"If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." There is no substitute for reading the Scriptures. The inherent power in the Words of God to change our lives is untapped for so many of us because we simply never choose to read the Bible on a regular basis.
There are so many things to read these days, it takes a real effort to keep on saying "no" to great books, fascinating magazines, compelling internet newsites, and on and on and on. For those of you who don't like to read, I guess you have the problem of turning off the radio or TV or YouTube. Or you are too busy, or tired, or overwhelmed. Yet, if we believe that we can be transformed by the truth, why do we not immerse ourselves in the Scriptures more?
Maybe it's because we know Christians who know the Bible really well, but they are still morons - morons who are still petty, shallow, unchanged, and prideful. It's unfortunate that people like that spout out their Bible knowledge. I beg you: don't let those people sway you away from investing time in the Bible and absorbing God's Word into your life. You want change, you want wisdom, you want help, you want God... and this is what you'll get if this is what you want from reading and reflecting on the Scriptures.
Here's some quotes I liked from the chapter today:
Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth.
The Bible is far more than a doctrinal guidebook. God's Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the Devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings things into being, and guarantees our future forever!
The Bible must become the authoritative standard for my life: the compass I rely on for direction, the counsel I listen to for making wise decisions, and the benchmark I use for evaluating everything.
It is not enough just to believe the Bible; I must fill my mind with it so that the Holy Spirit can transform me with the truth. There are five ways to do this: you can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it.
Anytime you fell you are not learning anything from a sermon or a Bible teacher, you should check your attitude, especially for pride, because God can speak through even the most boring teacher when you are humble and receptive. James advises, "In a humble spirit, receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted in your hearts contains the power to save your souls."
But if you will just read the Bible just fifteen minutes a day, you will read completely through it once a year.
The difference between reading and studying the Bible involves two additional activities: asking questions of the text and writing down your insights.
You remember what is important to you. If God's Word is important, you will take the time to remember it. The three keys to memorizing Scripture are review, review, and review! The Bible says, "Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise."
No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more lie Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture. As we take time to contemplate God's truth, seriously reflecting on the example of Christ, we are "transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory." Serious reflection on God's truth is a key to answered prayer and the secret to successful living.
The best way to become a "doer of the Word" is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God's Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do. This action step should be personal (involving you), practical (something you can do), and provable (with a deadline to do it). Every application will involve either your relationship with God, your relationship to others, or your personal character.
What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven't started doing yet?
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