I have been communicating truths from the Bible for over two decades now. There have been seasons when I have fallen into the rut of substituting texts that I am teaching/preaching for my personal time alone with God. Now, there were many times when God has used those teaching texts to correct and encourage me before I served the people. However, those times were never to become the norm. During these dry times is when God allowed me to rediscover his word. Maybe you are like a chef who thinks that he can be adequately nourished by cooking, serving and just tasting food. Just like chefs need to eat and rediscover food, Jesus followers, especially those in ministry of some sort, need to rediscover the food of God's word. Based on 2 Kings 22:8-23:ff, here are some ways you can rediscover the Bible:
Read it (vv. 8, 10) Dah! This is simple, yet so profound. I need to see and hear the words on the pages or on a Cd. This really makes a big difference in your rediscovery. So, read the Bible thoughtfully, repeatedly, prayerfully, meditatively, and purposefully. Read it to learn its contents and learn its contents to fear the Lord. I spend time listening to the Bible on my Ipod. The Bible Experience, produced by Zondervan, is a great tool.
Respond to it (v. 11). Receive humbly what God has to say to you, and recognize it as the trustworthy standard of living. When you hear its truth, ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond immediately to what you hear.
Refine your understanding of it (v. 13). This involves submitting to others who can explain it. This may include listening to and learning from your own pastor(s) or other teachers who are solid bible teachers. I spend time listening to podcasts of men and women who are great communicators of God's word. These individuals have added so much value to my spiritual life and growth. However, submitting to others who can explain it should not be an excuse for not studying for yourself (Acts 17:11).
Renew your commitment to it. We pursue God through reading, understanding and obeying the truths of the Bible. The Bible, along with nature and his Son, Jesus, is one of the ways in which God has chosen to reveal himself and his values. The more you discover about the Bible, the more you discover about God, and the more you discover about God, the more you know what he expects of you and the better you will be able to obey him. Take time, periodically, to renew your commitment to it.
We read the Bible not to gain a bunch of knowledge to show people how smart we are. We read it so that God can use it to transform us in to the image of his Son, Jesus.
What are some other ways and people God has used to help you rediscover the Bible?
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