Monday, May 6, 2013
Personally Yours
Today I picked up my Bible, not knowing what I was going to read, but casually thumbed through it. I randomly chose a page, which happened to be in Psalms, and allowed my eyes to wander. Sometimes this method leads me to discover some real gems that pop out to me, and they seem to apply to what I'm going through at the time. It's as if God had chosen that passage just for me! How did He know I was going to need this? This was written centuries ago!
That's because the Bible is a living book, a breathing book, like no other book ever written! One can read a particular passage and get something from it, and years later, return to the very same passage, thereby getting something completely different from it. How can that possibly happen?
All Scripture is inspired by God,
and is profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness.
- 2 Timothy 3:16
This applies to people who seek after God and His ways; for those who surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives spiritual understanding. The Bible says in John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This Word is Jesus Christ, and for those who place their trust in Him as Savior, He gives spiritual wisdom and discernment. When we read certain passages, they pop out to us because the Holy Spirit wants us to take notice of what it says. It is meant personally for us. Yes, for you! And for me.
While I also partake in Bible Studies that focus on certain topics, or books in the Bible, my favorite method is to see what God has to tell me through randomly wandering. The former way of studying the Bible is more focused, and it helps me to know what the Bible says about God. But when I approach the Word in a casual way, it helps me to know what God is saying to me about Him. For that moment. Meant just for me.
I realize others may have a different opinion in the method they prefer for reading the Bible, and that is okay. As long as we read the Bible! On a regular basis! Making it a daily habit reaps benefits that have eternal significance...not only for you, but for others in your life, as you share and live out what the Word is revealing to you. The Word of God is powerful! And it can change your life forever!
I hope I have been able to inspire you to read the Bible. See what God wants to tell you. After all, He wrote it just for you....with you in mind.
Friday, May 3, 2013
When The Mouth is Faster Than The Brain
I was browsing through the Psalms this morning and came across the following scripture found in Psalm 39:
I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my mouth from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."
But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue.
That really got my attention! How many times have we promised ourselves that we wouldn't talk about someone, or be critical, or judgemental, but ended up spilling the beans! We couldn't help ourselves and just blurted out all that "wonderful knowledge" we have stored up in our brains, without regards to who our words would hurt. Or how we would come across.
I checked my concordance and there are at least 41 verses on the tongue! No wonder we find ourselves getting in trouble! But our words reflect what's in our minds, and it's up to us what we fill our minds with. Regular times with the Lord, getting into His Word, and a determined prayer time will help us tremendously. We will find ourselves being filled with the mind of Christ, and what comes out of our mouth will reflect His love and compassion for others.
So, the next time you find your mouth rushing ahead of your brain, STOP! Get alone with the Lord, and pray this from Psalm 19:14:
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
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