The Bible, with both the Old and New Testaments, breathes life into our hearts and healing into our bodies.
Dear Friend,
I heard Brother Keith Moore talk about how the Lord dealt with his heart about valuing the Old Testament, and it spoke to my heart, for I didn’t value the Old Testament as I should
Do you value both the Old and New Testaments?
Ever since my preteen years, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul and the writings of the Apostle John have been my favorites. There was a time I even valued the Epistles more than the Gospels. In all honesty, I used to avoid the Old Testament as much as possible, except for the Psalms, Proverbs, and a few verses here and there.
But my heart was challenged to value the Old Testament as much as the New Testament, for they were both inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit, and neither is more valuable than the other; they complement each other and bring perfection as a whole together.
Which part of the Bible do you find yourself drawn towards and read from the most?
I want to share some scriptures to read for inspiration on the importance of all scripture, to encourage valuing both the Old and New Testaments.
- “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately], so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP)
- “For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)
- “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.”Joshua 1:8 (AMP)
- “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10 (AMP)
- “But He replied, ‘It is written and forever remains written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (AMP)
- “I have not neglected [nor departed from] the command of His lips; I have treasured and stored the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.”Job 23:12 (AMP)
- “Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 (AMP)
Which scripture touched your heart the most? They all spoke to me, that’s why I shared them all.
Did you know that the Old and New Testaments refer to the Old and New Covenants?
We can’t fully understand our New Covenant without first knowing the seal of our Old Covenant with God. We embrace and live our lives through the New Covenant we have in God, because Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant and brought us a New Covenant.
The old Covenant was under the law, but the New covenant is under grace. Not with grace to ignore the law, but under the grace, knowing it’s all ready fulfilled through what Jesus has done for us, through His love. For no one can fulfill the law. We don’t ignore the law, for there are guidelines that help us determine what’s right and wrong, but it’s to be lived by grace through faith in our righteousness in God.
“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].”
Ephesians2:8-9 (AMP)
I have determined to embrace and value the Old Covenant as much as the New Covenant. Have you always embraced both covenants the same, or have you come to a realization of the importance of valuing them both?
You know, the stories in the Old Testament also teach us how to live a life pleasing to the Lord. To know what and what not to do. The faith of Abraham shows us how, by living by faith with perseverance, we will receive our promises. The bravery of David to run toward and kill the Giant. The Israelites’ complaining while in the wilderness caused the whole generation to wander and not receive their promised land inheritance. So many stories that should not be ignored but valued to apply to our lives today.
Which stories from the Old have inspired and shaped your life?
May your journey be marked by developing a deep love and appreciation, and by valuing the Word of God more deeply in your heart.
♥♥♥
