I’ve been reading some (okay…a lot) 🙂 on anger, fear, anxiety, jealousy, mental health, suicide, and other related topics because of a sermon series I plan to preach starting in two weeks and going to the end of September. I have chosen to do a topical series instead of going through a book of the Bible. Relevant topics (as you can see). The sermon scheduled for August 2nd is from Psalm 34, especially verses 8-10:
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (NLT)
As I was reading I Peter 2 as part of my journey through the NT in 2026, I read the following verse: “If you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (v.3-CSB). And as I thought about verses 1-3, I saw a pattern or a path develop. It may just be me but I thought I would share it:
Verse 1- The sin that devastates so many of us. Evil behavior like deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.Â
Verse 2- The desire to change. The CSB (which I am using for my 2026 reading) says, “Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the Word, so that you may grow up into your salvation.” We cannot change on our own, nor so we change people. That is God’s business. Only He can do that.Â
Verse 3- How that change happens. We desire God’s Word and in the process we taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8) And as the old song said, “The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.”Â
Do you want to change? “Taste and see” is what both Peter and David say to do. “God, please give me a hunger for Your presence and Your Word. Change me as I crave both.”Â
A hunger for God’s presence and His Word is the sweetest taste we could ever experience, Bill. I truly admire your willingness to tackle the tough issues in your sermon series. Not easy, but with God’s help, I know you will succeed.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. This series is already challenging me in preparation because it is so different than normal. on the subject, yes, it is the sweetest taste of all, even better than ice cream. 🙂
You have planned out a series of topics that are both challenging, but needed. Praying our good good Father will provide healing and breakthrough for all who need it. Praying for open hearts and minds for those who need to receive it. Praying support will come from those who have been through it and can come along side to encourage through the process.
Thanks Ryan. Those are the exact requests I have but not articulated to God. I want this to be a helpful series but not come off as a “know-it-all” or “I have it all together so listen.”
You’re back!
You can’t keep a good man down. And yes, write when you have something to say. When you can’t NOT write. When the Spirit is leading you to speak.
God bless you, man.
Thanks Linda! Those words express what I want this blog to be and what I want to say. I don’t want to feel forced or under pressure to fill a page.
The way I am looking at it at the moment is that I am God’s Vessel, so He can, and will, use me in any capacity He sees fit.
I can’t wait for August 8th. I will be there!
That is the only way to be Ed. And MY APOLOGIES! It is August 2nd. I have no clue where the 8th came in at.
Father, Your word is the bread of life, create a deep hunger in me that I would choose to never go a day without letting Your words fill my heart. Help me to keep all my thoughts captive with You. The closer and deeper I dive into Your word, the more You are able to teach me, and guide me. Help me Father to only search and hunger for things that please Your heart.
1Timothy1:17
And I say AMEN and AMEN to that Gail! May that be the prayer of all of us who follow Jesus.