Reading the Bible

Studying the Scripture is without a doubt one of the most beneficial priorities in my life. I first attempted to read the entire Bible at the age of fourteen; it was a difficult task; at that age I was not an avid reader.
Since that time I’ve read the Bible through numbers of times using a variety of translations, including the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New International Version, and the Living Bible. For the last several years I’ve been reading the Complete Jewish Bible.

I find that using a Bible reading “system” or a plan is best for me. Let me share with you several of the plans I’ve used.

Earlier in my life, I always began reading with Genesis and read straight through to the book of Revelation. Many people use this plan and find it very beneficial. For several years, I used a Bible that was divided into daily increments, beginning with January 1 and ending with December 31. Each day included Scripture from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Another plan I used for a while included reading 65 verses in the Old Testament and 65 verses in the New Testament each day; using this plan you can read the Old Testament once and the New Testament four times each year.

For the last several years, I’ve been using a new approach to Bible Reading. On Mondays I read from the Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy), on Tuesdays I read through the History (Joshua through Job). On Wednesdays I read the Wisdom books (Psalms through Song of Solomon). On Thursdays I read through the Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi). On Fridays I read through the Gospels and Acts (Matthew through Acts of the Apostles), and on Saturdays I read from the Epistles to the end of the New Testament (Romans through Revelation). On Sundays I read Scripture that is pertinent to the sermon that I’m preaching that day. I really like using this concept because I’m able to glean from every section of the Bible each and every week.

I also keep a daily journal that includes insights from my daily Bible reading. Over the years, this journal has grown into a treasured collection of meditations on the Word of God.  Regardless of which plan you use, I highly recommend that you study the Bible each and every day for the rest of your life. You’ll never be the same again!

How Many Times Does “Fear Not” Appear in the Bible?

Years ago someone told me that “fear not” was found in the Bible 365 times; once for each day of the year.  I thought about printing my own calendar and placing a different “fear not” verse on each day.  What a source of hope and confidence it would be to begin each and every day by meditating on the fact that we don’t have to fear whatever we have to face.

Much to my chagrin, “fear not” nor any of its close derivatives (fear thou not, be not afraid, etc.) can be found in the Bible 365 times.  Personal friend and close colleague, Pastor Nathan Boehm, took the time to do further research on this subject and posted his findings on his blog that I recommend for your reading (http://wordnuggets.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/how-many-times-does-the-bible-say-fear-not/).

Although not found 365 times in the Bible, “fear not” was spoken as an imperative from the lips of Jesus, and therefore should be taken as a direct command to be adhered.

There are many earthly reasons to fear today; the failing economy, bad reports from the doctor, global unrest, terrorist threats, and hopeless predictions from political prognosticators just to name a few.

However, as followers of Christ we have greater reasons to fear not; God will not fail you (Deut.31:6), God will not forsake you (1 Chron. 28:20), God is with you (Isaiah 41:10), God will help you (Isaiah 41:13), God knows you by name (Isaiah 43:1), God can do marvelous things (Joel 2:21), It is God’s pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32), and Christ is the First and the Last (Rev.1:17).

Simply put, Jesus said, “Do not fear” (Matthew 10:31 NKJV).  Hearing it once from Jesus is just as good as hearing it 365 times.  He said it, that settles it!

El-Shaddai

At the lowest points in life, you can expect that God will reveal Himself to you in unprecedented ways.  Don’t believe me?  Just ask Abram.  But before we get into that, let me uncover the meaning of an ancient Hebrew word: shaddai.

The old Hebrew word “shaddai” which is found in the Bible 48 times literally means “almighty”.  We will not take the time now to look at each of those 48 occurrences, but let me point out that God chose a very strategic time in which to reveal Himself, for the first time, as “El-Shaddai” or “Almighty God”.

Did God reveal Himself as “Almighty” during Creation or when passing judgment on the serpent during the expulsion of Adam and Eve?  No.  How about during the vindication of Abel, whom Cain murdered?  No.  Did God reveal Himself as “Almighty” at the time of Enoch’s translation or during the Great Deluge of Noah’s day?  No.  Did God reveal Himself as “Almighty” during the confusion of languages at Babel?  No.

When did God choose to reveal Himself as “Almighty” for the very first time?  The answer is, God initially revealed Himself as “Almighty” to Abram at a time when Abram was very likely discouraged, despondent, and disillusioned.

