06.02
A great summer read…the Bible:-) If you’re not currently on a systematic Bible reading plan, why not join us as we read through the New Testament this summer.
Why systematically read through the Bible? Why not? I eat, sleep, work, etc. systematically, why wouldn’t I feast on the Bread of Life systematically? Really really as Shrek would say (I’m still not sure I want to spend any $ on another Shrek movie).
By reading systematically, we get the big picture of the Bible story and we take in the whole counsel of the Bible. Without systematic reading, we can tend to read the parts we like or find easy to comprehend and miss out on much. Reading on particular subjects and such is good, but it’s best when matched with a daily journey through God’s word.
If you’ve never tried journaling, here’s a link to New Hope’s website on the subject: http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/
A few helpful hints. One verse a day. If other verses catch your eye, note the verse so you can look more deeply into it another day. Observation: Think about the times the writer lived in and the people he was writing to. What it first meant to them, is key to knowing what it means to us. Context, context, context. What is before and after the verse you are writing about. Don’t pluck a verse out of context and make it fit what you think about an issue or such. What does God think and what is He saying? That’s the question! Application: What am I going to do (that’s measurable) with what God has just revealed to me? We want to be people who build our house on a rock. Matthew 7:24-27. We hear and do!
Lastly…once a week…get with someone and share with each other what you’ve been discovering in God’s word. Build one another up. Multiply your wisdom. Hold one another accountable for the application part and challenge one another to go for it. Help build each other’s house on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus!
Jeff’s journal for 05.31.2010
Scripture – John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
Observation – Ok, won’t always begin the Observation part this way, but since we’re beginning in John, here goes. John was most likely the youngest of Jesus’ disciples and described himself on several occasions as the disciple Jesus loved. I may just start describing myself that way…because it’s true! John clearly states why he wrote this gospel and its important we remember this as we read. John 20:31…”but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John is writing so that I might believe (which I already do…so…how can I use the gospel of John to help others believe) and have life in the name of Jesus. Sweet! Great reason to write a gospel. This verse is part of the story where Jesus entered the temple and cleaned house. In this act they saw Jesus zeal for the house of God and they remembered that Psalm 69:9 foretold this about Jesus. Ah, they remembered. They had read or heard the Psalm read many times. The Spirit brought what was in them into the present and revealed Jesus to them. The Word was hidden through repeated reading and hearing then the Spirit brought it to remembrance with revelation. We can’t remember what we haven’t read or heard.
Application (Action) – I will hide the word in my heart so that I might not sin against God. I hide it and the Spirit brings it to remembrance. This is one way the Spirit helps me. He brings up and out the truth that is in me. I definitely don’t want to make this a external rule that brings death in my life (I still don’t like external rules:-), but I do want to respond to truth. I want to know Jesus. I want Him to rule my life so that I might live from the inside out. And, this (His word) is where I begin to know Him. Just like I talk to my wife, kids and others during the day, I do the same with Jesus through His word…then prayer (conversation and focused times of prayer)…then action based upon what He’s speaking to me with the Spirit by my side. Having the word hidden in me also helps me clarify the voice of the Spirit and the tug of my flesh. Oh, yeah…the Spirit is telling me to talk to that person and giving me a word for them…yep…that lines up with Scripture. OK – I’m rambling. What am I going to do about it this week…by next Monday? Hmm…ok…getting ready to read John 3 about being born again…I’m going to find someone (that I’ve never shared this with before) and with their permission explain to them what it means to be born again. Uh…oh….now I’m on the hook. Good, I need that:-)
Prayer – Jesus help me. Forgive me for my fear of man. My obedience is not dependent on the outcome, but I do believe that the harvest is here, so when I share what it means to be born again, will you bring that person to new life in you? Send your Spirit ahead of me. Help me to hear His voice. While I want to scatter seed widely, I also want to harvest. Oh, Jesus…save someone through me this week. Fear rises up in me even as I write this…crap…forgive me and change me. Speak to me like you did to Joshua…be strong and courageous Jeff. Go, tell the gospel. Thank you Jesus for being obedient to your Father…may I be like you.
This week’s reading:
May 31 – John 1-2
June 1 – John 3-6
June 2 – John 7-9
June 3 – John 10-11
June 4 – John 12-15
June 5 – John 16-18
June 6 – John 19-21
June 7 – Acts 1-4








