I recently started a new project with one of the young ladies that I mentor. We downloaded the same Bible app, which sends a daily verse, and we’re each writing a short devotional about it and sending it to each other.
Of course there is grace, because life gets busy and throws unexpected curveballs just when we think things are under control. The important goal is that we continue the assignment and don’t stop when we miss a day or two.
I’m loving this assignment because it has multiple parts that are beneficial for both of us:
- We’re reading scripture and thinking about it
- We’re writing and practicing daily a gift we both have
- We have accountability by sending it to each other
We know the importance of getting in the Word regularly. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word as our sword, the one item in our defensive armor that is intended for offense, meaning to attack.
Spending time in the Word makes us familiar with the words of God, with His teaching, and with His character. Understanding these things gives us a firm foundation that we can stand on, much like the wise builder who built his house on the rock in Matthew 7. When the winds and storms of life rage, we stand on a solid foundation that will not give. When the enemy comes knocking with smooth words and lies, we have a defense.
And make no mistake, friends, those winds and storms WILL come. The enemy WILL come knocking at your door, looking to trip you up and put you down. We are called to be ready, to stand firm, and be prepared for such things. There is no preparation better than knowing God.
Do you know God? There are so many facets to His character, more than the human mind can fully comprehend, and yet He reveals enough about Himself that we can know and trust Him. The Bible is a love letter and an instruction guide for believers, far more than some history textbook. The Bible is alive. It was written over a period of hundreds of years, by diverse authors (farmers, tax collectors, kings, etc), and yet the overarching manuscript fits together and tells the story from beginning to end of the love of God, who created man in His image, and set a plan to redeem them in motion, leaving puzzle pieces all the way through the Old Testament that came together when Jesus came to earth.
It’s all there, in the pages. With the help of the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can read the truths and meditate on how they apply to our lives and our walks.
My mentee asked me if she was doing this project wrong and I told her that the best part about this is there really is no wrong way to go about it. The Bible may speak differently to us at different points in our lives, and that is okay. Me ten years ago would have interpreted a passage a little differently in light of my life then than me today sees it. And that’s okay! As Christians, we should be life-long students of the word and character of God. He knows how much we can handle at certain points in our lives. He won’t reveal more than we are ready to handle.
Friends, I’m sure you hear this often, but it’s really the best way to learn about God: Get in the Word. Dust off your Bible and crack open the pages. Get a study Bible from a reputable teacher and read the footnotes and the extra boxes. Lean into the prompting of the Spirit, who is the Teacher and Helper Jesus told us He would leave with us. And write about what you learn. You don’t have to consider yourself a writer to jot down your thoughts. Writing really helps connect you to what you’re learning.
Take some time today–and every day–to get in the Word. You will notice a difference every time you do.
Blessings,
~Lynne
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