“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” – 1 Timothy 4:15-16
I have one of those “Read Through the Bible in One Year” schedules in my Bible. It seems that each year I get one, and I start off in January fully intending to complete the task by December. Unfortunately, I find that when I get behind, I get discouraged, and I quit.
This year, I got another schedule and tucked it in my Bible along with a new plan. Part one of my plan is to listen to an audio version of the Bible while I walk. Not a bad plan except my mind tends to wander when I’m only listening. I can’t read along while I’m walking, so sometimes I miss stuff. However, this part of my plan is still profitable. I am still getting more of the Scriptures into my mind (whether consciously or not) than if I didn’t listen to them at all. Therefore, I am not discouraged. Instead, I keep on going because when I get home, I implement the second part of my plan.
Part two of my plan involves a deeper time in God’s Word. I read several verses and then meditate upon them. This part of my plan makes it easier for me to listen to God. Focusing on one or two verses allows the Holy Spirit to open my mind to what God has for me in these specific passages. I am amazed at the depth of understanding He gives me when I take the time to quietly listen to His still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12)
So far, I am “on schedule” with my Bible reading, and I admit it’s a good feeling, but more importantly, my times of devotion and quiet moments with God and His Word have been extremely rewarding for me. As I continue to “give myself wholly” to my Bible reading (in my own way), I am reaping the reward of becoming closer and closer to my Lord. And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
(from “I Am Thine O Lord” by Fanny Crosby)
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
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Pick a verse and take some time to just sit and think about it. Let me know what God revealed to you through it!