When the Word Read Me: How God Got Me Together

As I enter into 2025, I've decided to dive into the word with the goal of reading the entire bible again. But this time, instead of reading from beginning to end ( Genesis to Revelations), I decided to read the way many bible scholars have suggested, by starting with the Gospels. I started in John. Have you ever been in a sermon or reading and get read? Well, I was studying in John and this slapped me right in the face. First, in John 6 as I was reading about how Jesus made provision for the lack of resources and was able to not only feed five thousand but also had the nerve to have leftovers. This was a direct reminder and subtle flex to remind the disciples that God is HIM. As I read through the commentary following the reading of the word, Tony hit me with a gem. " Don't let your lack of resources limit what God can do." I can't begin to tell you how many times, I've gotten beside myself looking at the lack of resources for the task at hand and counted myself out, as if God were not with me. This was yet another reminder that God is forever faithful and always with me. So as I continue throughout this year, I will make it a point to not limit God by my lack of resources.

Another instance was while I was reading John 7. As I read how Jesus was dropping serious knowledge yet the people were unwilling to receive it. Tony in the commentary drops yet more gems. " A willingness to receive God's word and obey them must precede understanding" and " If we approach God with the mindset of obedience, He will give us clarity into HIs word and discernment". I felt this was directed right to me! I like to know what is going on, so there are times when I try to have that same logic with God. This checked me so hard. There will be more times than not, that you have no clue what the outcome will be or even how it is going to work but you have to be obedient in order to get the promise God has for you. It was just what I needed to hear. To obey even if you don't understand.

Are you willing to do what God says?

I've found myself wanting what God has for me and if I am being totally honest, there are times that I've wanted his blessings without Him. I was being stubborn, I wanted what I wanted without being obedient to His word. How many times have you yourself been in the same boat? I instantly stop reading and starting praying. I am working to be more intentional about being obedient regardless of what I think it may cost me.

Sidenote: Jesus is good because the way He is forever arguing with these people about who He is and what He can do for them is wild. I know I would've told those people, " I said what I said! You go ahead and do what you do but remember what I told you when the time comes"

But back on track. I encourage you all to join me on this journey as I read through the bible. Here we can have dialogue, unscripted. I look forward to interacting with you all.

I'll leave you all with this question for today: What is one verse that stood out to you recently, and how can you apply it to your life?