to Him. Ask Him to give you full discernment of what the first step is for you. Here are a few basic suggestions as well:

Invest in a study Bible. It is a great tool to understand Scripture.
Attend a true Bible study class over a book of the Bible. This is a great way to gain study skills and resources from other Christians. Take it verse-by-verse.
Pause each time before you begin to study/read Scripture and ask for the LORD to reveal Himself to you. Be open to hearing the perspective of God through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and prompting.
Don’t rush your reading. Learn how to meditate on God’s Word and let it infuse your soul. Here is an article on the topic by a fellow blogger: https://joyfullifemagazine.com/meditate-word-of-god/

Are you digesting God’s Word as your daily nourishment? What steps might you need to take to know the LORD on a deeper level? I am praying for you…May the Father reveal the next level of study to you as you are reading this article. Know this…you are greatly loved, and God wants to grow your faith daily-hand and hand with Him.

I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. Psalm 89:20-38 ESV

May 16, 2023 0

Bible Literacy: Understanding the Old Testament in the Context of the New Testament

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Old Testament is often unread but referenced continuously in the New Testament. Refining ministry has devoted 2023 to walk alongside others in reading the Bible chronologically. We want to dig deeper into the understanding of the Old Testament to see God’s story from the beginning of its inception.

We are using the one-year Chronological Study Bible (NLT). It has provided a daily guide to understanding, reading, and meditating on Scripture through the fourteen eras. I love the verse stated on the first page: “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 (NLT).

I have enjoyed the website entitled CBT-Chronological Bible Teaching established as an extension of the Chronological Study Bible. Here is a direct quote from their website: “One of the grand themes of the Bible is the need for God’s people to read His Word and know it well. Bible literacy makes or breaks God’s people spiritually. They prosper when they treasure His Word, and they fall into sin and judgment when they neglect it.” WOW! What a profound statement.

If you would like to read more about their philosophy on understanding the Old Testament in the context of the New Testament, here is a direct link to the article: Why Bible Literacy Matters (chronologicalbibleteaching.com)

CBT offers many resources for readers from daily devotional to podcast. If you would like to use your own Bible, the website has a one year reading plan just for you. My favorite resource they offer is articles on their blog. Here is an example: https://chronologicalbibleteaching.com/blog/posts/god-at-work-through-common-means

What a wonderful time to be living on earth-it is truly a gift to have resources at our fingertips. Think about how far we have come in the past three decades. God wants each of us to treasure Bible literacy and know Him like never before. In Deuteronomy 30:6 it states, The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love Him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!

Come join us on Monday nights from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (CST) via Zoom as we continue the journey through the fourteen eras. We are just a group of ordinary Christians wanting to know Almighty God better, keep His commandments, cling to His promises, define key terms, and allow the Holy Spirit to provide understanding and discernment. Day-by-day we are discovering the contents of the New Testament through the understanding of the Old Testament.

March 26, 2023 0

How do you engage with God’s Word?

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

Scripture tells us the Bible is the very expression of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read all Scripture is God-breathed. His Holy Word is not just a furnished resource. His intonation and declaration of assurances and support assist our spiritual walk. We see this to be true in Romans 15:4. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (ESV).

However, the basic knowledge of His Word only scratches the surface of properly handling this precious treasure (2 Timothy 2:15). Take the Pharisees, for instance. They were top scholars of the Word and had a precise academic understanding. Would you agree? Who knew the Torah better? They devoted their lives to memorizing and interpreting Mosaic law with its conformity and ceremonial acts. The Pharisees allowed their scholarly status to take a legalistic stance, leading them to believe works trumped God’s mercy and grace.

Quite frankly, this contradicts the accurate message of Christ Jesus, our Savior. In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV). Our obedience in following God’s law is from a heart of love and respect for Him, who saved and called us to live according to His purpose. Pursuing God’s prohibitions has nothing to do with redeeming ourselves from eternal damnation. We are not capable of this miraculous task.

How you read, engage, and understand the Bible can affect your conduct as a Christian.

Scripture is a gift from God, so you can know Him as He reveals His love, goodness, truth, and redemption. God wants to extend very precise knowledge unique to you and so much more.

What is your vision of Scripture engagement?

Have you ever wondered what the Lord visualizes for you? What does He picture you doing? How does He want the story of your life to unfold?

