This past week I spent time reading the word out loud with friends, we read large chunks of Scripture, and before I forget, I want to remember a few things.
First, I highly recommend the practice of reading the word in community. Not sure if I’ll say this well, but, there is something here in reading the word out loud. Speaking truth not only to our hearts, but to the others sitting with us.
Second, when reading entire books of the Bible, you begin to see patterns and truth that the few verses at a time will not provide.
Third, this may sound overwhelming but in reality, we let the word of God speak and discuss what he shows us. It’s easier when we have the author’s full thought and discourse.
For instance, the passage in Luke 4 where Jesus encounters the devil began with the devil saying, “IF you are the son of God,” Luke 4:3. He begins his conversation with doubt and conflict. If he can convince Jesus he is not the son of God, all the rest falls apart. This speaks volumes to me that he tried with Jesus and failed, but how often do I believe the lies in the whispers of the night?
Here’s the truth to that lie that, in fact, Jesus shows us by speaking the word of God back to the lie:
“He came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession], and those who were His own [people—the Jewish nation] did not receive and welcome Him. But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— [Is 56:5] who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].”
John 1:11-13 AMP
You are a child of God when you believe and trust and rely on the name of the Lord Jesus. The devil may try to make you believe that you aren’t worthy (well, you’re not, but the blood of Jesus changes everything). If he used this technique on Jesus, he’ll use it on you.
Same chapter of Luke further down:
“There was a man in the synagogue who was possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud and terrible voice, “Let us alone! What business do we have [in common] with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!””
Luke 4:33-34 AMP
The demons cry out asking Jesus to leave him alone. And he knows who Jesus is, he declares it aloud. There is no “if”, the demons know. Let’s be honest, so does the devil. Do we? Do we trust that Jesus carries our burdens? He asks us to take the next step with trust and eyes fixed. The devil cannot read your mind, but he is a master at reading the behaviors.
What are your go to verses when the feelings and lies replace truth in your mind? The other part of this discourse with the devil, Jesus uses Scripture to fight. And we do well to pattern ourselves after this example. The following is one of mine.
“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! [Job 2:6] Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP
One thing I need to always be ordering in my life is my view of God. It’s more important than my thoughts about money or people or …. Keeping track of my thoughts. Asking myself, where are you? What do I know about God in this moment?
Going to list some verses for me to remember.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:14-21 NASB1995
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9 NASB1995
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NASB1995
May God remind and urge you to keep His word in your mind and heart. The demons know who Jesus is and I urge you to remember as well. He is our peace.
2 Comments
Amen and Amen!!!!! Thank you Cara.
Thank you for reading!!