Want to read a love story? God's Word is the best love story ever! Here's the "plot": I love you; I lost you; and I want you back!! And the best part about it is: It's all true, and it is alive! No matter how many times you read it, God will speak to you and touch your heart over and over!
You might be saying, "I have tried reading the Bible in the past, but it was difficult and it didn't hold my interest." Yes, I would agree that there have been times in my life that beginning as well as staying in the Word have been difficult, but just like in any love relationship, you will have to commit yourself. Sounds tiring, but the benefits of spiritual discipline far outweigh the work.
You might be asking, "Is reading and knowing the Bible really necessary for having a relationship with God?" Our family is living in a country that has over 200 different nationalities. I am sorry to say that I do not know people well enough to know the difference between a person from Pakistan and a person from Iran; between a person from India and a person from Malaysia. However, when I see a Turk or a Korean I know them right off. Why? Well, because I have relationships with people in these countries. I know language, foods, customs, etc. How can we build a solid relationship with the Almighty? We start learning His ways...His language...His food...His customs... How can we best learn those? His Word!
Another crazy thing about living in a foreign country is learning the money. The bills and coins are obviously different than U.S. money. It takes time to memorize the shapes, denominations, colors, etc. It is important to know the real from the fake, right!! You better believe that it is one of the first things that we put our hearts into learning when we came overseas. We didn't want to "lose our shirts" in the market! How can we know truth? How can we begin to take delight in God; in a relationship with Him; and in His Word? Here's my method:
1) Read it! Take the time daily; read with a plan in mind; and read expecting God to use it in your life!
2) Apply it! Make small changes in your life one at a time; The Father will direct you. Listen to Him alone.
3) Pray it! Our wisdom is limited; pray the prayers that are in scripture; pray the promises
4) Memorize it! In context I would add...
5) Sing it! Yes, even with your scruffy voice! Make a joyful noise!
6) Talk about it! I have found that being a "teacher" made me a better student. Share with people around you what you are learning. AND Ask Questions: ask God, ask yourself, ask friends and others.
Geoffrey Thomas is an Englishman and former "footballer" that has written many things on the importance of knowing and reading the Bible. He has a pamphlet online entitled Reading the Bible you can click on it if you are interested in more details on the importance of God's Word in your life. Here is my list of what I believe are important facts to remember about the Bible:
1) It is Authoritative Truth.
2) It is Inspired by God.
3) It is Applicable for today.
4) It is Powerful for Creating and Transforming lives.
5) It is Gospel and Redemption centered.
6) It is the primary method God uses to reveal Himself to us. (Please don't be offended by this; I am one that believes in dreams, visions, etc, too.!)
The gospel of John is my favorite book to read. I love it for so many reasons, but for today I will share that one thing John reveals to us is that God is the Word. We need to know the Word and have a relationship with Him. I'll ask again on this Valentine's Day....Do you want to read a love story? God's Word is the best love story ever! A relationship with Him is like no other! AT
You might be saying, "I have tried reading the Bible in the past, but it was difficult and it didn't hold my interest." Yes, I would agree that there have been times in my life that beginning as well as staying in the Word have been difficult, but just like in any love relationship, you will have to commit yourself. Sounds tiring, but the benefits of spiritual discipline far outweigh the work.
You might be asking, "Is reading and knowing the Bible really necessary for having a relationship with God?" Our family is living in a country that has over 200 different nationalities. I am sorry to say that I do not know people well enough to know the difference between a person from Pakistan and a person from Iran; between a person from India and a person from Malaysia. However, when I see a Turk or a Korean I know them right off. Why? Well, because I have relationships with people in these countries. I know language, foods, customs, etc. How can we build a solid relationship with the Almighty? We start learning His ways...His language...His food...His customs... How can we best learn those? His Word!
Another crazy thing about living in a foreign country is learning the money. The bills and coins are obviously different than U.S. money. It takes time to memorize the shapes, denominations, colors, etc. It is important to know the real from the fake, right!! You better believe that it is one of the first things that we put our hearts into learning when we came overseas. We didn't want to "lose our shirts" in the market! How can we know truth? How can we begin to take delight in God; in a relationship with Him; and in His Word? Here's my method:
1) Read it! Take the time daily; read with a plan in mind; and read expecting God to use it in your life!
2) Apply it! Make small changes in your life one at a time; The Father will direct you. Listen to Him alone.
3) Pray it! Our wisdom is limited; pray the prayers that are in scripture; pray the promises
4) Memorize it! In context I would add...
5) Sing it! Yes, even with your scruffy voice! Make a joyful noise!
6) Talk about it! I have found that being a "teacher" made me a better student. Share with people around you what you are learning. AND Ask Questions: ask God, ask yourself, ask friends and others.
Geoffrey Thomas is an Englishman and former "footballer" that has written many things on the importance of knowing and reading the Bible. He has a pamphlet online entitled Reading the Bible you can click on it if you are interested in more details on the importance of God's Word in your life. Here is my list of what I believe are important facts to remember about the Bible:
1) It is Authoritative Truth.
2) It is Inspired by God.
3) It is Applicable for today.
4) It is Powerful for Creating and Transforming lives.
5) It is Gospel and Redemption centered.
6) It is the primary method God uses to reveal Himself to us. (Please don't be offended by this; I am one that believes in dreams, visions, etc, too.!)
The gospel of John is my favorite book to read. I love it for so many reasons, but for today I will share that one thing John reveals to us is that God is the Word. We need to know the Word and have a relationship with Him. I'll ask again on this Valentine's Day....Do you want to read a love story? God's Word is the best love story ever! A relationship with Him is like no other! AT
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