This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with a mini-series within it entitled “Focusing on the Word”. We are walking our way through the first half of the first psalm. Let’s get back to it. The Bible says:
(Psalm 1:1-3 KJV) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:1-3 ERV) “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.”
In this message we will continue to focus in on the line: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord”, or “Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings.” In yesterday’s message I said, “Reading God’s Word is not something you’ve GOT to do, but rather something you GET to do!” I’m going to ‘pull the string’ on that thought this morning. I believe we should see it as a privilege to be able to read what God documented for us.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Everything is not in the Bible, but everything you NEED to live a life pleasing in God’s sight is documented in His Word.
a. The Bible contain history books, wisdom literature, prophecy and letters that contain the keys to life and Godliness. Some of the books simply document what happened. They read like a periodical that captured events as they unfolded. These books are descriptive in nature. Other books are prescriptive in nature. They tell us how to live. When we understand the difference and we know who was writing, to whom, and for what purpose, we can properly discern, divide and apply the Word of God to our lives.
b. John said, “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25). Everything Jesus did was not documented. So what was captured in the Bible is there for a divine purpose. You and I have the privilege of reading what God documented in His Word.
2. If you honor God, you will also honor the privilege of reading what He left for you to read in his Word.
a. God sits on the circle of the earth (Isa 40:22). He could have orchestrated whatever He wanted to wind up in the Bible. What He left for us was 66 books. They contain the gospel message that leads to eternal life, and the keys to maximize life in the earth. When you approach the Bible you should never do so as a task to perform, but rather as a sincere privilege. The God of the universe had His will documented for you. As the creation you get to read the instructions of the Creator.
b. If a person of historical significance took the time to write a book with you in mind, dedicated the book to you, and then spent time with you as you read the book, you would be completely honored. The book would be one of your prized possessions. Well, guess what? That’s what God did with His Word. He wrote His book with You in mind. The book is dedicated to you. It was written for your purpose and benefit. And then, if that were not enough, the Holy Spirit (the author Himself) sits down with you as you read His book. He takes the time to explain the chapters. He tells you what He meant when He said what He said. Think about this the next time you open your Bible. Ask the author, who lives IN you, to talk to you about His book.
I’ll close with the words of John F. MacArthur Jr. about God’s Word:
“This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed.
Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.”
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus this year by focusing on Your Word. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You sit on the circle of the earth. You are the Creator of all things. Nothing that was made was made without You. You could have done anything You wanted and You chose to document certain things in Your Word. As the creation, I see it as a privilege to read the words of my Creator. I open Your Word daily. I read it with an open heart and open mind. Your Words are life to me. I crave Your Word more than my necessary food. I live by what You said (back then) and what You are saying to every day. Thank You Father for writing this book for me. I will meditate and medicate on it day and night! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
