Luke—Luke
John—John
Acts—Acts
Romans—Rom
Corinthians—Cor
Galatians—Gal
Ephesians—Eph
Philippians—Phil
Colossians—Col
Thessalonians—Thess
Timothy—Tim
Titus—Titus
Philemon—Phlm
Hebrews—Heb
James—Jas
Peter—Pet
John—John
Jude—Jude
Revelation—Rev
Week 1
Scripture text—Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise.
I chose the above text for the inaugural impression of God Likes Ants: Every Week. It will be the identifying verse for this publication. This small verse teaches us humans much about what God considers wise behavior. Ants are small. They work together for common good and generally go unnoticed.
There are many species of ants. I do not think that God expects us to become scientific experts on the diverse personality traits of each type of ant but to take the common knowledge we have of them and apply it to our lives. I quickly think of diligent, focused, meek, and determined as adjectives for the little critters.
A strong point that comes to my mind is how they concentrate on the task they are working on. They do not get distracted from their job. They lift heavy weights compared to their size and maneuver over untold obstacles to accomplish their mission.
They work together to satisfy common goals. I love to watch ants and I urge anyone to take a few minutes next time you spy them to watch them closely. We can learn many lessons from God’s creation; the ant is a tiny example. Work hard, work together, and remain on task.
Week 2
Scripture text—Galatians 3:6–7
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are
of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
The Old Testament is not just the teaching of the Jewish law. It is a program of learning about faith. Some try to separate out the New Testament as being about faith and the Old Testament to be cast aside as antiquated and not pertinent to the rest of us (Gentiles). It may be antiquated but it surely is pertinent.
Scripture is clear that for those of us that put our faith in God we are also of the chosen. It cannot be denied, that the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were chosen to be his special people. Christians that accept God’s plan of redemption are adopted into the Jewish family. This is why I feel proud when I wear my Jewish Star of David. I am now a spiritual Jew through my faith in Christ, adopted into God’s family.
The purpose of the law is to prove that we cannot attain God’s favor through efforts of our own. It is impossible. Faith is the key. Many Old Testament examples come to mind besides Abraham—how about Noah. He built that boat and gathered those animals while his neighbors ridiculed him. That’s faith. The New Testament book of Hebrews is a great place for compact review of Old Testament saints that came to God and believed through faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Ask him to build your faith today.
Week 3
Scripture text—Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares.
This verse reminds us to be kind to everyone we encounter. God can send his messengers to interact with us humans in any way he chooses. This reality should make us consider the words we use, the way out body language speaks, and whether or not we love others as ourselves—which he commands. It is hard to do that indeed. All people fail to meet God’s holy standard. I miss the mark daily.
God commands us to love those that love us and those that hate us. It is no sacrifice for us to love a person who loves us, that’s simple (Matt 5:46–47). We should strive to always treat people well. The person at the bus stop today may be a heavenly creature in disguise.
It is a blessing to know that the angels are here to serve as our ministers (Heb 1:14). They were created to serve God. They caution humans several places in scripture not to worship them but God alone. Knowing that they are all around us going about our Father’s business is a tremendous reality. Likewise, Satan’s spiritual followers are here too. We must learn discernment through prayer and scripture study. The unseen world is real. More so than what we humans can comprehend.
Just to be on the safe side and keep God smiling down on you, consider that those around you could be on a mission from above. Don’t disappoint God and mistreat his servants.
Week 4
Scripture text—Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he pondereth all his goings.
How exciting to know that the Creator is interested in all of our goings. We can rest assured that we are never alone. It is convicting to consider our actions when we remember with each moment that he is pondering our activities. Think about when we ponder something. It means to weigh in the mind, to deliberate. Our Lord cares enough about us to spend time thinking about our lives. He did not create people just to forget about them. He wants to know us inside and out. He certainly does anyway but he prefers if it is a mutual attraction. He considers our hearts and our minds. He is our strength and our purpose.
I want to claim the promise he makes in 2 Chronicles 16:9a, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”
So many Bible verses lead to this truth. I pray like David did for God to clean my heart and renew my spirit (Ps 51:10). The great king prayed in this manner after his sin with Bathsheba. No matter what you have done, rejoice that God ponders your heart. Stay in touch with him all through the day. He is thinking about you and waiting for your prayer.
Week 5
Scripture text—Isaiah 28:9–10
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,
