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Happy New Year!
James writes…
Receive the word implanted, which is able to save your soul. — James 1:21
Three words from this verse help us understand the power of God’s word.
First, “implanted” can be translated “grafted” or “sown to germinate.” Second: “save” always indicates total healing of mind, will, and emotion. Third: “receive” can also be translated “welcome” … like friends coming over for dinner and football on New Year’s Day!
Let’s consider an OGV translation of James 1:21.
Welcome with anticipation Jesus and His word, implanted as seed, growing into the fruit of peace, encouraging you to draw closer to God, and giving wisdom for great decisions … all in 2021!
Now that you realize the power of “logos” or the word of Jesus. Consider my list of the top 7 Chapters for 2021. Read one a day for the next week. Keep the list in your Bible. Read again in February and March, allowing God’s word to bring healing and change.
- Psalm 4. This chapter has 10 benefits from a relationship with God. Find these words in Psalm 4, “Call, relieved, hear, set apart, be still, trust, joy, peace, sleep, and safety.” All of this in the context of prayer. When someone requests prayer in 2021, I will text to them, “Praying Psalm 4 prayers for you today.”
- Psalm 91. A chapter of spiritual warfare and how to attain to victory. Especially relevant is verse 3, “He will rescue you from the deadly plague.” Receiving Psalm 91 implanted will allow you to escape both the “terror by night” and the “arrows of vindictiveness” shot by your enemies. Verse 11 is one of my favorites, “He will give His angels charge concerning you. To protect you in all of your ways.”
- Matthew 7. The last chapter of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, & 7). Don’t judge or you will be judged… a lesson for all who Twitter or Facebook. The greatest promise about prayer … ask and it will be given to you. How to live prosperously in 2021 … enter by the narrow gate for the gate is wide that leads to destruction. And an important lesson for living in the end times… beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
- Romans 8. The Apostle Paul’s greatest chapter. The chapter is filled with promise after promise. Paul teaches that we are children and heirs of Jesus. We learn that the Spirit and Jesus both intercede for us continually. And always remember verse 1 … there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 12. The most practical chapter in the Bible. First, Paul deals with your attitude … present yourself a living sacrifice and don’t allow your mind to be conformed to this world but transformed. (vs. 1-2) Paul then writes about spiritual gifts, how to love, and forgiveness. If you memorize only one chapter in the Bible … this is the one!
- James 1. The chapter for enduring and growing through trial. Enough said.
- 2 Peter 1. You are thinking, “Why 2 Peter 1? I’ve never read it. Why not 1 Corinthians 13 or Psalm 23?” Peter writes in verse 4, “Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is the world because of lust.”
That’s it—7 Chapters for 2021. Read them, live them, and have a great 2021.