post by Lisa Buffum, January 12, 2023
Begin by reading Psalm 19 on Biblegateway.com or in your own Bible.
A couple of days ago, a Facebook friend posted a picture of a beautiful Kentucky sunset and proclaimed, “The heavens really do declare.” He was paraphrasing Psalm 19:1.
There really is something spectacular about a sunset with the clouds and the landscape and the colors whether in Kentucky or Kansas or [name your location]. In fact, all of nature does declare the absolute and unfathomable glory of God. From the sky to the ocean, from the wings of a butterfly to the scales of a fish, from the eyelashes of a baby to the wise face of a 93-year-old mother . . . all of nature declares the glory of God. It is beyond amazing.
David, the psalmist, does not stop with the comparison of nature to the revelation of the glory of God. He claims that scripture (the law, statutes, precepts, commands, and decrees of the Lord) also declares the glory of God.
I am a strong supporter of reading scripture. I believe that every Christian should read the Bible, and that the spirit of God will help us to understand it. Too many Christians let others tell them what scripture says or means. We do not need to do that.
We have access to scripture that people in David’s time did not have. Most of us have more than one Bible in our homes. There are wonderful commentaries and resources available. We have the amazing privilege of reading God’s words to us for ourselves. What if we treated it as if it is more precious than gold? What if we treated it as if the words are sweeter than honey? What if we considered the warnings given in scripture and lived accordingly?
There is a promise in Psalm 19. Do you see it?
The law, statues, precepts, commands, and decrees of the Lord are perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, firm, and righteous. Scripture gives wisdom to our minds, joy to our hearts, and light to our eyes. God’s word endures forever.
Where do you start? Anywhere. I started with the book of Ruth because my grandmother’s name was Ruth. I wholeheartedly recommend the book of Mark. Oh, and Luke and Acts. And . . .
David says to us in Psalm 19 that we have daily opportunities to see the glory of God. We can see his glory in nature, and we can see it in scripture. Let us behold God in all his glory in every means we have available to us.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash
PS – All of the IFD certification programs offered through BeADisciple begin with Bible and theology courses. This is because scripture and theology should be the foundation of all Christian ministry. Certification programs begin on Monday, January 16, and some still have room available.
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Lisa is the Director of Online Education for the Institute for Discipleship, overseeing the ministries of BeADisciple.com. Lisa completed a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, in May of 2006.
She is the mother of three children, and currently, “Mimi” to four grandbabies. Lisa teaches the instructor training course, Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders, and other courses as needed, and provides technical assistance for instructors and learners for every IFD course.
