Dear friends,
Did you know that you can read the Old Testament in nine months, if you read approximately three chapters a day? Having started in September, Karen and I reached the end of Malachi yesterday. I started thinking that this is the same length of time as a pregnancy and then I wondered how many pregnant women read the Old Testament while expecting.
Although I have read the New Testament several times, I am looking forward to reading it again. If all goes according to plan, we’ll reach the end of Revelation about the time our daughter, Candace, walks down the aisle (or pathway, as the wedding will be at Parkside Ranch). One of the most helpful books on the believer’s identity in Christ is “Victory Over the Darkness” by Neil T. Anderson. In a chapter entitled “Forever Different,” Anderson lists dozens of scriptural traits that portray who a believer becomes when he or she is born again.
When we get discouraged, we would do well to remember that we are members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30) and God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). The word translated workmanship is the Greek word poiema, the root of the English word poem. According to “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” (from the Dallas Seminary), this word “denotes a work of art or a masterpiece. God’s workmanship is not achieved by good works, but it is to result in good works” (cf. Titus 2:14; 3:8).
The Scripture for the weekend below is recited by many children in AWANA (a ministry that places a strong emphasis on Scripture memorization). On the way home from a men’s group meeting on Tuesday, I saw several flashes of light in the distance as I drove on Highway 30. Grey clouds hid the setting sun, but bursts of pinkish light on the horizon brought to mind what it might be like when the Lord descends from heaven (please see 1 Thessalonians 4 for more on the rapture of the church). What a glorious day that will be!
Scripture for the weekend: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “The only identity equation that works in God’s kingdom is you plus Christ equals wholeness and meaning.” – Neil T. Anderson (from his book “Victory Over the Darkness”)
By His grace,
Steve