The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"When Reading"
(Part 2 - Guideposts)
We continue with "guideposts" of truth believers do well to establish in heart and mind that can help us in our reading and response to Scripture.
To be taught. "Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day" (Psalm 25:5). God made our minds to learn, primarily to learn the truth of His Word. We rightly use our brains for many things, but if we do not use them to view the light that awaits us in Scripture, we neglect the first reason for our mind's existence. Thus, we ever approach the Bible as learners, regardless of how long we have read and studied the sacred pages. Even more, we do so with great joy that we have at hand and in heart the most sublimely splendid Teacher imaginable, and the very Author of the Book that teaches us. "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Encouragement and comfort. "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Thy Word hath quickened (enlivened) me" (Psalm 119:150). In a world fraught with temptations to discouragement, the Bible exists as the volume of assurances and reassurances that affirm God's promise to keep our hearts, regardless of circumstance, condition, or situation. In the darkest hour, Scripture shines with light that guides, life that resurrects, and the love of God present in all who trust Him through the Lord Jesus. So long as we have a Bible before us, and hidden in our hearts, encouragement and comfort will always be available as we avail ourselves to its hope and help.
Challenge and correction. Because of our presently imperfect understanding and application, Scripture necessarily serves "for reproof, for correction" (II Timothy 3:16). "Tell me where I am wrong, Father" should be a frequent prayer from our needy hearts to the God whose devoted heart loves us enough to correct us. He will lead us to His Word as a primary means of answer. Our flesh will resist the challenge, but our spirits well know the ongoing need for wayward thoughts, beliefs, words, and deeds to be set right. We open our Bibles with the possibility always in mind that challenge and correction may await us. "For reproof, for correction."
Faith. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Little more need be said, other than to suggest that if we "live by faith," and if the Word of God ignites and fuels faith, then let us often place our wick before the flame of Scripture. Trust will ensue, and the life to which our Father calls us for the glory of the Lord Jesus, the blessing of others, and the keeping of our hearts in His peace and joy.
For others. We do not read the Scriptures merely in context of our own relationship with God. How might today's time in the Book make possible our communication of Christ to others, by what we do and how we do it, by our attitude and demeanor, by words we say and words we don't say, and by the Scripturally-directed sacrifices that reveal the Lord Jesus to our sphere of influence? The Bible serves as the manual of ministry for every born again believer, whatever our calling of life may involve. We read and ponder for others as well as ourselves, as through Christ we live to serve.
Pleasure. God's pleasure. As we suggested at the outset of this consideration, we will not always consciously think of each of the guideposts we reference upon every reading of the Bible. One thought to frequently ponder, however, involves God's response to our search for Him and His truth in His Word. As we approach Scripture with a humble, trusting heart, we cannot imagine what it means to our Heavenly Father. "The Lord taketh pleasure in His people" declared the Psalmist at a time when His people did not have the opportunity to please the Lord by regular readings of the Scriptures (Psalm 149:4). We do possess that opportunity. Let us then determine that of all the reasons we read the Scriptures, the pleasure of our Heavenly Father forms and informs the most personal of the guideposts that direct our hearts Homeward, to the God who "hast been our dwelling place in all generations (Psalm 90:1). Let us indeed read and ponder the Word of God to please the heart of God.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts."
(Jeremiah 15:16)
Weekly Memory Verse
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
(Jeremiah 15:16)
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