Happy New Year! 2011 is here!
Scripture reading for January 1st: Matthew 1, Psalms 1 Proverbs 1:1-7
Welcome to BibleTrekToday.com, a blog that comments on a personal journey through the Scriptures in 2011! I would like to invite you to read the Bible along with me and participate in the journey for yourself.
This year I want to focus on the New Testament and plan to write 2-3 days a week so that I can do more reading and spend time in worship and prayer. I will post the readings for each day from the New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs. This will allow a more leisurely reading of Scripture and should allow for a deeper understanding of what we are reading.
Our theme for 2011 at Good Shepherd Church is “By His Spirit”. Key scriptures for this theme are found in Zechariah 4:6-7 and Galatians 5:16-25. The Holy Spirit is the Father’s gift to the Church. The Spirit marks all who belong to Jesus Christ with a seal of ownership (Ephesians 1:18) and is actively involved in helping believers live a victorious life over our flesh and enemy the devil. The Spirit brings gifts to be used as He wills in bringing understanding, healing, and revelation to build up the church. (1st Corinthians 12:4) The Spirit produces fruit that is pleasing and Christ-like as we allow Him to dwell in us. (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is the Holy Spirit who initially baptizes us into the Body of Christ at our conversion. (1stCorinthians 12:13) We are all told to “be filled (and continually filled) with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This is a continuing work of grace given to those who seek to be Christ’s witnesses. (Acts 1:8, 2:4) Those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God and without the Spirit, we do not belong to God! (Romans 8:9,14)
Many in Good Shepherd Church are filled with the Holy Spirit and learning to live by the Spirit. Others are seeking to learn more. Some are not at all acquainted with the Holy Spirit and all of us can grow in our relationship to the Holy Spirit. Being led by His Spirit is the only path to fulfilling our purpose and living by faith, which ultimately pleases God. Please join us in our passionate pursuit of living life “by His Spirit” as we read the New Testament. It is going to be an exciting year!
A special thanks to my wife and ministry partner, Mary, who has faithfully edited these blogs and offered corrections!
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