In the last verse of Genesis 16, the Bible tells us that Abram was 86 years old.  In the very next verse, which is Genesis 17:1, we find that Abram is 99 years old; that’s a difference of thirteen years.  We have no trace of any action or events in those thirteen missing years of Abram’s life.

We might call those thirteen years, a time of retribution or a season of silence.  After Abram and Sarai became impatient with God, they devised their own plan for a baby and agreed that Abram should have a child with the servant girl named Hagar.  That was a disastrous plan that led to domestic turmoil almost immediately, and thousands of years later, the result of their foolish decision can still be seen in the mayhem of the Middle East.

After such a debacle by Abram and Sarai, thirteen years elapsed without any record of God communicating with Abram.  Perhaps at Abram’s lowest point, when he felt so ostracized by God and so criticized by his wife, he was reinvigorated by a Divine theophany.  His life-changing encounter with God was punctuated by the fact that God revealed something to Abram that had never been revealed to any one else before. “I am El-Shaddai” or in other words, “I am God Almighty”.

Do you know why I find this so encouraging? It lets us know that God hasn’t forgotten the promises that He made to us a long time ago.  God still knows where we are right now.  When we feel rejected and condemned, God has a way of “showing up” and giving us a proper perspective; a perspective that minimizes our problems and maximizes His promises.  We should stop focusing on all of our personal weakness and failures, and instead, concentrate more on the greatness of El-Shaddai.  Rest assured that God’s continual love and unflinching faithfulness have the power to lift you above the fray of life and fill you with unquenchable peace.

Night Watch

One of the most famous paintings of all time is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” painted in 1642. His unparalleled use of chiaroscuro (light-dark contrast) is captivating even to the most casual observer. One of the striking qualities of this masterpiece is its sheer size, approximately 12 feet by 14 feet.

Tragically, 73 years after its completion, it was trimmed on all four sides, losing two characters, the balustrade and a step, in order to hang between two columns. In recent times the painting was attacked by vandals; once slashed with a knife in a zig-zag motion, and once sprayed with acid in an attempt to mar the precious canvas.

Although the “Night Watch” has been trimmed, slashed, sprayed and vandalized its beauty and poetry have outlasted its opponents.

In a much more meaningful and eternal way, the Holy Bible has outlasted its critics. Scathing rebuttals from atheist and agnostics have in no way diminished the truths of God’s Word. Indeed, heaven will pass away and the earth will pass away (Matthew 24:35), but the Word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Personally, I have found the Scripture, in every challenge of life, to be reliable, trustworthy, and absolutely dependable. I completely agree with songwriter Russell K. Carter, Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
 When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
 By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
 Standing on the promises of God.

Harvest Eyes

“Harvest eyes.”  The first time I ever heard this term was during a teaching session by noted bible lecturer, Doug Small, of Alive Ministries. That was several years ago, yet my heart is still gripped by its concept.  Having “harvest eyes” basically means that you see the souls of people with the same type of compassion Jesus does.  Here’s an example.

In John 4, we see Jesus with “harvest eyes.” It begins with the idea that He felt it was “needed” to go through Samaria (John 4:4 NKJV.) Other Bible translations say “it was necessary” or that He felt “obliged” to go through Samaria.  Normally Jews would deliberately by-pass Samaria when travelling from Judea to Galilee because of their intense racial differences with the Samaritans. However, Jesus broke protocol and did the unthinkable; He travelled through Samaria.

Perhaps His disciples didn’t agree or understand why Jesus would “stoop so low” in walking through the polluted land of the despised Samaritans. The reason He did so was because He had “harvest eyes.”  Jesus cared for those whom no one else cared for; He loved the unloved and reached for the unreached.

Once Christ and His disciples reached the outskirts of Sychar, they parted ways.  He remained outside the village and sat down on the revered well known as “Jacob’s well”, while His disciples entered into the village to buy something to eat, because it was lunch time.

At high noon, a lone woman carrying her water pot approached the same well that Jesus was sitting on.  Here is where we see the “harvest eyes” of Jesus at their very best. The following verses from John chapter four are filled with more meaning than first meets the eye. “There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)” John 4:7-8 (KJV).

