We have a guest here at home with us today, Marilyn is off; so the smell of bacon fills the air, the biscuits are in the oven and the eggs will soon be scrambled. Mmm, my stomach is growling as I write these words and smell the smells of breakfast. But wait, you thought this was a summary of what happened on Sunday not a menu review. Well it is.Some mornings I wake up hungry. Do you? When the smell of bacon fills the air... I wake up real HUNGRY. Do I wake up hungry for the Lord? Is there a hunger for the Word in my soul? There should be.
Yesterday we learned that when we have a New Heart we will also have a New Hunger. Matthew 5:16 tells us "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." 1 Peter 2:2 tells us we are to be like new born babes who hunger for the pure milk of the Word. We also need to be aware of things that can ruin our appetite for the Word (1 Peter 2:1). It is true that "Sin will keep you from the Bible or the Bible will keep you from Sin."
Some appetites develop over time. Your appetite for the Word will grow as you "feast" on the Word. So how do you feast on the Word? It is actually very simple ... you READ it! Here are some ideas that will help you as you read it.
READ it.....
RELATIONALLY: The Bible is a letter from God to you. What a blessing that we can read a letter from God that will build and deepen our relationship with one another.
EXPECTANTLY: When you read, it is appropriate to expect God to speak to you. Read with a sense of expectation that you will encounter the living God in the pages of the Bible.
ATTENTIVELY: Pay attention to what is going on in the passage you are reading. Ask questions as you read; Who is speaking? Where are they? What is going on? Does this passage reveal a sin to confess; a promise to claim; an example to follow; or a command to obey? Read attentively and you will discover some exciting truths!
DAILY: We eat every day for the sake of our physical health so it seems to make sense that daily Bible reading will benefit our spiritual health. The children's song reminds us of a great truth when it says..."Read you Bible, pray everyday and you will grow, GROW, GROW!"
There are Bible reading journals that will help you read the Word. You can find many Bible reading plans online. One of the best to get you into the Word is YouVersion. Check it out and download it to your phone, iPad, or tablet. There are numerous Bible reading plans to choose from with YouVersion. Pick one and READ.
Right now I am reading through the book of Psalms. It really speaks to the issues of the heart and the realities of life. I read 5 chapters a day. Since today is the 10th I will read Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, and 130. Just read the Psalm that corresponds with the day and then add thirty to it and then read that Psalm. Tomorrow I will read Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, and 131.
Well, the Bacon, eggs, and biscuits are ready; so I need to wrap this up and go enjoy breakfast. Psalm 10 is also ready and I also need to spend a little time feasting on the Word.I'd be glad to hear about what you are reading in the Word this week. Send me a text message, e-mail or note and let me know what you are reading; we will all be better for it.
Feasting on the Word,
Pastor Mike
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