Day 8.. Quiet Reading

Day 8.. Quiet Reading

Bible verse;

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.  And he stood up to read. Luke 4:16

In today's reading the author tells a story about how when he travels he makes sure to connect with his wife who is not with him.  He states these days they can email one another, but in earlier days before the internet they would fax letters back and forth.  This turned out to be a challenge because of unreliable phone lines in certain areas of the world, but they managed it and he did everything he could to make sure that he received those letters via fax from his wife.  He says that she is the love of his life and that connection was very, very important. 

Much like the author's wife, and our significant others are the loves of our lives, we need to be sure and develop our relationship with God our Father in heaven.  The best way to do this is by reading the Bible.  I know that some of you have already learned how to do this, but for many of us we don't know where to start.  For those of us in the latter category I learned a few things in my Sunday school class yesterday;

• The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of God's word, they are not just words written by men.  They are words inspired directly from God.  So remember that when you are reading the Bible the words truly are God's words. (Scripture)
• The Holy Spirit guides the interpretation of Scripture.  We are not the first people to read the Bible, many, many, many before us have read it and we need to listen to those who have read it before, such as Jesus, our Pastors and others. (Tradition)
• God renews our minds to understand His word.  This is so true, because haven't there been times when you have read Scripture and it did not have much meaning for you?  However, later you may read the same Scripture and you understand it and it means something to you?  This has happened to me on several occasions as I have been traveling on my Christian journey, has it happened to you? (Reason)
• God helps us to apply His word to the world today.  If we listen well enough, and take the time to understand what God is trying to say, speak with others who are more familiar with the Word, then we truly can learn what God is saying and apply His word to our everyday lives.  (Experience)

Thank you Devon for the wonderful, helpful information in Sunday school class yesterday!!

Jesus used the Bible in his teaching everyday, when he rebuked the devil, when he healed the sick, when he encouraged others.  He knew the Bible so well because he read it, not because it was his obligation, but because it was his way of being with his Father. 

We need to make sure that when we read the Word of God that we do not hurry through it. We must read the scripture and then stop and make sure that we understand what it it saying, what He is trying to say to us.  If we do not understand, make a note of it and ask someone else about it, like a Pastor or someone who can explain it.  A quote in the reading to day from Madame Guyon (1648-1717) states,

     "Read very slowly.  You do not more from one passage to another, not until you have sensed the
       very hear of what you have read.  You may then want to take that portion of Scripture... and
        turn it into prayer."

Jesus' habit of reading the Bible offers us a pattern for our own lives.

It is never too late to get into the Word, it is the devil who tells us that we don't have time, he keeps us busy with other distractions, he doesn't want us to become closer to God.  The evil one will encourage excuses, and we must fight past that because God is waiting for us to read His love story to us.  Make time to be with God.  Read quietly and let the words wash over you as I will be doing.  I look forward to seeing how the Spirit will take God's Word and use it my life to help guide and direct me. 

Lastly, remember that we can read the Bible anytime, we have Kindles, Nooks, Smartphones that can bring up Scripture at a moments notice so when we are waiting in line anywhere, we can read Scripture, we can copy Scripture down and post it on our desktops, our bathroom mirrors, anywhere.  We can listen to music that incorporates the Message.  We are so blessed that we are not persecuted in this Country when we read the Bible, we take it for granted but we shouldn't.  Find the time and then set an appointment to be with God in His Word.

God Bless you ALL!!