After reading through Leviticus and Numbers aloud with my own middle school aged kids, I have a better appreciation for the linguists, theologians, and translators who have invested in the variety of Biblical translations and paraphrases available. I prefer reading aloud from the New Living Translation, but when I’m preparing to teach, I consult at least the NIV, ESV, NASB, The Message, and most recently The Passion Translation. The YouVersion Bible App makes comparing versions simple.
Since “the Word of God is alive and active,” (Hebrews 4:12) interacting with God’s living word through the Holy Spirit happens in real time. Time spent in God’s word may also be preparing me for the future, but these ancient words supply me with exactly what is needed for this moment. It amazes me how God, speaking through His Word to me while at the same time speaking through the same word to other believers, will corporately confirm His word.
Have you been part of a congregation hearing the word preached and felt as if the speaker was speaking directly to you? Have you ever shared what God is teaching you only to find that He’s been leading others in the same vein? I’ve presented a lesson that while based on a study guide contained elements of my own testimony which aligned perfectly with the pastors message that same day.
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2pe.1.20-21.NIV
“Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things. Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One.”
Romans 15:4-5 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/rom.15.4-5.TPT
The God who can orchestrate such beautiful coincidence can surely provide all the hope and comfort I need, the strength to endure all things, and bring unity to our broken and hurting world. If I try to accomplish any one of these things in my own strength, I easily become frustrated. Realizing that any spiritual accomplishment flows from my relationship with Jesus changes everything! I approach each day and every situation with confidence that “His grace is sufficient.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
“My passion is to be consumed with him and not cling to my own “righteousness” based in keeping the written Law. My only “righteousness” will be his, based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—the very righteousness that comes from God.
So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them. And let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion.”
Philippians 3:9, 15-16 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.3.9-16.TPT
So “we look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!”
Hebrews 12:2 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/heb.12.2.TPT
Thank you, God, for Your Word and the work of Your Spirit, who helps me to hear and understand Your voice. Anything that makes sense to me in Your Word is the work of Your Spirit, and not from my intellect or intelligence. May You have Your way in the world today through Your living and active Word and my obedience. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
A Fitting Reply 