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2000-07-12 - Bible Reading
Spiritual Disciplines, Part 1
Encore from 97-01-22
Do you read instruction manuals? Are you like me when you buy a new computer
program? I never read how to use or install the programs. I just stick the
disk or the CD in the correct drive and type "setup". The only time I go
to the instruction book is when problems arise, and that can be very often!
I have discovered my life with computers is much more congenial when I read
the instructions first.
You know, God has given us an instruction manual. I love the acronym for B.I.B.L.E., "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". It's all written down for us in one convenient place. Simply put, the Bible teaches us how to "do life right." It sure is easier to read God's instructions first, and then act. But too often we act, then run to the Bible to figure out how to get out of the mess we have created in our lives.
Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure?By living according to your word.I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
The psalmist hid the word in his heart; he made a commitment to the word so that he could "do life right."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 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.
Notice Paul doesn't say "Some Scripture is useful" or "Pick the parts you like to use". Paul says "ALL" is useful.
One of the first questions I ask folks when they come to me with a crisis is "How often are you reading God's word?" Most will say, "Well gee David, you see, with this crisis, I just have not been reading the Bible. As a matter of fact, I have not been reading it much during the past few months or years." Then usually they will say "But I am going to start real soon!" We have it backwards; we have to read the instructions first, then apply the instructions. You have to move the teaching of the Bible from your head, to your heart, and finally to your feet.
Next week, we will look at some practical ways to discipline ourselves to daily Bible reading.
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for Your Word. We thank You for being so patient with us as we try to do life on our own. Thank You for standing by us, when we finally realize we need Your guidance, Your wisdom, Your teachings and Your hand, so that we can "do this life right." Thank You Father, for giving us this one and only life. Help us to live to Your Glory and to please You. Mostly Father, we thank You for giving us Your Son Jesus, Who died in our place on that cross 2,000 years ago, so that we may have eternal life. Amen
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