Tuesday, January 3, 2012

“Because I am a Christian, therefore, every day in which I do not penetrate more deeply into the knowledge of God’s Word in Holy Scripture is a lost day for me. I can only move forward with certainty upon the firm ground of the Word of God. And, as a Christian, I learn to know the Holy Scriptures in no other way than by hearing the Word preached and by prayerful meditation.”

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)

What did you imagine yourself doing that would improve your life?  I suggested saturating yourself in the Bible.  The Scriptures have been an infallible and trusted guide for generations to live a godly and successful life.  “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” (Psalm 19:7–11, NLT)

If you were to choose to make this year of saturating yourself in the Word this year, then above all make the Bible your main reading.  Too often people read books about the Bible rather than read the Bible.  Although, I would encourage you to read good books nothing can replace the reading and prayerful study of God’s Word.  Make time daily in your schedule to read and make notes about your reading.  As you read a page, stop, look up and recite to yourself what you just read without looking back at the page.  Your comprehension and memory will dramatically increase.

Yesterday, I suggested reading make note of promises to claim, warnings to heed, wisdom to apply, commands to obey and prayers to learn.  If you use a wide margin Bible it’s easy to make notes and date your reading.  If you are using a notebook or your word processing application then note the verses of interest.  I would strongly encourage you to commit to day your going to act upon a promise or proverb.  Track your progress for 30 days at a time.  If you do you’ll be encouraged to continue with the wisdom that will improve your life.

Above all kneel with your copy of the Scriptures and prayerfully meditate upon the selection your reading.  Ask God to give you insight, blessing and refuse to stand in the counsel of the ungodly.  Your comprehension of Scripture and your prayer life will improve.  You’ll learn to discern the voice of the Lord.

I learned this from my Uncle Ralph, while I worked with him my first summer break in college.  He would open his Bible on the side of his bed, take his notepad and prayerfully study the Word.  His example has remained with me as one of the best ways to study the Word.

Peace!