Day 163 Bible Readings – Psalm 92: 12 (ESV)

2 Samuel 18: 19-33, 2 Samuel 19, Acts 7: 44-60, Psalm 92

Psalm 92: 12 (ESV)

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

In verse 12 from Psalm, we read about one of the promises of Father-God. If you are believer in Jesus Christ and follow his commandments, you will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. In Biblical times, the palm tree was known to have long life and have the ability to thrive in the desert, which meant the palm tree has resilience and endurance. For the tribes of ancient Israel, the palm branches were also used to signify victory and triumph over one’s adversaries. If we are like palm trees, this means that Father-God promised that we will flourish even in the toughest of condition and have victory because we are under his protection, grace, and mercy. We will not just survive harsh circumstances; we will flourish in them as a blessing from Father-God. The cedar trees were also known for their strength, height, and durability. Cedar trees were used for the construction of temples and palaces because of their stability and longevity. As believers in Father-God, we have the cedar tree’s strength and durability in our faith so we become temples for the Father-God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. I know for myself that deepening my relationship with Father-God has given me the strength to endure life’s most difficult circumstances, and has given me the feeling that I am always flourishing and have the strength to endure whatever life throws my way.

If you enjoyed reading about my thoughts on these Biblical verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church so you can learn about all of the promise Fathe-God made to his people.

Day 162 Bible Readings – Psalm 91: 11-12 (ESV)

2 Samuel 16: 15-23, 2 Samuel 17, 2 Samuel 18: 1-18, Acts 7: 20-43, Psalm 91: 9-16

Psalm 91: 11-12 (ESV)

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”

Verses 11 and 12 from Psalm 91 stood out to me because the Bible Study I was reading noted that these verses were quoted and used by Satan when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 5-7). Satan used these verses and twisted them to tempt Jesus to throw himself down from the top of the temple to test God if he really was the son of God. Jesus quoted scripture back and told the Satan that you cannot put God to the test. These verses show us how Satan will twist verses from the Bible to put doubt in our mind. If you have doubts about what Father-God is doing in your life, as believers in Christ we need to refer back to the Bible to find out if Father-God really said that and the promises he made to his people. Jesus then gave us the template of how to respond to doubt or attacks from Satan. We need to do what Jesus did and quote scripture back to him and say that Father-God didn’t say that, and here are the Bible verses that prove or talk about the promises Father-God made to his people. If we follow the example Jesus left for us for how to deal with temptation, we will be able to overcome it like he did.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirited filled, Bible-based church where you can learn how to respond to the doubts and temptation in your life.

Day 161 Bible Readings – Acts 6: 2-4 (ESV)

2 Samuel 15: 13-37, 2 Samuel 16: 1-14, Acts 6, Act 7: 1-19, Psalm 91: 1-8

Acts 6: 2-4 (ESV)

“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

In verses 2 through 4 from Acts 6, we read about the disciples settled the problem of caring for others in the early church after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These verses tell us that we each have a role to play in the body of Christ. Some are like the disciples who are meant to preach, lead prayer, and ministering the words of Christ. Others are meant to serve and care for the needy of the church. Father-God has a plan for each believer’s life that will help to serve his plan for the world.  But like the early disciples of Christ, all believers need to make sure they are praying and listening to the words of Christ and are full of the Holy Spirit. Whatever the role and gifts Father-God has given to us, we still need to make sure that are filled with the Holy Spirit who will guide us and give us the power to fulfill the plan Father-God has mapped out for our lives.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can use the gifts and talents Father-God gave you to fulfill his plan for your life and the world.

Day 160 Bible Readings – Acts 5: 38-39 (ESV)

2 Samuel 14, 2 Samuel 15: 1-12, Acts 5: 12-42, Psalm 90: 11-17

Acts 5: 38-39 (ESV)

“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”…”

In verses 38 and 39 from Acts 5, we read about Gamaliel’s response to the Sanhedrin about what to with Peter and John. Gamaliel’s advice was to let Peter and John go and wait and see if the teachings of Jesus were really from God, and if they were from God then there was nothing the Sanhedrin could do to stop them. Gamaliel then added that if the disciples were from God then stopping them would be opposing Father-God.

Gamaliel’s advice teaches us that as believers of Jesus Christ, we should not immediately act when facing opposition. We need to discern through observation and patience to see if action is needed. If something or someone is truly from God, then there is nothing we can do to stop what is happening. We must always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for what actions to take. Gamaliel tells us Father-God is sovereign overall and opposing him will fail. If we are aligned with God’s purpose and plans, then there is nothing anyone can do to stop our plans.

If you enjoyed reading my thought about these Bible verses, find yourself a good Bible-based church where you will learn to hear the voice of Father-God and align your life with the plans that Father-God has for your life.