Four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal surged in a frenzied dance, slashing themselves with swords until covered in blood. For hours they raved, begging their god to respond.

But there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.

If you remember the story, Elijah next prayed to the Lord who immediately responded with heaven’s fire followed by a massive rain. Clearly the Lord paid attention.

Although I think Baal’s prophets were crazy, their misguided devotion makes me sad. Despite all their efforts no one paid attention.

Psalm 119:18 reads: open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous thing out of your law.

The Lord pays attention to us in various ways, but most often through wondrous things from the Scriptures. As we read and give thought, the Holy Spirit illumines God’s Word. New insights sparkle and we uncover ideas planted just for us.

Think you’ll discover wondrous things from social media? How about streaming entertainment or news channels? Nope. In those locales you can slash and bleed, but no one pays attention.

Fortunately, our Lord responds. Open that Good Book laying on your shelf—therein lies wonders.

I Kings 18 & Psalm 119 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless before him.

I wonder how many the Lord finds?

Not Asa the king. Hanani the seer delivered this message after Asa worked a deal with a rival without consulting the Lord. Perhaps he got cocky, or more likely he took the Lord for granted. Asa walked closely with the Lord for years before this incident. Afterwards he got angry and never repented nor recovered.

The temptation to take the Lord for granted while I turn to my own devices remains ever present. Shouldn’t I follow my inner voice? Doesn’t God want me to be happy? Won’t the Lord bless my good ideas?

But the Lord thinks more of my heart than my happiness. Is it open to his direction? Am I willing to wait on his timing, even though it’s never fast enough? Will I seek the voice of the Holy Spirit over my own?

All my valiant efforts and all the resources of the world fade like mist on a summer day before the strong support of the Lord. To wait and focus on the Lord brings life far beyond my hopes and expectations.

I don’t know if I qualify as one whose heart is blameless. I sincerely doubt it. But I hope to lean that direction for that’s where lasting supports lies.

2 Chronicles 16 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by NASA

Back when I led a ministry on a college campus we held a weekly gathering with music and skits and talks. Students led the meetings and enjoyed friends. At times our leaders enjoyed each other so much they forgot to meet new people who came in the door. I discovered a vital step in discipleship—helping young believers notice and turn toward others.

I challenged our leaders to not just meet someone new the next week, but to learn their name. Over the next few weeks our meetings grew by leaps and bounds as new students felt seen and known.

At times it’s tempting to hold the mercy of the Lord to myself. I understand with Paul that when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy.

Then the Lord poured out the Holy Spirit upon us, justified us by his grace, and made us heirs of eternal life.

These truths are meant to be understood and enjoyed and rested in. But Paul didn’t stop there. He followed with this injunction:

I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.

The Lord aimed his kindness and goodness at me and you for more for than just me and you. From this wellspring flows a life of doing good for others.

Careful to devote rings a lot more involved than merely helping when it’s convenient. Devotion requires thoughtfulness and time. It costs me something. I turn from self-reflection to considering the needs of others.

The goodness of the Lord moves us from getting to giving—the most profound step in our faith journey. Try it. Learn the name of someone new today, and watch how they respond.

Titus 3 in reading the Bible from cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Tavi White

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the grace of God involves the power it brings into the life of the believer. More than simply fire insurance (although the fires burn hot), God’s grace brings strength and perseverance in this life.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

This world teaches me to never say no to anything at all. In fact, many believe people are incapable of saying no, and that it’s really, really bad for people to say no to their passions, even the ungodly ones (or especially the ungodly ones). Educated people believe this, and push their agenda through schools and media and entertainment.

The scriptures reveal a more hopeful way. I needn’t stay enslaved to my passions. I can say no. It’s not easy and I possess little power on my own to do so, but the grace of God teaches me to say no.

The ability to say “No” is a vital part of mental health. It creates good boundaries in my life. It allows for a better life. This gift leads to health and abundance.

Where is this other-worldly ability found? In the gift of salvation given from the graceful hand of our Lord.

Titus 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andy T