On Wednesday, we talked about the spiritual discipline of BIBLE INTAKE. The Scriptures are our greatest source of truth, and you can never improve on God’s Word.
FIRST, you should HEAR God’s Word. Being in church as regularly as possible is a discipline that can help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord. Be sure to not just passively listen, though. That is what the invitation at the end of each sermon is for. This month’s BAPTIST TIMES magazine deals with questions about the “altar call,” as it’s called, and has some good thoughts for you to consider.
SECOND, you should READ God’s Word for yourself. The teachers can do a good job of bringing you a lesson or sermon, but you should have a personal time of reading for yourself. I challenge you to complete the entire Bible. Not necessarily in a year, but many of the reading plans will help you accomplish it by just about 20 minutes of reading per day. That is a reachable goal, and you will not find a more worthy goal.
THIRD, you should MEDITATE on God’s Word throughout the day. Take a thought from your reading, and chew on it as you go through life. Study it a little deeper. Spend some extra time on it. Think about how it can apply to your life. Bring the Bible home.
The Bible will change your life. The change will likely be noticeable to others before it is to you, but read it and study it through every up and down of life.
—Pastor Ryan