December 30, 2020

Timeless Advice for Times Like These
On December 27th, 2020, the last Sunday of this tumultuous year, Pastor suggested to read God’s Word each day; even if it is a little bit at a time. He mentioned that while the lofty goal of reading through the Bible in a year is a great endeavor, we might want to consider reading a smaller chunk and really ‘chewing’ and savoring it. I know that he wasn’t saying anything against reading through the Bible in a year. But we shouldn’t do it as if we check that off our to-do list and hurry on to the next project for the day.

This time of year, a lot of us ‘take inventory’ of everything from finances to relationships to time spent with the Lord. Sheila and I enjoy the tv specials of ‘The Year in Review’. Though this year we may not sleep after watching it. There are a lot of uncertainties that lie ahead for 2021 and beyond.

I see no better time to recommit ourselves to reading and really studying God’s plan for us. Some food for thought:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please…
These are Your Holy Words Holy Father. May we be sanctified in Your Truth. Your Word IS Truth! Amen and Amen!

May God bless us and keep us in His Word in 2021!
Happy New Year!
Marlon Mathre