I was reading this morning during my devotional time from 52 Names of God in Hebrew. (To be clear, I know absolutely no Hebrew). The word today was the name that means “living water.” The people of Israel used to refer to any form of naturally flowing water as “living water.” They believed both water and the Torah came directly from God, and both were required for physical and spiritual health. The author says,
“What we read in the Bible should impact the way we act, the way we talk, the way we endure our problems, and the way we approach our relationships.” (p.35)
How ironic then that my reading in Psalms should be Psalm 119. The longest book of the Bible. But even more significantly is that it is (in my mind), the magnum opus on God’s Word. It is so long I end up reading it in chunks. This morning I read verses 1-24. In just those few verses are 3 standout verses:
- Verse 9 which I will call “The Challenge.”
- Verse 11 which I will call “The Means.”
- Verse 18 which I will call “The Plea.”
I get to teach the importance of God’s truth today. After being head-slapped biblically by a father who is telling her one lie sends her to hell, a young girl and her distraught mother are coming in today to talk. I’ll be able to use God’s very own words to prove his “theology” is whacked, his pronouncement to his daughter and siblings is so far off-base that it wreaks of spiritual abuse. This is so wrong I don’t even know where to begin.
My prayer will be that her eyes will be open to see God’s wonderful truths of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Would you please pray with and for me as I teach and with the children to understand? Thanks.
You have my prayers, Bill! I know God will help you come up to the challenge.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. I am sure of that as well.
That is so sad Bill, men are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of a household, not teaching lies about the Bible and I agree that is spiritual abuse. I will certainly being praying for the family and for you to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that your words plant seeds in this family to draw closer to God and not to be afraid of God. I will pray that the damage that the father has implanted can be replaced by the God’s love grace and mercy.
Thanks Gail. Those are exactly the type of prayers that needs said.
Prayers for your conversation today, my prayer is the truth will truly set them free from the bondage. Perhaps a door into changing his life as well… What a miserable life that must be.
Prayers appreciated Ryan. Got moved from noon to around 5:30 tonight. I don’t believe it is coincidental. For all practical purposes the marriage is done. Perhaps a life can be changed though.