Bible Reading Update #1
Hello there! It’s sure been awhile since I last posted! Recently, God led me to begin a summer Bible reading plan to encourage others to read their Bibles each day. I send out weekly update emails as a way to keep in touch with those involved and encourage them. Here is the first update from June 1-7. If any of you would like to join the Bible reading group, or would like more info about it, please let me know!
You have completed the first week of our Bible reading plan! I hope you have all been encouraged through reading Matthew this week. I certainly have! I found myself highlighting several new verses this week that have never stood out to me before. I trust that each of you has learned at least one new thing this week as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
~ “In Matthew 2, I noticed that, at least four times, something was done to fulfill a prophecy. For example, it was necessary for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to flee to Egypt after Jesus’ birth not only because Herod was trying to kill Jesus, but also because it is prophesied in Hosea 11. It just shows that God perfectly planned each incident in the Bible.”
~ Matthew 2: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy…they saw the young child…and fell down and worshiped Him” (Mt. 2:10-11). I asked, “How am I worshiping Him?” “Do I fall down and worship my Lord as I ought, with the right heart, with love, reverence, and awe, with thanksgiving and praise?” “Do I rejoice with exceedingly great joy before Jesus?”
~ “A verse that majorly stood out to me was Matthew 7:24. In this verse Jesus says, “Therefore anyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on a rock.” He goes on to explain how, when rains and wind come, the man whose foundation is built on the Rock (Jesus), will not be moved when rains and wind (temptation, struggles, fears, doubts, etc.) come. I’ve heard that verse before, but it never jumped out to me that Jesus is the Rock that we should build our “house” upon. We will never fall as long as our faith is built on the Rock. Also, the beginning of verse 24 says, “anyone who hears ‘these words’ of mine…” I looked back through the chapter to find the “words” that it’s referring to. I found six verses earlier in the chapter where Jesus specifically commands us to do something: “Do not judge” (verse 1-6),
“Do not give what is holy to dogs” (verse 6), “Ask, seek, and knock” (verse 7), “Treat others the way you want to be treated” (verse 12), “Enter through the narrow gate” (verse 13), and “Beware of false prophets” (verse 15).”
One of you also expressed to me the importance of praying before we read God’s word that He would open our eyes that we may see wonderful things from His word (Psalm 119:18). This is a great idea! I also recommend reading your Bible in the morning before you begin your daily work. Otherwise, time will slip away and the day will be over before you realized you haven’t read your Bible yet.
I hope these insights were an encouragement to you! May the Lord bless you as you seek Him in the coming week!
Praying for you,
Katey
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