Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
These two verses are among the more familiar ones in the Bible. As I was reading these verses recently, one word jumped out at me. Used twice in this passage, the word “all” is of particular importance. Continue reading
When the Lord brought the children of Israel to the Promised Land, Moses reminded them of their commitments to Him before they crossed over to inhabit the land. The Israelites had agreed to keep the Lord’s commandments and reaffirmed that promise.
Deuteronomy 5:27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
The Lord, Who knew their hearts, expressed His desire that they would indeed have a heart for Him to do all that they had committed.
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
God knew that His way was best. His desire was that the Israelites experience the best He had to offer (“that it might be well with them”). The blessings they could experience would pass on to their posterity as well (“and with their children for ever”). However, He knew that their heart was not in the right place. As history shows, they would disobey Him and receive just recompense for their sin.
The same is true with us. God created life and He knows how life is best lived. Why do we not trust Him in this? God loves us as a parent loves his child. He wants the best for us, but like wayward children, we all to often refuse to give up our own selfish desires. We need to have a heart for God and obey Him. Then we can expect His blessing upon our lives.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
These verses have a simple, yet profound message. First, stay away from ungodliness (vs. 1). Second, delight in God’s Word (vs. 2). Third, enjoy the benefits that right living brings (vs. 3). Continue reading
I want to cover a topic that is sometimes overlooked or at least under-emphasized when discussing Bible study. That is the fact that proper interpretation is a matter of spiritual guidance, not just grammar, syntax, and context. Even a thorough knowledge of the original languages of the BIble (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) is no substitute for the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Continue reading
Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
It is tempting for the Christian to focus on the physical things of life. Being physical beings, this is natural. So, we concern ourselves with how we look, maintaining our homes and cars, performing the chores we need to do, etc. There is nothing wrong with this. However, human beings also have a spiritual side. This is where we will find the most difficult areas of our life. Continue reading