KNOWING YOUR BIBLE
September 5, 2021: Dear Friends, May God be with you during this time of horrific events here in our country. Many millions are suffering from the massive destruction caused by a hurricane and from fires that are burning in the West. Many are homeless without food, water and electricity. The turmoil occurring because of these events cause constant dealing with chaos and disruption. The stress being experienced is part of the suffering of the body, mind and soul, as unrest and insecurity set in.
Sometimes, when one is experiencing undue stress and turmoil, turning to God might not be the first priority in seeking relief. However, God through his love and compassion is our help at all times as well as during times of chaotic and disruptive events. In Psalm, chapter 46, verses 1-7, it is written: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Consider training the mind to immediately think of God and God’s power and strength that will calm the spirit and give confidence in helping with facing the challenges and problems that are being confronted with. Try to spend a few minutes during the day, several times a day. Be alone, away from the situation of chaos and disruption. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Then focus on God. Prayer is the pathway of communicating with God. God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us when we come to believe and have faith in God. (Go to the website above left and go back to the blog written on August 15 to further increase knowledge about the Holy Spirit.)( A blog on Prayer can be found in the June 8 writing).
Some don’t know about God, let alone trying to pray to God. Talking to God alone, silently or aloud, is like talking with a family member or close friend. Some may want to say a word or two such as “God help me” or “God be with me”. Others may want to say a longer prayer, requesting in detail the needs and situations to God. One may just want to sit in silence, relaxing the mind, and relieving the soul from constantly thinking about the circumstances. Which ever way one chooses to meditate, know that God is with you. Some might feel God’s presence during the prayer time. His presence through his spirit will bring comfort and help to sooth the circumstances, changing the mindset of “disaster-thinking” to one of calmness and confidence in that “…..but for God, all things are possible”. Matthew, chapter 19, verse 26.
The Bible is God’s “Holy Word” to its readers. This blog is written with the purpose of helping any who might want to know more about God and learn the Bible. The blogs written between April 11 and July 4 give instructions on learning the Bible. Other blogs written about God can be found from July 4 through August 22 writings.Go to the website above left. Go back to these blogs to study and contemplate about the written “Word” of God. Next week the focus will return to the study of important men and women of the Bible.
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! All verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) version of the Bible. Bible Verses: Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. Isaiah, chapter 41 verse 1: “Listen to me in silence O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength.” Jeremiah, chapter 33, verse 3: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Due to space, only a few verses will be listed to search for and read: Genesis, chapter 28, verses 15-22; Exodus, chapter 33, verse 14; Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9; 1st Chronicles, chapter 29, verses 10-13. Psalm, 27, verse 14; Mark, chapter 1, verse 35. John, chapter 17, verse 1; Colossians, chapter 1, verse 9. 2nd Thessalonians, chapter 5, verses 16-17. Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 10.