Two weeks ago, our congregation started a Bible reading program. Each day, people are given a scripture to read and then they are asked to answer the question, “What jumped out at you from this reading?” Too many times, we approach the Bible as something to be dissected, outlined and figured out. The goal of this activity, however, is simply to get us to listen to the word of God.
With that background, here are some of the things that I have “heard” in my readings over the past two weeks. Maybe you too will find some big ideas and phrases think about as you read them.
“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you… teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:5 and 11).
After his resurrection, “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 1:20). Does “overjoyed” describe me?
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that your have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
“From the fullness of his (God’s) grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16).
A group named “Mercy Me” sings a song called “Word of God Speak” (“Google” it if you like). It is a simple song about the need for us to stop talking about God and to start listening to what he says and wants. The truth is that it is easy to start living our lives by the wrong priorities. We need to hear from God so that we see our world, our eternity and ourselves properly.
Opening the word everyday is a good first step.
“So then faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
PS. If you are interested in receiving the scripture reading for the day, please contact me. I would gladly email them to you.
With that background, here are some of the things that I have “heard” in my readings over the past two weeks. Maybe you too will find some big ideas and phrases think about as you read them.
“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you… teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:5 and 11).
After his resurrection, “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 1:20). Does “overjoyed” describe me?
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that your have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
“From the fullness of his (God’s) grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16).
A group named “Mercy Me” sings a song called “Word of God Speak” (“Google” it if you like). It is a simple song about the need for us to stop talking about God and to start listening to what he says and wants. The truth is that it is easy to start living our lives by the wrong priorities. We need to hear from God so that we see our world, our eternity and ourselves properly.
Opening the word everyday is a good first step.
“So then faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
PS. If you are interested in receiving the scripture reading for the day, please contact me. I would gladly email them to you.
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