Scott Beyer

“My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psalm 45:1)

If what we say comes from our hearts (see Matt 15:18), then the theme of our words shows the theme of our hearts.

A theme is the recurring idea that pervades our lives.  Is the theme of your life joy? Is it hope or peace?  Or is it bitterness or complaining?  Your words speak of the theme that overflows from your heart.

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-29; 2 Chronicles 1-5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 14 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Then he [David] died in a ripe old age, full of days, riches and honor; and his son Solomon reigned in his place.” (1 Chronicles 29:28)

You know why we call it “a ripe old age” because growing old should be like fruit – we should be at our sweetest and best near the end.

Never stop growing. Age should make us better, not bitter.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-29; 2 Chronicles 1-5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 14

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“ ‘All this,’ said David, ‘the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern.’ ” (1 Chronicles 28:19)

God was able to lay out the blueprints for a very intricate and detailed temple.  Using the written word, God expressed His plans and pattern to David for this impressive edifice.  This illustrates God’s ability to articulate His desires through the Word – within the tomes of the sacred text, God clearly explains everything “pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3).

Just as David was given the pattern for the Jewish temple, we are given the pattern for how to live in our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19), and the pattern for the church, which is the temple of God (Eph 2:21).  The Bible provides the blueprints for churches and Christians alike.  We must model ourselves after the pattern found in the Scripture because the pattern is clearly expressed by God so that we might behave properly toward Him and our fellow man.

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-29; 2 Chronicles 1-5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 14

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“All these were of the sons of Obed-edom; they and their sons and their relatives were able men with strength for the service” (1 Chronicles 26:8)

There is nothing more needed for service than to be “able” and “with strength”. If we have opportunity and we have ability, then we have a responsibility to do something. Some of the worst sins are committed when we simply stand by and do nothing. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan (see Lk 10:29-37)? The Levite and the priest are condemned because they did nothing to help when they had the opportunity and the ability to do so.

Do not underestimate your responsibility to use what talents you’ve been given.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-29; 2 Chronicles 1-5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 14

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“David said, ‘My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands.  Therefore, now I will make preparation for it.’ So David made ample preparations before his death.” (1 Chronicles 22:5)

Is this not exactly the way that all parents should think?  David knew that Solomon’s future would contain hard tasks and that if given enough preparation and guidance, Solomon could stand on David’s shoulders and succeed.  David was not able to build the temple, but he could help prepare Solomon to do what he couldn’t.

Parents – help your kids to run where you have stumbled.  Guide them, prepare them, and train them up to be better and more successful servants of God than you are.  Let their success be your legacy.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-23; Psalm 44; Proverbs 13

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1)

Next time someone says that they are moved by the Spirit, remember that just because you are moved by something doesn’t mean it is God talking to you.

The only way we can be confident that we are doing God’s will and living by faith is to turn to His Word.  Anything else is trusting in deception.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-23; Psalm 44; Proverbs 13

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“For You, O my God, have revealed to Your servant that You will build for him a house; therefore, Your servant has found courage to pray before You.” (1 Chronicles 17:25)

One of the excellent benefits of understanding God’s laws and commandments is that within the Bible is revealed God’s purposes and character.  When David understood what God wanted to do with David’s life, it gave him the courage to pray to Him.

It is easier to approach someone you know and ask a favor than it is to request something from a stranger.  If we don’t know God, we are not likely to pray to Him.  Our prayers are a natural extension of our desire to fulfill His will and our recognition that He is a loving Father whom we are dependent upon.  You can’t know those things without cracking open the Word.

Read more and you will pray with courage.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-23; Psalm 44; Proverbs 13

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Then all the people departed each to his house, and David returned to bless his household.” (1 Chronicles 16:43)

After worshipping God, the people returned home to their normal lives… including David.  But look at what happened when David returned home!  He returned to bless his household.  David’s worship led to a natural act of desiring to bless those around him.

First things first.  Put God first, and you will be a better husband, wife, friend, or neighbor.  Start your week off with a solid Sunday of worshipping Him and you will go home and bless your household, too.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-23; Psalm 44; Proverbs 13

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“And Aaron was set apart to sanctify him as most holy, he and his sons forever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister to Him and to bless in His name forever.” (1 Chronicles 23:13)

The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest forever (see Hebrews 3:1).  It can be useful to return to the Old Testament to understand what that means.

         Aaron was the first Jewish high priest.  His job was to be set apart and holy, offer worship to God, serve Him, and bless His name forever.  When Hebrews saw Aaron, it was supposed to make them think about God and His glory.

That is what Jesus does eternally from His heavenly position.  Jesus is perpetually a servant of God (and by extension, an advocate for us) and a reminder to us of what a blessing our Creator is.    

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-23; Psalm 44; Proverbs 13

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.” (Proverbs 12:11)

Before you plant flowers, you grow wheat.  Everything takes time – even useless things take time.  Every day you are given a finite amount of moments, and whether seized or squandered, they are gone at the day’s end.

If an eighty-year-old’s life were represented by a jar of marbles – it would contain 29,200 beautiful marbles – one for each day.  Each day, you get a marble.  Use your time for important things… don’t lose your marbles.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 5-12; Psalm 43; Proverbs 12

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision