“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:11-12
I have read the Bible consistently for the past 20 years and have read it through over 18 times. I remain amazed at how counterintuitive the effort and process can be for me. Then I love when God reminds me, ‘don’t be surprised son. Your sinful nature denies what should be natural and instinctive.’ He reminds me that he has given me/us the Bible as the source of light, instruction, hope…a pathway for the pursuit of righteousness. Thank you, Father.
A common phrase in my house growing up and in my adult life has been “don’t take my word for it.” I love how our Dad in Heaven provides us his Word in printed form and lovingly says, “daughter/son, take my Word for it.” Thank you, Lord.
God gave us his Word through the Bible to be the truth during our journey and light for our life’s path. He tells us in Psalm 119 and Matthew 5 among other great, reassuring, life empowering, purpose defining, identity revealing passages throughout the Bible.
Remind yourself that the Bible tells us the enemy (Satan) prowls like a lion, seeking who he can kill and eat. (1 Peter). Then go a step further and understand the confidence of the Enemy desiring to destroy you, your family, your friends, your life. Satan took the son (Jesus) of the Author of the Bible (God) and tempted him by quoting scripture to him (Matthew 4). Thankfully, Jesus being God in human form knew his Word and refuted Satan’s use of scripture out of context until he/Satan knew that he had been beaten.
I exercise because I have Type-2 diabetes and working my heart, my lungs, my core, my muscles is a gift to myself. Spending time in my Dad’s (God’s) Word is a gift to my heart, my health, my joy, my love, my hope…my life.
My encouragement to you is to gift yourself the truth and hope that is contained in God’s Word by spending time in it daily. You’ll be so glad you did and the “life surprises” that await you become mole hills instead of mountains.
You’ve got this!