Audits & Resolutions - Day 6

 Write From My Heart / December 6, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 6

 Question: How often do I delve into God’s Word?

 Psalm 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

            Today’s thoughts may take a slightly different approach than you might anticipate. Scores of sermons and Bible studies have analyzed the difference between using God’s word for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. However this is not the intended focus today. Nor is the focus on debating the term “God-breathed” (NIV) or “by inspiration” (KJV). Rather, I want to hit a little closer to home.

            I have several friends who post daily thoughts from God’s word (either by text, Facebook, or other means), and they are faithful. This is an amazing witness for many! I appreciate the time and effort each one takes to locate and post these daily encouragements! Their thoughtfulness is a true ministry and greatly needed source of encouragement especially in today’s unsettled and often isolated surroundings. However, I want to dig even deeper than this for a moment.

            How often do you personally delve (e.g., investigate, search for facts, dig beyond surface value) into God’s Word? For most of us who are not ministers, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, church laymen or church workers probably the most truthful answer is, “not often,” or “once in a while.” My heart tells me that as this world comes closer and closer to the return of our Lord and Savior, surface reading of the Scriptures may not be enough to sustain us in troubled times. My heart tells me that now is the time to dig deeper into God’s Word. Commit verses to memory (please don’t offer excuses or tell me you can’t or tell me you are too old). Study so that you know what you believe and could explain why if asked. Personally, one of my failings is that I know many scriptures, but not the corresponding references. So for me, I need to focus on “putting the name with the face” so to speak—putting the reference with the verse. That’s not easy, I know! Also, take time to look up words that are unfamiliar. Find locations on maps. Check online sources for history and major events during that time. [Rose Publishing makes several inexpensive guides for maps, outlines, and overviews.] Always stay with a proper translation of the Bible (e.g., KJV, NKJV, NIV, NLT, ESV, etc.) and avoid paraphrase editions (i.e., retold in someone else’s words, such as TLB-The Living Bible). The more of God’s Word you have in your heart, the better equipped you will be in times of need. If you enjoy the daily postings of friends—start there—by committing those verses to memory including the references. You cannot hope to rely on God’s Word in time of need if you do not first put effort into knowing God’s Word in your heart.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

 Resolution: Study (not just read) the Bible more often.

 Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the multitude of precious promises found in your Word. Forgive us for sometimes taking the Bible more lightly than we ought. Guide our understanding through your Spirit and help us be faithful in knowing you more clearly through Scripture.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.