Last week I was listening to a bible study podcast. The speaker had me flying through various scriptures to the point I felt like I was back in Children’s Church participating in Bible races. After racing to the seventh scripture in a chain of scriptures, the speaker, with all the enthusiasm you could ever express, questioned, “Do you see it? Isn’t that just beautiful?” I have to confess, I didn’t see it. I hit pause and went back through the chain of scriptures looking for it. I felt so inadequate because I couldn’t see it. I pressed play and listened to her explanation. After she explained the original Greek meaning of several words and explained all of the connections, I finally got it. It was beautiful and helped me realize just how beautiful God’s word is.
Being real here, after I listen to or read a book that takes such a deep dive into scripture, I do feel enlightened and closer to God, but sometimes I always feel so inadequate. I start reading the Bible looking for deep meaningful connections only to become frustrated because I don’t find them.
Changing subjects, Scott loves to grill steaks. It is one of our favorite meals. I do the marinating and Scott grills. I have a two-day process to get steaks ready to grill. It involves sitting in a marinade for 24 hours and then requires a top secret rub before the steaks sit out for several hours to get to room temperature. We always thought it was worth the effort until our last anniversary. We went to eat at a prime steak house. For some reason on this visit, Scott struck up a conversation with the waiter and asked what rub or marinade they put on the steak. Expecting a complex answer, we got, “salt and pepper.” We had to come home and try it. It proved to be just simply wonderful.
Simply wonderful – that is what God’s word is. Recently, I have been digging into God’s word looking for some personal direction. I found the answer teaching a PK Sunday School class last Sunday. The theme was “God has a Plan for You.” I told a favorite bible story of the coat of many colors and we practiced the memory verse, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.” It is right there plain and simple. I didn’t have to dig and search.
Here are some of the simple truths that I have taught to 4 year olds recently. While deep studies bring a deep understanding, the truth is simple.
God made me just the way he wanted – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalms 139:14
God Loves me – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1
Jesus died on the cross for our sins – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
God has a plan for you – For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11
God looks at the inside – “The Lord sees not as man sees: Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
We can trust God – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28
God provides for your needs – “God will supply every need according to His riches in glory.” Phil. 4:19
We are to love others – “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you,” John 13:34
Prayer works – “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:14
God’s word is true – “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,” 2Timothy 3:16
There is something to be said for the simple truth. We don’t have to make it harder than it should be.
Comment or share if you find this true.
View From My Shoes 