Hosea 4-5 / 2 John / Psalm 125 / Proverbs 29:9-11
As I’ve read the Bible these past 54 years, yes, I’m 59 now, I’ve developed some favorite verses and even some whole chapters that I really enjoy reading again and again. I very much enjoy reading Romans how about how we can never be separated from the love of God. I gain confidence by reading Hebrews 11 and remembering how my spiritual ancestors stood strong in their faith. I could name many other verses and chapters.
The truth is, I’ve come to love the Word of God in a very real and deep way. God’s word, both written and spoken are live to me and a strong foundation upon which I stand. I can’t imagine being in the company of those who do not have access to a Bible either physically or online. It is still forbidden in some countries to own this important book. That tells me that the enemy spirits in those places are fearful of others knowing this living Truth.
When God’s Word is hidden in my heart, I am less likely to be trapped by sin. Psalm 119:11 TPT I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure, and I treasure it in my heart to keep me from committing sin’s treason against you.
God’s Word is not simply written on a page for us to read; it is alive. Hebrews 4:12 TPT For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.
These verses don’t scare me away; they give me strength and put courage into me. There is a chapter from today’s reading that makes me feel both strong and powerful. I want to include all that short chapter for you to read.
Psalm 125 TPT Those who trust in the Lord are as unshakable, as unmovable as mighty Mount Zion! Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord’s wraparound presence surrounds his people, protecting them now and forever. The wicked will not always rule over the godly, provoking them to do what is evil. God, let your goodness be given away to your good people, to all your righteous ones! But those who turn away from truth—them you will turn away from you, to follow their crooked ways. You will give them just what they deserve. May Israel experience peace and prosperity!
Do you see what I mean? This whole short chapter makes us want to stand taller and that without fear. When we trust in the Lord, we are unshakable. We are as strong and unmovable as Mount Zion, which has never moved. The Lord surrounds His people – all of us – in the same way that there are mountains that surround the city of Jerusalem. Now I have my word picture and I can just imagine the Lord camping all around me.
Have you ever imagined the Lord near you? He is always nearby. He always surrounds us. Hebrews 13:5 TPT says this, “Don’t be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God’s presence. For hasn’t he promised you, “I will never leave you, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!”
You always have God’s presence. He will never leave you. He will never loosen His grip on your life. Go in the strength of those words and have a powerful week!
