Let’s Talk About My Lamp
I have two lamps in my living area that are for ambience only, and unless company is coming, I don’t even turn them on. But they do provide a great atmosphere as the bottom of the lamp lights up inside a marble base.
So, there’s my inspiration for this blog. Everyday, as a part of my morning devotions, I read from my One-Year Chronological Bible. So here I am in August, and I’m still reading in the Old Testament. I’m looking forward to the “Jesus, John, Luke, Peter, Paul, etc., chapters that shed a much better light than all the sacrificing of animals (and children – Lord, have mercy!) books.
I checked. The New Testament readings won’t begin until September 24th. That tells me all those sacrifices that were made in the Old Testament were resolved in one fell swoop when our Lord and Savior came to this earth and paid the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all mankind. Thanks be to God. Our part? “…..whoever believes in Him wiill not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16b)
Which begs me to ask if you, like me, ever get overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible? There are so many books, deep thoughts, spiritual insights, and life-altering truths — where do we begin for today? I think that’s why I’ve enjoyed this Chronological Bible this year.
I’m looking forward to primarily place my focus on the NEW and improved way of living because of THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE that came to us when I get to the New Testament where Jesus fulfilled all those prophecies we read about in the Old Testament.
Truly, God’s words are a lifeline to me. A whisper from my God. A personal word I catch in the Bible. I’ll admit that some days, I speed-read through some of those “sacrificing” chapters. But then, in Proverbs (in the Old Testament) pops up a scripture that is worth slow reading. Proverbs 4:20-22 says: “Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
This is what I want to do. I want to really pay attention. I need to listen well to what God is saying. God’s Word is the protective covering over my plans, my mind, and my heart. So, with His love letter, He reminds me to pause, pause, pause.
Pause and let the Holy Spirit intervene in my hurried, anxious mind. Pause and remember I’m not always right. Pause to see the blessings, so many blessings, and say “thank you” often.
The book of Proverbs is full of God’s wisdom. It’s worth spending time there because we will be led down straighter and shorter paths to where God intends for us to go. And, the book of Psalms (Old Testament) teaches us about dependence on God, being sheep of His pasture, AND, the LIGHT to our pathway.
I spoke of my ambience lamps. In Psalms we read about God’s lamp in our lives that provides reassurance, security AND ambience. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” ( Psalm 119:105)
And, BTW, It’s okay if we read just a verse or two today. But more importantly than reading His words, we must choose to receive them. And even more importantly, we must live them. Because the more we apply God’s teaching to our lives, the more it becomes part of us. Word in me. God’s Word working through me. God’s Word lived out by me. Let this be the rhythm of Truth in our lives. We’ll be turning on THE LIGHT, when we do!