This week, Vonnie is hosting Monday Manna, so be sure to pop over to My Back Door and read the other entries, and link up if you want to participate. And we're also discussing this post at Living By Grace today. Would love to have you join the discussion there!
Here's today's verse:
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165I LOVE to read the Bible. I've read it all the way through every year except one since I got saved in 1998. There is so much wisdom in it, for every kind of decision I might need to make.
Sure, some books/chapters are more interesting than others, but there's value and blessing in each and every word in His Word. Sitting down with my Bible every morning, glass of skim milk in hand, is one of my favorite parts of my day.
But, do you know what? I DON'T always have great peace, and I stumble. A LOT. Does this mean the Bible is false?
Not a chance!Loving reading and loving what is read are two different things. Am I really cherishing the words God has sent to me through the human authors of His Word? Do I take every Word to heart? Do I show the message God shares with the world the respect and appreciation I show, let's say, my spouse? My children? My parents? Do I love the Bible as much as Christ loved me?
And my answer? Certainly not always. And not every bit of it. But I'm getting better. And, thank the Lord, He does not yet expect me to be perfect. For even when I don't have peace, He is there to comfort me. And if I stumble? He's right there to catch me.
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Thanks for reading. Be sure to stop by Vonnie's blog for more Monday Manna.
Traveling Rough Roads With God's Strength
This morning the scripture that popped in my head was we may stumble but we are not utterly cast down. How cool we're on the same wave this morning.
ReplyDeleteI've always taught in my Bible classes, scripture comes alive when you experience it, not just read it. You have to ask why and dig for that gold, when you find it, it's the best feeling ever!
Perfect post, Joanne! LOVED it!
I love when I come across a verse that I've read 100 times before, but now it means something more because of an experience the Lord has brought me through. God's Word seems to grow bigger and deeper the more I read it. It's a comfort to know that I will still be learning from it as long as I live.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Joanne! There's such a big difference between ritual and relationship. Was reading 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan this morning and was reminded that doing things in my own strength will eventually end in burn-out. Yielding to Christ, and relying on His power to love Him and do what He says will have an entirely different outcome - joy! Have a spectacular day!
ReplyDeleteSo true Joanne there is a difference between loving reading and loving what is read. Many times I read a passage only to have it come alive to me at some other time in my life.
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