Precious Word Of God
I recently came across this statement from Lifeway Research “Partial knowledge (of the Bible) can lead to partial understanding. Partial understanding can lead to partial obedience.” This conclusion from their research on disciple-making in the church was based in part on the decline of daily Bible reading in America. And they are not alone in their concern. Church leaders from nearly every evangelical denomination have spoken out on the subject of “Bible illiteracy” among their congregations.
While most people revere the Bible, the vast majority fail to pick it up and use it as a guide to direct their daily lives. A Biblical Worldview can only come from understanding the nature of God, what He says about His creation (including us) and our response to that knowledge. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” In this dark world, we all need a sure guide, but it’s hard for God’s word to illuminate our path if we don’t use the light He’s provided!
How then do we engage in regularly opening our Bibles and equip ourselves for living out our faith, both in church and in the public square? Here are a few simple suggestions if you don’t know where to begin.·
Choose a specific time: Set aside a regular time each day to read the Bible. It could be in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed. Consistency will help you develop a habit of reading and make it easier to engage with the text.·
Start with prayer: Begin your Bible reading with prayer, asking for guidance, understanding, and an open heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Scriptures.·
Use a study Bible: A study Bible provides helpful notes, explanations, and cross-references alongside the text. It can enhance your understanding and provide insights into the historical context, cultural background, and theological significance of the passages.·
Journaling: Keep a journal or notebook alongside your Bible to jot down thoughts, questions, and reflections. Writing down your insights and observations can help you process and remember what you've read.·
Memorize key verses: Select meaningful verses or passages and commit them to memory. Memorization can help internalize the Word and make it readily accessible in times of need or for sharing with others.·
Meditate on the Word: Instead of rushing through the text, taking time to meditate on a verse or passage. Reflect on its meaning, and consider what is this passage teaching me about God and then what should be my response to the passage.
Remember, the goal of Bible reading is not just to accumulate knowledge but to engage with God's Word, to let it transform you, and develop a deeper relationship with Him. His Word can do all of this because it is “alive and active”. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
I pray you will reveal to each of us a deeper understanding of Your truths. Fill our minds and hearts with the life-giving words of the Holy Scriptures that can guide and comfort us daily - Amen.
Credit: Ron Kelley
While most people revere the Bible, the vast majority fail to pick it up and use it as a guide to direct their daily lives. A Biblical Worldview can only come from understanding the nature of God, what He says about His creation (including us) and our response to that knowledge. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” In this dark world, we all need a sure guide, but it’s hard for God’s word to illuminate our path if we don’t use the light He’s provided!
How then do we engage in regularly opening our Bibles and equip ourselves for living out our faith, both in church and in the public square? Here are a few simple suggestions if you don’t know where to begin.·
Choose a specific time: Set aside a regular time each day to read the Bible. It could be in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed. Consistency will help you develop a habit of reading and make it easier to engage with the text.·
Start with prayer: Begin your Bible reading with prayer, asking for guidance, understanding, and an open heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Scriptures.·
Use a study Bible: A study Bible provides helpful notes, explanations, and cross-references alongside the text. It can enhance your understanding and provide insights into the historical context, cultural background, and theological significance of the passages.·
Journaling: Keep a journal or notebook alongside your Bible to jot down thoughts, questions, and reflections. Writing down your insights and observations can help you process and remember what you've read.·
Memorize key verses: Select meaningful verses or passages and commit them to memory. Memorization can help internalize the Word and make it readily accessible in times of need or for sharing with others.·
Meditate on the Word: Instead of rushing through the text, taking time to meditate on a verse or passage. Reflect on its meaning, and consider what is this passage teaching me about God and then what should be my response to the passage.
Remember, the goal of Bible reading is not just to accumulate knowledge but to engage with God's Word, to let it transform you, and develop a deeper relationship with Him. His Word can do all of this because it is “alive and active”. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
I pray you will reveal to each of us a deeper understanding of Your truths. Fill our minds and hearts with the life-giving words of the Holy Scriptures that can guide and comfort us daily - Amen.
Credit: Ron Kelley
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