Without berating this despised, adulteress woman, Jesus simply said, “Give me to drink.”  The following parenthetical explanation is very revealing; (For His disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) The idea is implied that if Jesus’ disciples had been with Him at the well, He would have asked one of them to get Him some water to drink; however, since they were absent, He asked the woman instead.  In other words, He treated the woman as though she were already one of His disciples even before she had the knowledge that He was the Christ.  That is a novel idea and worthy of our imitation.

The Samaritan woman’s estimate of Jesus increased quite rapidly.  At first she saw Him as just a “Jew” (4:9), a few verses later she saw Him as a “prophet” (4:19), and by the end of their conversation she saw Him as “the Christ” (4:29).

When the disciples returned to Jesus they asked Him this question, “Why are You talking with her?” Their prejudiced heart would not allow them to talk with such a low-life person and they were puzzled that Jesus would talk with someone like her.

In explaining to His disciples what had just transpired, Jesus spoke these words, “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” John 4:35 (NKJV).  He was, no doubt, trying to get them to see through “harvest eyes.”

How many people do we rub shoulders with everyday that need the peace of God?  Have we considered that God intentionally puts desperate people in our path in order that we may share the love of Christ with them?  “Harvest eyes” will give us a different perspective of the irate customer in the adjacent booth at the local diner.  “Harvest eyes” will enable us to look beyond the glassy eyes and punctured arms of the heroin addict.  “Harvest eyes” will reveal to us the aching emptiness in the heart of the well groomed millionaire who otherwise looks happy and successful with all of his material advantages.

God give us “harvest eyes” so that we can see the souls of people with the same compassion that Jesus does, and help us to be willing to love the unloved and reach the unreached!

Near the Shore – Acts 27-28

After being driven up and down on the Adriatic Sea for 14 days and nights, hope finally arrived.  The sailors on the ship with Paul “deemed” that they drew near to some country.  With a nautical “line and lead,” they measured the depth of the sea at 120 feet.  A short time later, they measured the water’s depth at only 90 feet.  Indeed they were approaching land (Acts 27:27-28).  What a wonderful thought after so many stormy nights on the open seas; soon they would stand on terra firma.

We, too, as believers should “deem” that we are drawing near to some “Country.”  The storm has been rough; our faith has been tested; the voyage is about over; and heaven is in view.  Cast the anchors and watch for the breaking of the day, for in the morning the storm will be over.

Just as the sailors had real indications of shallow waters, we can read the signs of the times and know that it won’t be long ‘til we arrive on that “Shore.”

What are the indications that we are almost there?  When we hear of wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, afflictions, persecutions, false prophets, iniquity, apathy, and global evangelization (Matthew 24:4-14), we know Christ is soon to come.

All around us, we witness perilous times.  People are money hungry, profane, ungrateful, arrogant, unforgiving, wild, cruel, cynical, conceited, ruthless, infatuated with amusement, and addicted to lust (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Now is not the time to be crestfallen; instead, lift up your heads for your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).  Don’t look down, look up.  Don’t waffle or waver; stay the course and remain faithful.  Soon we shall see that City which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).

Almost Persuaded – Acts 25-26

Philip Bliss wrote the well-known hymn “Almost Persuaded” after listening to Reverend Brundage’s sermon from Acts 26:28, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

Almost persuaded now to believe;
Almost persuaded Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul will say,
Go, Spirit, go Thy way;
Some more convenient day on Thee I’ll call.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “almost” as being slightly short of; not quite; or nearly.

To be almost married is to be single; to be almost pregnant is to be barren; to be almost alive is to be dead; to be almost saved is to be lost.

Apollo 13 almost landed on the moon, but didn’t.  Al Gore almost became President, but failed.  The Tennessee Titans almost won the Super Bowl, but lost at the 1 yard line as time expired.  Cavonnier almost won the Kentucky Derby, but lost by a nose to Grindstone in 1996.

Years ago in Scotland, three young brothers in a frail boat, on the lake, were capsized by a storm.  The middle child drowned immediately; the oldest and youngest attempted to swim towards a rocky ledge.  The oldest made it safely.  The youngest reached for the slippery edge, then slipped back, reached again, searching for a hand-hold, then slipped back; reached desperately for the third time, then slipped back, never to reappear.  Almost.

