As I’ve been reading at the start of the year, one of the themes, one of the truths God has been drumming into me has been the Word. He wants me to see the Word in different ways. What I mean is this: go to the Word; study the Word; trust the Word; rely on the Word; handle the Word carefully. Now…that is not the book I physically hold in my hands, but the words contained in that book. Instead of blindly believing and accepting what is there, test it. Trust it. Investigate it. But, above all, don’t turn away from it.
G. Campbell Morgan once said:
If it is the Word of God, and I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance of itself. The Bible found me. (p.23)
One of the dangers of study is preconceived ideas. I want to be a student of the Word. I want to run to it; study it; trust it; rely on it; and handle it correctly. Therefore, i resolve to approach God’s Word with an open heart and mind. I pray for new insights or a reassurance of old ones. I want this year to be a year of learning and growth; of testing and trusting; of deepening faith in the truths of the Word; of a deeper “settledness” in me. I want to be a seeker of truth and find myself grounded, more solid. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths.” (Pr.3:5-6)
“Father, help me to lay aside my preconceived ideas and prejudices and joyfully read your Word with an open heart and mind. Let me find my anchor in You and Your Word.”
{Morgan quote from In the Shadow of Grace}
Reading the Word without preconceived notions . . . I like that, Bill! Yes, let the Bible find us.
Blessings!
I liked that idea also Martha.
So cool how your posts are lining up with my devotions as well. I think God is trying to tell me something…
I continue to study through the “first week” of –A Shelter in the Time Of Storm by Tripp. Not sure how I missed it the first two days… but it is probably the main point of the first week. Tripp challenges me with this prayer… “Lord, please teach me your way.”
Bill, I love in your thoughts above how you want to be a student of the word, to run to it, to rely upon it… etc. This requires more of me than just hearing or reading the word. This requires me to act upon what I have learned, to apply what I have learned.
I equate it to receiving a gift on Christmas. Something exciting, something new, but some assembly is required. I look and read through the instructions, i gain understanding on HOW to put the gift together, but decide I am satisfied with simply understanding HOW and never actually picking up the parts and assemble.
How often do I understand the HOW from God, but never make the move to DO.
Great Post… I too am challenged this year with being a student… to grow and apply what I am learning.
Thanks Ryan for your encouraging comment. You are definitely right about one thing: it requires more of us than just a cursory reading of the Word. I hope we are both challenged to seek the Word and its truth this year.
God has given us such a marvelous resource for living out our faith and it is right at our fingertips! The most printed book in the world, the Bible contains layers and layers of truth and wisdom. If only it were the most read book in the world. . . Looking forward to reading your insights on this new blog, Bill.
it is a marvelous resource Pam. And we must allow God’s Spirit to speak to us through His Word. Hoping I can share some good thoughts here.
You make a good point about study, Bill; most of us start the study with an opinion and study with the intent to prove ourselves right.
Only God knows the Truth. May we all be open to His truth.
Exactly Floyd! Start with and opinion or belief and look for verification. Danger ahead!