Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in 1 Kings 5 and 6.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 2.
The Greek Testament reading is in Luke 12.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
1 Kings 5 and 6, Building the temple of YHVH
Additional studies: 1 and 2 Kings Index
If Solomon’s Temple pictures it, then we know that the presence of God is surrounded by angels, palm trees, and open flowers – in other words, like the Garden of Eden. God loves gardens and landscaped beauty. When He wanted to make a Paradise for man to dwell in with Him, He didn’t make a city or technology – He made a beautiful garden. The gardens in heaven must be magnificent, and I have no doubt that heaven is full of them. God’s love for the beauty of cool green, quiet waters, abundant fruit and flowers is even reflected in the identities He has given us: precious pearl, sparkling jewel, fragrant rose, hidden treasure, oak of righteousness, refreshing oasis. We read in yesterday’s reading that the fruit that the Bride prepares for the Bridegroom is the fruit which the Spirit causes us to bring forth to glorify God (Son 7:13). Every natural reality has its spiritual counterpart.
Psalm 2, Mashiyach, anointed
Additional studies: Psalms Book One: 1-41 Index
Psalm 2 reveals that the Anointed One will accomplish the work for which He was anointed — restoring the earth and all in it to obedience to YHVH’s authority. They are wise who submit to Him voluntarily rather than wait for His wrath to force submission (Psa 2:10). Even beyond those who are wise, are those who are blessed, who submit to Him voluntarily because they have placed their trust in Him (Psa 2:12) as the One who not only exercises might and power, but who holds the Shepherd’s staff in His hand!
Luke 12, Do not fear, therefore
Additional studies: Luke Index
It’s all very well to say, “Do not worry,” but then how do we actually accomplish it? Anxiety is an emotion born from a stronghold in the heart, which whispers, “God won’t take care of me.” Yet, it is a lie. Lies can be the foundation of strongholds, strongly-held beliefs, in the heart too. Just as we cannot wrestle darkness out of a room, so we can’t dismantle a stronghold simply by sheer willpower. But we can flip on the light switch, and the darkness with automatically leave. Similarly, we must replace this lie with the opposite stronghold of truth, which states, “God will take care of me,” a truth the Bible teaches. When we build this stronghold of truth in our heart, it produces the opposite emotions of peace, calmness, clarity, and contentment.
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Psalm 107.
Suggested study: Psalm 107, Bible for Beginners.
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