Category: Bible (Page 272 of 419)

Few kings took power like Jehoram. In his first act he put all of his brothers to the sword. Jehoram canceled the lives of possible rivals to his throne, along with any hope of a long and prosperous reign.

Elijah delivered a message from the Lord to the black-hearted king which included disaster on the nation as well as a lingering disease of the bowels for Jehoram, progressing until his intestines oozed from his body (maybe colorectal cancer?).

Invaders soon sacked Judah and carried off all the wealth of the nation. Jehoram died in great pain in the midst of his ravaged people. The chronicler states he passed away to no one’s regret.

Jehoram knew of the faith of the kings proceeding him to the throne. He heard the stories of David and his devotion to the Lord. The prophet Elijah lived close at hand, a man who spoke messages from God. But Jehoram instead took up with false prophets and lying gods, snubbing his nose at Jehovah.

Consequences follow those who flaunt the Lord (and unfortunately innocent people around them)—either in this life or in the next.

2 Chronicles 21 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Blogging Guide

I often discuss matters of scripture with friends. Occasionally one expresses a perspective common these days, believing certain parts of the Bible found in the New Testament, but shunting aside the Old. They accept the words of Jesus, but everything else descends in various levels of suspicion.

Jesus poked holes in this logic: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, nor the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Not one iota of the law given to Moses will disappear—not a jot or tittle as the King James Version puts it. It’s foolish to accept the words of Jesus while ignoring the Old Testament, when Jesus clearly pointed us to the wisdom and direction found there.

Most people who claim to believe Jesus but not the rest of the Bible simply don’t know much about Jesus. They see Jesus as a great moral teacher while failing to consider his actual teachings. You cannot follow Jesus and ignore the Law of Moses.

It requires reading and study and effort to dive into the Bible and gain greater depths of understanding. Plus, we need the illumination of the Holy Spirit as we do so. Those who jabber on about their biblical knowledge without doing the hard work live only in the shallows.

I hope to move into deeper waters.

Matthew 5 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Aaron Burden

Few aromas prove more delightful than fresh bread from the oven. A large, industrial bakery operates not far from where I live. They bake thousands of loaves of bread there a day. To drive by when bread fills the ovens and the wind’s just right is to experience a slice of heaven. I’m surprised more people don’t close their eyes and run off the road.

After Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, the devil pitched the idea of fresh, warm bread. I wonder if Jesus smelled its aroma at that moment?

Jesus rebuked that temptation with man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. He referenced Deuteronomy 8:3, where bread refers to manna the children of Israel enjoyed during their own wilderness experience.

Jesus underscored the value of God’s Word in my life. My soul needs the word of God just like my body needs food and water. The hunger I experience throughout the day reflects the craving my soul experiences for the scriptures. Next time you power into a meal, remember your soul patiently waits its turn at the table.

Perhaps the angst we experience in this world points to a hangry soul. When I fail to keep my body nourished I slide into a crabby version of myself. I lose willpower and grab handfuls of junk food. My body softens, and I realize I need to eat better. Likewise, my soul only flourishes and grows vibrant with a steady diet of God’s Word.

Like God surprised the people of Israel with manna in the desert, God’s Word will delight your soul. It’s like adding sweet, creamy butter to warm bread. Nothing compares.

Matthew 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Monika Grabkowska

In what people or institutions do you put your trust? I watch how the years bring changes to people and places where I place my trust. Scandals among those deemed trustworthy, be it accountants or clergy, atrophy my trust muscle.

At this point in life I’m less disappointed in failures as I’m awed by anyone who stays faithful over the years.

King David reminds me the Lord remains rock solid: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

David practiced warfare. He understood the value of strong horses and well-constructed chariots. He rode to battle in their midst. But David also recognized the vanity of trusting in anything but the Lord.

What are your horses and chariots—what do you tend to trust more than the Lord? A bulging 401(k)? Good health? A fine education? Your work ethic? Insurance to cover all possible calamities?

We’re created to live and serve and prosper, and wonderful gifts come our way. But only by trusting in the Lord our God—the giver of our chariots and horses—do we experience life as it’s meant to be.

Psalm 20 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Helena Lopes