I overheard a brand new Christian asking an older Christian how she should go about reading and studying her Bible. The older woman whom I really admire said "My husband and I start at Genesis and read straight through."
Soon after that my Pastor talked about how we have become connoisseurs of the Word. We pick and choose. PRN. Like a picky eater with a toothpick choosing the best hors devours. Hmmm, Id like a little faith and maybe some encouragement, or I sure am anxious so I'll Google *Anxiety/Bible*. For a long time my favorite resource was Naves Topical Bible so I could just look up any topic I needed help with.
I have been guilty of studying what I needed without much regard to what He needs.
About 4 months ago we decided as a family to read the Bible through. We started at Gen 1:1. There is something revealed about the nature and plan of God when we read His Word starting at the beginning.
The Words of God were not recorded just so we could be delivered from depression, God has a plan, a long term plan to bring about His kingdom, our depression notwithstanding. I think it is hard to see the character and plan of God with just tidy little snippets that we can apply to our current crisis.Perhaps God would like us to use his book to reveal to us His plan and purpose instead of like a self help manual.
Psalm 119:4You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
A Great Post! Thanks for all your excellent topics and such Godly wisdom.
ReplyDeleteYour Husband
I am reading the bible through this year again,too, along with my husband and I used to think, "why just read the bible straight through", but I have found a real blessing in it! I am always amazed at the things I've never noticed before! But, most of all, one day I want to be able to tell the Lord that I read EVERY word that He gave just for me! *smile*
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog through someone else's blog and I have to say that I love the simplicity and brevity with which you write. It is so refreshing!
I see that you have five children. Are you expecting another or are you including the new baby as one of the five. Just curious! *smile*
Thank you for the comment and kind words Jewel. We are expecting our 5th child. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I have spent the last 4 or so years really being discipled on how to read the Bible. That sounds funny, since I grew up in church, but I have been guilty of a lot of the nit-picking you speak of. I often wished there was a listing of my name in the concordance along with the verses I needed for the day. I have since learned to choose a book of the Bible and read it - really read it. Slowly and carefully. Looking for HIM in there, rather than looking for the answer to "today's struggle". When I seek HIM, He reveals Himself, and His will to me.
ReplyDeleteStacy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this comment. I wondered if I was making any sense with me post about picking at His word. I guess we all tend to take what we need with little regard to what He *needs*.
The beautiful thing about God is that HIs nature is to give so when we do seek Him and neglect our own selfishness He takes care of our needs.
Hes sweet isnt he?