God’s Windowpane of Transparency

He envisions you:

embracing Scripture independently with Him
reading and studying His Word as a beginning to move forward
believing the Bible is living—not just text
seeking ways to go BEYOND an educational knowledge of verses
committed to growing in relationship with Him and His voice
inviting His ways and perspective
treasuring His voice as life-authority
welcoming His refinement for a lifetime
going BEYOND head knowledge to full life-saturation
allowing the Bible to change your life completely (heart, mind, body, and soul)
slaying all obstacles and barriers keeping you from going BEYOND
feasting on Scripture as your sole substance with an eternal mindset

I pray as you ponder over this list, a couple of envisions will spark a revival in your spirit to engage with Scripture on a deeper level this week. May the Lord increase a hunger within your soul to infuse God’s Word into your life more than ever and through the journey you are transformed to be more like our beautiful Savior.

Go BEYOND surface level and live out God’s Word! The Lord envisions your life saturated with His love. Embrace the journey.

February 27, 2023 0

Can Scripture Become 3D?

Biblical text will remain flat as long as we allow it. Its two-dimensional design presents itself as a welcoming invitation to draw us in. God graciously allows us to freely choose if the altitude level of His Word will escalate in our lives.

Scripture’s Purpose and Our Identity

Promoting Scripture to the height God has intended requires us to understand two facets: the purpose behind the Bible and who we are in Christ. One might say it entails placing importance on the treasured treasure and deeming it as such.

The purpose behind the Bible.

What is its role?

There are hundreds of scholarly answers. Permit me to share my basic one with you.

The Bible is a living document freely awarded as a transformational powerful weapon to defend against the enemy. It is an effective mighty sword, waiting to be crowned as a prized possession if we choose.

The Lord gave us His Word as a gift of engagement with His very voice—the voice of love, hope, joy, peace, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, etc. He designed it to fully equip and expose us to the strength of Scripture and the life-changing experiences it documents. As a helpmate, alongside the Holy Spirit, the Bible can render a spiritual makeover: a life reflecting Him.

Reading God’s Word and boldly applying it supplies inspiration. Each story, miracle, and testimony produce the motivation to carry out life the way God envisioned. His words bring the dead to life, allow the blind to see, and heal the lame—all in an instant. Remember, God’s life-changing powers are limitless—no expiration date can be detected.

The Father furnished Scripture as a universal extension of Himself so we can encounter Him on each page. As we involve ourselves verse-by-verse, it can change our perspective. We perceive problems differently, hearts soften toward sandpaper people, deep-rooted joy launches overshadowing pain and sorrow, and unshakable peace ignites a vision of eternal hope.

Who we are in Christ.

God invites each believer to partake in the Bible—His Holy Word.

He aspires the advancement of each and every passage to be represented in a three-dimensional object—YOU—a life permeated with Scripture. The Lord considers you a living stone and has awarded you His very voice to mold and shape your life for the precise position in the wall of His church.

For us to adopt who we are in Christ, we must also intentionally foster a relationship with God’s Word. The Lord wants us to cherish and love it in the same manner in which we adore Him. God yearns for continual growth with Him in our spiritual pathway to maturity, therefore He grants us the Bible as a guide in life.

Scripture aids to distinguish who we are in the Lord and assists in deeply grasping the character of whom we deposit our trust. God deliberately utilizes Scripture to reveal Himself. It is through this discovery, we find His attributes, cling to His promises, and uncover His advice to build our faith and develop an unshakable hope in Him. The Bible can firmly solidify who we are in Christ.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:31-32 (NLT)

How would you describe the purpose of Scripture and how it defines you?

February 26, 2023 0

Taking Scripture Meaning to New Heights

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Have you ever been stumped by a verse while reading through the Bible? I know I have on many occasions.

What about your attention? Have you ever been drawn to a particular verse as you read through a chapter? This is one of my favorite ways of knowing the Holy Spirit is guiding my understanding and directing my pathway. I love “attention” verses. I often write them down and focus on one a week to get a full picture of God, His attributes, and what He is personally saying to me.

This month our church is reading through the book of Mark – a part of the Gospel Era showcasing the fulfillment of the promised Seed God spoke of in the Creation Era. The book is a narrative filled with the life of Jesus, His mighty miracles, delivery of parables, and His death and resurrection. Over and over, each chapter reveals the love story of God which gives us all hope and “good news” to share with the world.

