Made alive

I am going to ask a very telling question today. When was the last time you actually picked up your bible, opened it, and read it with 'purpose'? We rely upon others to give us nuggets of truth from time to time, like when we attend church on Sunday, but are we really relying on God to show us his truth, make it alive within us, and help us to overcome some of the things that plague our thoughts or emotions? I recently sent a great many of my 'collected bibles' to donation. I had gathered probably ten or so throughout my lifetime, in Bible College, and along the way. I really only needed just a couple, so I paired down to the ones I most commonly read. Unfortunately, there are some who are 'collectors' of bibles, but seldom actually read what can be found within their pages!

I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. (Psalm 119:101-104)

Every once in a while, someone will ask me why they continue to struggle with the same hurt or hangup that has plagued them for a long, long time. I almost immediately ask them how much they are getting into God's word. I usually find the answer is something like "once in a while", "it's been a while", or "I have the app on my phone". I have bought new tools, appliances, or electronic devices and attempted to just use them without really reading the user manual. I have purchased a new vehicle with all kinds of bells and whistles, learned some of them by accident, then sold it without even knowing what all those bells and whistles did! Some of us don't know what all the 'bells and whistles' in God's word might do if we were just to learn about them, put them into use within our lives, and then see how much life can change as a result.

Maybe a great place to start our new year is with 'intentional' reading of his word on our own. It doesn't have to be a grandiose plan such as reading through the entirety of the bible in a year, but it could be that God wants you to read a proverb each week, gleaning what you can from the various passages. It could also be that he gives some insight into something you have struggled with for a while, not really knowing how you could move beyond that hurt or hangup. The more you get into God's word, the more it can get into you. Don't be surprised when change begins as his life-giving word comes alive within you. After all, that is its purpose! Just sayin!