Together
Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-27
One thing I'm enjoying about reading the Bible every day is learning new ways to engage with it. I've sat down and read it to myself, I've listened to it on audio while I paint or while I get ready for bed, I've read it on my kindle, I've read it on paper, I've written passages out for myself, and today I read the entire reading for January 5 out loud to my sisters and best friend as we spent some time painting together in my backyard (we know how to have a good time).
With each of these ways of receiving the Word of God I found it hit me in different ways. Today reading it out loud helped me feel the inflection and meaning behind the words and I also felt the significance of sharing God's Word in fellowship. With their periodic "hm's" and their silent absorption of the text I felt less alone in the awe, curiosity, and encouragement.
Today, let's read the Beatitudes together.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven."
Mm.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Wow.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Selah.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Hallelujah
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Applause
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Yes.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
COME on.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecute the prophets who were before you."
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify you Father in heaven."
Lord Jesus, thank You for being LIGHT. Thank You for giving me a light...help me to let it shine. Help me to know that whatever light I have and whatever awe, curiosity, encouragement I have in You, is very personal but is not private. Thank You for the sanctity of fellowship and the power of Your Word out loud. Thank You for already giving us everything we need to be the light of the world.
Thank You for Your power to light the darkest world
Tomorrow:
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:28-33