Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).
How is your relationship with your Bible? Do you spend time with the Word of God on a daily basis? Do you find joy and strength as you navigate through its many messages? For many believers, the Bible is just a book that is consulted on a casual basis when convenient. For others there may be a sense of obligation in reading the Bible in order to fulfil devotional quotas.
It’s time that we begin to see the Bible as a Living Book. An inspired series of instructions and testimonies that presents to us a “big picture” perspective of life. A Book that addresses any challenge or issue we may be facing in life. God’s Word is intended to be a constant companion to aid in our Christian journey through life.
Whether you are new to the faith or a seasoned believer the following keys can help make the Bible to become a Living reality in your life.
Step into the Bible
In recent years I have taken time to immerse myself into Biblical narratives as opposed to just reading the story. For example, in the account of Cain and Abel, I have taken time to reflect as to who I am in this story. Am I more like Cain or more like Abel. Sure, we know who we all should be like Abel, but are we?
And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (Genesis 4:3-5).
Both Cain and Offering presented a sacrifice unto the Lord but only Abel’s was accepted. Have you ever given thought to this event? Cain’s offering was given out of convenience. One of the rendering of Cain’s name can be translated as “acquiring”. Yes, Cain gave an offering but there seems to be a “what can I get out of it” type of mentality. Do we give or serve with an expectation of receiving something in return?
Abel on the other hand offered to the Lord His very best. He saw God as worthy of receiving his very best without holding back. Can you imagine presenting this manner of offering to God? This is a good example to ponder over when presenting our tithes to the Lord. Is it a Cain offering birthed out of convenience or one likened to Abel where our best is given to God out of a joyful heart.
Let the Bible Guide your Steps
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
It’s amazing to see how reliant we have become on GPS (Global Positional Systems) units in recent years. Any smart phone can be used to chart exact directions to a given location. As believers, the Bible is our GPS (God’s Positional System) for navigation through life. This is achieved as we learn to step into its pages and allow God to speak and work. Do not be surprised at the number of recalibrations that may need to take place along the way. There will be unexpected twists and turns along our pathway through life.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
Th Bible is filled with so many examples of people who had both successes and failures. This should prove encouraging to anyone who takes time to step into the passages of scripture. At the same time learning to inject themselves into the story of what is taking place.
Let God Establish your Path
But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).
God does have a unique plan and purpose for your life. That path is not all laid out in one go as opposed to the functioning of a modern GPS. It is unveiled one step at a time as one learns to trust God on a daily basis.
Stepping into the Bible on a daily basis allows for God to speak, to guide, and help navigate the pathway of the believer. Each passing day the light of God’s Word begins to illumine our pathway. Our vision and ability to see is then expressed through a Biblical lens, providing strength and assurance that we are on the Good Path.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
Tuesday: John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Wednesday: Psalm 119:9
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
Thursday: Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”
Friday: Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Saturday: Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Sunday: Jeremiah 20:9
Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Tim O’Connell
