Part 1
The study of scripture has always been filled with new revelations that can transform our perspectives and understanding and even our character. I am presenting several of these scriptural texts that have been transformative for me. I have highlighted the words or phrases that caught my attention and inspired deliberation and growth.
Ezekiel 22:30 New English Translation
30 “I looked for a man from among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one.
When I read this, I have the sense that God feels saddened that when He needed someone to step up to fulfill a desperate need, He found no one. This inspires me to say, “Lord, take me!” From my experiences, when I stood up to fulfill a need, even when I felt inadequate for the task, God provided whatever I lacked thereby allowing the task to be successfully fulfilled. The feeling that God is often let down by fearful and reluctant humans, inspires one to have the courage to step up and step in to fulfill a void.
Psalm 139:23-24 Living Bible
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. 24 Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
This scripture is the finale to one of the most inspiring Psalms. It speaks of the reality of the inescapable presence of God in our life. Whether we believe it or not, God has a deep interest in our life and His presence ought to create a profound gratitude the eludes description. The final words in verses 23 and 24 are the psalmist’s desire to take full advantage of God’s presence. He invites God to search his very being and seeks to know if he is brining any hint of sadness to the heart of God. This has inspired me to add this thought to my prayers for I would hate to God to become sad because of me and my sinful thoughts.
Luke 12:48 Living Bible
…. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.
When we are amazed as we realize how great we have been blessed by the God of Love and Grace and mercy and forgiveness, we understand our mission – to love one another as we have been so profoundly loved.
Matthew 5:41 New King James Version
41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
The lesson of the second mile is significantly transformative as it opens doors for untold opportunities to growth. Making strangers into faithful friends.
Galatians 5:22-23 New King James Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
This scripture provides a comprehensive glimpse into the gifts the Holy Spirit can instill into one’s character. It takes the deliberate intention to develop each into a conduct and perspective on life.
Luke 18:7-9 New King James Version
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
In these word from Jesus, He highlights the one thing He will be looking for in us, FAITH. This is not surprising when we recall the moment His key disciple Peter was about to be tested by Satan.
Luke 22:31-32 New King James Version
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 [a]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Here Jesus knowing the test that Simon Peter was on the brink of failing, Jesus prays for the one and only thing that will get Peter through the test unscathed, FAITH! From this I see that our most critical possession is the FAITH that our loving God has so graciously implanted into our soul. We must protect it and nurture it relentlessly and at all cost.
Let me draw your attention to the carefully worded message of Jesus to Peter (and us!) where He says “when” referring to His expected success of Peter. He didn’t use “if” which would imply Peter might fail. Such is the absolute confidence Jesus has in the success of His prayers for Peter and you and me!
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Turning Point
I find that scripture contains words that reveal the eternal truths. And like a diamond, each time we read them they reveal a facet not seen in previous encounters. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. Each revelation inspires the next exploration.