What do you expect God to do in your life as a result of reading through HIS precious Word in a year? I hope and pray that you and I come to HIS Word each day expecting to hear from our heavenly Father and expecting HIM to do great and mighty things. Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR--We begin tomorrow reading through the One Year Bible. I know that many have purchased the One Year Bible in the New Living Translation, since that is one of our Pastors picks, I will simply say "excellent" choice!
You will also find the One Year Bible Online at http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/index.html
If you use the online version, it allows you to choose from multiple translations and multiple languages. When you click on the link it will open a new browser and take you to Bible Gateway.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY--Additionally, we have discussed memorizing scripture, below is a link to the Children's page at the Bellevue web site...from there you will find the verse that your child is memorizing each week http://www.bellevue.org/templates/cusbellevue1103/details.asp?id=1360&PID=399976&Style=
I want to adopt the Navigator's Topical Memory system. Simply put, you memorize scripture by topic and in categories. Below is a link to their web site, it is loaded with excellent content. Memorizing by topic and categories helps with recall, for example our first 12 verses will be under the heading "Live The New Life" and you can see the subsequent subheadings.
http://www.navigators.org/us/
LIVE THE NEW LIFE
Christ the Center
2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20
Obedience to Christ
Romans 12:1
John 14:21
The Word
2 Timothy 3:16
Joshua 1:8
Prayer
John 15:7
Philippians 4:6,7
Fellowship
Matthew 18:20
Hebrews 10:24,25
Witnessing
Matthew 4:19
Romans 1:16
Our bookstore actually has the exact Navigator's Topical Memory system that you may purchase with all of the cards already printed and it includes a little book on how to memorize scripture. However, most of the content and information you can also find on their web site.
Below is a link where you will find the list of verses that will take us through this year. I know some of you will want to run ahead:)
http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/Topical%20Memory%20System
Let's have a great time spending time with God and each other this year...I love each of you and praise God for placing you all in our lives.
On to today's reading.
Most of the Israelites (I wonder about the church today) were rejected by God, only those who feared, or reverenced HIS name and spoke to one another got HIS attention! That is pretty cool as we launch out on a JOURNEY to reverence and honor HIS NAME by reading through HIS precious Word in one year and talking to each other about HIM, HIS faithfulness, HIS love, tender mercies...that my 6 year old, Kyle, says HIS tender mercies are "good all day." I love it! THEY ARE AND HE IS GOOD ALL DAY!
16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. 17 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him NASB.
I love the way HE puts it so emphatically..."they will be mine," says the Lord of hosts."" Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Re 22:12-14 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
We are HIS, HE purchased us with HIS own precious blood...HE saved us and then HE does not force us to do anything, but HE lovingly invites us, HE woos us if you will, with those amazing tender good all day mercies.
Come, come to Jesus, come and drink, come and eat, come and be satisfied...the world always leaves you wanting more, BUT HE completely, absolutely, positively satisfies heart, soul, mind and body...come enjoy, come in and delight in HIM.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
He is your treasure, He is your delight!