Are you a Christian, or almost?  To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

Be of Good Cheer – Acts 23-24

“Be of good cheer.”  I like those words; we just don’t hear them that much these days.  Instead we might hear, “Cheer up,” or “Take courage.”  The Message Bible simply says, “It’s going to be alright” (Acts 23:11).  How ever it might be phrased, we need to hear those kinds of words from time to time, especially when Murphy’s Law is in affect.

“Nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than it should; and if anything can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible moment.”

The Apostle Paul had a day like that.  While standing before the Court, he was falsely accused, and slapped in the face; he spoke sharply to the High Priest by accident; he created dissension among the people; and he was nearly pulled in pieces and had to be forced into the castle (Acts 23:1-11).

Paul needed encouragement after a day like that, so Jesus stood by him that night and said, “Be of good cheer.”  How timely!  Christ’s words are like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11).

This was not the first time that Jesus used those words to encourage.  In Capernaum, a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof of a house into His presence.  What were Christ’s first words to the man?  “Be of good cheer” (Matthew 9:2).  Later, on the Sea of Galilee, when the disciples were battered by the raging storm, Jesus walked on the water toward them and said, “Be of good cheer” (Matthew 14:27).  When Christ was about to leave earth and return to His Father, He spoke to His small band of disciples who were baffled by His soon departure; to encourage them He said, “Be of good cheer” (John 16:33).

When you need it the most, you can expect Jesus to brighten your day with cheer.

Your Testimony Counts – Acts 21-22

Get the picture.  The Apostle Paul was dragged out of the Jerusalem Temple by the hands of angry Jews who believed he had polluted the Holy Place.  The whole city was in an uproar.  The Jews proceeded quickly to beat him attempting to kill him; however, the Commander of the Roman regiment intervened to break up the mob.  After binding Paul in chains, the Commander demanded to know the reason behind the riot.  The hysterical crowd shouted one thing and then another. Since he could not ascertain the facts, the Commander ordered Paul to be taken to the military barracks.  As the mob grew angry, Paul asked the Commander if he could address them.  Being allowed to do so, Paul spoke to them in the Hebrew language, which when they heard, they grew quieter in order not to miss a word (Acts 21:27-22:2).

After identifying himself as a Jew from Cilicia, Paul spoke of his education in Jerusalem, his former life as a zealot, and his persecution of the Church.  Then Paul shared his conversion story; his journey to Damascus, the great light from heaven, the audible voice, his encounter with Jesus, his blindness, and his healing at the hand of Ananias.

At a most crucial moment in his life, Paul resorted to his personal testimony.  While in chains and surrounded by angry mobs he shared his conversion story.  His salvation was at the heart of his defense.  In a public gathering, Paul boldly conveyed the details of his encounter with Jesus.

God will always provide you with opportunities to share your “life-change” story with others; perhaps in crucial moments of hostility and persecution, or quite moments of personal conversation.  In either case, don’t be afraid; boldly declare the difference that Jesus made in your life.

Take Out the Trash – Acts 19-20

One of my chores as a child was taking out the trash.  I never liked it.  The trash bags were usually big, heavy, and always repulsive.  As an adult I still take out the trash.  I don’t enjoy it but I’ve learned to adapt to the routine.  As long as we live, we’ll always have to deal with the trash.

During my first visit to the Brownsville Revival, God dealt with a different sort of trash in my life.  I’m talking about the trash that sometimes gets in our hearts.  About midnight, in Pensacola, I was lying on the floor in prayer, when suddenly I had a vision of God filleting me like a fish, with a two-edged sword.  Next, He took a handful of junk out of my heart, practically ripping it right out of me.  It looked like something you’d find in a cesspool.  As I lay there weeping, God eventually pulled five handfuls of junk out of my heart.

In Acts 19, we find some folks in Ephesus getting rid of their trash.  They prepared a huge bonfire and threw in all of their books of witchcraft and incantations.  The estimated worth of the demonic paraphernalia was in the millions (NLT – Acts 19:19).

According to Bruce Wilkinson, we should regularly sit in the presence of the Lord and ask Him to reveal anything in our lives that is not pleasing to Him; then repent and get it completely out of our hearts.  One day, I took Bruce’s advice and sat in God’s presence for an hour asking Him to reveal things in my life.  You might not believe it but I wrote down a list of eighty-four things that I needed to deal with.

Perhaps for you, too, it’s time to take out the trash!