10-15-2023

Good Morning All,

       Psalm 1:2; “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

        “Why do you make us learn this?”  Why do we have to memorize this?” “My mom says I need to practice my music lesson before I do my confirmation lesson.”  “You expect me to read the Bible every day; I don’t have time!” The list goes on.  It is always interesting teaching 12- and 13-year-olds confirmation.  They always seem to go to more work to get out of work than actually doing the work. Yet they ask a fairly good question, in your busy life, why take time for reading the Bible?

    Scriptures tells us to spend time in the study of the Bible.  In the verse that follows this one we are told that this man is like a tree that is planted by streams of water.  The image is that of a tree that never withers and is always healthy and always produces great fruit.  So, is that how you would view your life?  Don’t worry, I don’t think I would consider my life like that either.  Yet the groundwork is laid.  This can be our goal.

    Jesus told his disciples that the “Spirit would remind us of all that Jesus said.”  It does this by causing us to see the Bible as providing us with guidance, direction and the words of help and encouragement that we need.  Yet through study, both in depth study and devotional time, we will have those words come to mind at the time when we have need of them.  By focusing on God’s Word, when trouble strikes, they will be the first words that come to mind and that will give us comfort and hope.

    “Nothing is so powerfully effective against the devil, the world, the flesh, and all the evil thoughts as to occupy oneself with God’s Word.  Without a doubt, you will offer up no more powerful incense or savor against the devil than to occupy yourself with God’s commandments and words.”  This is how we understand this teaching.  Only God’s Word s powerful enough to withstand the assaults of the devil. 

    So, God gives to us the power we need to withstand the devil’s attacks, but we need to utilize them.  He gives us the tools to live our life in contentment until Christ returns but we need to use them.  He gives us his Word which gives us comfort, his body and blood to nourish our spirit, prayer to speak from our heart to our Father.  He gives us the Holy Spirit to keep us in the faith and to make us part of His holy family.  These wondrous gifts await us, but we must use them and take advantage of them.  We are saved now, and we have access to all the power we need but we must access.  We must use God’s gifts to the fullest.

Father of all mercies, you give us the tools to withstand the devil’s onslaught.  Lead us to use them fully.  Lead us to trust in your Spirit to guard and protect us.  That he may keep us in true faith.  Be with those who are being attacked by the devil at this time.  Keep them safe and give them the sure victory.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret