“All Scripture is God-breathed (given by divine inspiration) and is profitable for instruction, for conviction (of sin), for correction (of error and restoration to obedience), for training in righteousness (learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately – behaving honourably with personal integrity and moral courage); so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP)
Every Friday night my beautiful husband and I have ‘date night’. We don’t go out, we wait until the younger children are in bed and the older children are occupied and he cooks dinner. I know, how blessed am I! We sit down, eat dinner together and watch a movie without interruption – most of the time. We treasure these nights.
After the movie, which we often get from our local library, we have made a tradition of making our way through the Special Features. These will, at times, contain interviews with the person/people who either wrote the book or wrote the screen play. I love hearing how they came up with the idea for the film – whether it be an idea swirling around in their mind or if it is a story from theirs or someone else’s life. Essentially, it is finding out what inspired them to write in the first place. This gives us a much clearer understanding of the movie itself.
Reading the Bible is just like this. I tell our children all the time that the Bible is their true Road Map to Life. Without it, it will be very hard to navigate the treacherous waters of the world but with it, it will guide them like a compass in the direction that they should go.
The Word is a Road Map For Life
The Lord showed me that doing the journey of life by myself is like trying to read the road map upside down – it’s very difficult to navigate. Only He is the One who can turn the map round the right way – explain the Scriptures so we know where to go – but we must first give Him persmission to do it.
Like the movies, we can really only understand the Bible properly if we read it WITH the Author. We need to know what His intent was when He inspired it. Yes, people wrote it but look at how it fits together so well. No man could have done that unless he was directed by the One who created everything and can see everything – from beginning to end (Revelation 21:6).
I know Bible College graduates who know so much information about the Bible but don’t believe that they can pray for healing and God will do it. Huh?! They also find it hard to believe that God is interested in them personally and wants to guide them specifically in their lives. What?
Information DOES NOT Equal Relationship!!
Information helps you get to know who God is and leads you to Him, but it doesn’t take the place of the actual relationship with Him. Relationship is formed through information but mainly by actually being with God in worship, prayer and spending time listening to His voice.
As mum’s we often say, “It would be great to have a handbook when our child is born.” Well, in a way we do. Many of life’s answers are in the Word of God. The problem is, and I am definitely speaking to myself first, people don’t spend the time reading it and searching for the answers that they are looking for. As a society, we enjoy being spoon fed on a Sunday but our relationship with God is entirely up to us – not the pastor who gives the sermon of the week.
The Only Way We Can Read The Bible …
…. is to make specific time and sit with Holy Spirit to read it. Let Him guide you and explain the Scriptures to you.
Get alone with Holy Spirit, invite Him into your time together, and ask Him to quieten your mind from the busyness of the day and reveal the Scriptures to you. If you are not sure where to read, ask Him. He is full of wisdom, insight and understanding and He is willing to give it to you. The Gospels, Psalms and Proverbs are always a great place to start. I know most of you will already have this practice down pat but may I encourage you to make it a daily habit. Holy Spirit is always waiting for you. He loves sharing about Jesus.
ALL Scripture is God-breathed. He is the Author and He wants to speak to you to give you the answers to ANY problem you may have. Here is a post I wrote here about getting answers that you seek.
This is truly the ONLY way to read the Bible. Trust me. It really works. The words will come alive, give you immense hope, and direct you in ways that you could only dream of. Try it for yourself and be surprised.
As believers, we MUST get into the habit of filling up our Spirit with the Word of God, the Bible. Like a car that won’t run effectively without oil, we won’t live effectively without the Word.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (AMP)
“I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
What is your favourite Scripture or book of the Bible? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
As always, many blessings to you,
(Photo Credit – www.pexels.com)
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