During this time of reading, several verses have captured my attention and deepened my understanding of the Lord. Over and over, I see God’s hand working to reveal His goodness and love in markable ways during Christ’s earthly life. I particularly love how Christ addresses the “legal” acts of the pharisees as He separates the difference between head knowledge/rule followers and a heart of love devoted to living by faith in God.

As many of you know, I am a large advocate of elevating God’s Word to the highest level of understanding and saturation. Many of Refining ministries’ workshops, Bible studies, and retreats are geared to helping followers discover ways to absorb Scripture to the fullest. So, I was captivated by this week’s sermon at our church when Chris Lopez shared a simple way to dig deeper into a focal verse.

He directed his thoughts to Mark 6:2 (NLT)

The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”

Then, Chris shared how he narrowed down his view by noting words that stood out to him: amazed-wisdom-power-perform. He carefully discovered the Biblical definition of each word and then rewrote the verse using the definitions as a substitute for each word. Here’s the video clip.

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx2GzEzbikZVf4sgqUp4p493zXjxaFJw3h

What a great tip!

I decided to give it a whirl and revisit the key verse for Refining ministry: “I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.” Jeremiah 24:7 NLT

recognize means acknowledge

return means come back

wholeheartedly means completely and sincerely devoted

Defined to read: “I will give them hearts that acknowledge me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will come back to me completely and sincerely devoted.”

WOW! What a wonderful way to dig deeper into God’s Word and search for true understanding. Thank you, Chris, for sharing!

I hope this tip helps you take your Scripture comprehension to new heights.

January 24, 2023 0

LIFE: How did Judah fall so far away from God?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Have you ever asked yourself this question: How have I drifted so far away from God? I know I have and more than once.

In the book of Jeremiah, we see Judah with a terminal disease-sin. They refuse to turn to the Lord and do everything within their so called “Human-power” to heal themselves only finding it to spread and eventually destroy.

Jeremiah spent forty years trying to convince these people of the consequences of their actions. However, they let their pride get in the way. Killing children, abusing others, having many gods, engaging in false worship, being self-centered, and loving self-indulgence were just the beginning of the many items they placed as a priority over holding true to God’s principles. They refused to listen and seemed to categorize Jeremiah’s messages as nonsense.

How did God’s people end up in this place?

As we studied part two of Jeremiah, I began to ponder this question. What caused them to drift so far away? Why did they refuse to turn back? Could the end results have been different for them?

Then I reflected on my own life. (OUCH! I think the Holy Spirit made me do it!)

Pride-yes that word-the source of my drifting much like the people of Judah. Let’s be honest here: pride, arrogance, haughtiness, fear of man, etc. can decrease our level of honor for God and His Word at times. Pride has a way of clouding our judgment. Therefore, we ignore the warnings, disregard the consequences/truth, and often pretend there isn’t a disconnect with us and the LORD.

In Jeremiah chapter 35, we are introduced to a group of nomads, the Rekabites. They were known as “principled people”-a stark contrast to those in Judah during this time. These tent dwellers were faithful and steadfast. They had an exceptional quality of obedience and remained true to their set principles and values. Regardless of the temptation, they kept their promises. Their word was backed with follow through. WOW! God could count of them-what a beautiful display of a high level of respect. The Rekabites were far from haughty nor filled with self-pride.

Going back to my own assessment- God loves me so much to allow me to be broken and struggling many times over. Why?-because of self-reliance, portions of pride, and “what’s in it for me” approach to life. Oh, how I could easily become like Judah, but my heart cries out for a different life. I want to be a principled person, living as a nomad in this world, with an outstanding level of discipline and obedience for my precious Lord and Savior.

What about you? What about the legacy you are leaving behind? Where do you find yourself in life? What stands in your way of being 100% committed and faithful to God?

The Lord is definitely refining me and sharpening my motives to live a life more reflective of the Rekabites. I know the lie of self-sufficient and believing God’s truth and help isn’t needed 24/7 is directly from the enemy-pure evil. I boldly ask Jesus to be my war club and break the bondage held by the enemy. I crave true rest and complete presence of the LORD in my life.

May we each strive to be heroes of faith as we walk through this LIFE by digesting God’s Word on a personal level. I pray Scripture stirs your heart and opens the door to closeness with the Father. What a humble privilege to be encouraged by the mighty principled people found in God’s Holy Word-even the simple nomads.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV)

December 26, 2022 0