5 Ways to Get a Grip on Your Bible

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Wayne Davies

One of my favorite ministries is The Navigators. Their mission is “To know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.” They’ve been doing that faithfully since 1933.

I love their Bible-based resources that get me into the Word and keep me there. I’ve been using their New Testament Bible Reading Plan for many years. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to make Bible reading a daily habit, you can access a free downloadable copy here:
www.navlink.org/newtestament

Here’s another wonderful Navigators Discipleship Tool: “The Word Hand,” or what could be called “5 Ways to Get a Grip on Your Bible.” Using your thumb and four fingers, this 1-page illustration is an easy-to-remember tool that highlights five methods of learning from the Bible. Get your free copy here:
www.navlink.org/word-hand

As you read reflect on these 5 methods, ask yourself these questions:
How are you doing in each of these 5 areas?
Which one(s) do you consider a strength?
Which one(s) do you consider a weakness?
As you seek to cultivate a higher level of competency in each area, how can others pray for you?

One of those five Bible learning methods is Scripture memorization. That’s the one I tend to neglect. How about you? Just last week I discovered this Navigators gem, Hide God’s Word in Your Heart. This 17-page eBook helps you memorize one key Bible verse each week for the next 4 weeks. I’ve made a commitment to God to hide these 4 verses in my heart. Will you join me? Get your free copy of the eBook here:
https://www.navigators.org/mk212206-scripture-memory-intensive/

You’ll find a boatload of other great resources on the Navigators website. Enjoy!

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How to Pray Like David

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Wayne Davies


What’s the best book in the Bible to learn how to pray?

You can probably think of several. So can I.

Certainly the book of Psalms should be included, don’t you think? I’m convinced that it is one of the best books of the Bible to learn how to pray.

That’s why I wrote my latest book . . .
How to Pray Like David:
A Bible Study on Psalms 1-41

 

It is now available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.

Here’s what readers are saying . . .

“This book is simply fantastic! I love the goal of giving lots of ways to apply each psalm into one’s life. I love the format and the content and the superb insights and the focus on application that you have woven into this book. I definitely think this book meets a need that is ‘out there’ for helping to get people into the Psalms with more than merely surface comments on this amazing book in the Bible. You really give the reader excellent things to consider out of each psalm. Superb! I know it is blessing me greatly.”
— Dan Smythe, The Timothy Initiative Ministry Ambassador

 

“I truly loved this book. I most liked the questions at the end of each chapter for further reflection and discussion.”
— Geri Evans

 

“Your writing on each Psalm drew me into God’s Word, and your study questions made me desire to study well and deep and apply what I was learning to my life. Here are some things in particular that I loved about this book:

1. All the applications that are everywhere! Study without application is useless and merely head knowledge. I need things applied to my heart! And I love how you continually reminded the reader to do that.

2. I will greatly profit in my own application through all the authors who are quoted in this study: Boice, Packer, Spurgeon, Piper, Tozer, and probably some more that I’ve forgotten to list!

3. The Gospel message is clearly presented in several places for people that may not truly understand what it is. I especially saw that in the study on Psalm 24. Just excellent!

4. Throughout this study, I see your love for the Lord and the joy in your salvation shining through. Your testimony on page 66 is remarkable. I too am a prodigal, and I understand the gratefulness and humility (although God still points out daily the pride that remains in my heart!) that comes from knowing that God was patient with me, and loved me–despite my sin and me turning my back on him! This book is a testimony of your joy and thanksgiving for your salvation as God graciously turned your heart back towards him. Even though I still suffer consequences of my past sin, yet I am still grateful that God allowed me to go my own way. For me, that was probably the only way for him to truly open my eyes and see that I am his creature, and not my own. I am always  reminded of Psalm 119:67, 71, and 75. I am very grateful for God’s affliction–that bitter medicine of his discipline that he has allowed in my life “that I might learn your statutes” (Ps. 119:71). His mercy and grace are humbling, and he is faithful to discipline those whom he loves. I see your experience of that throughout this study as I see your love and devotion to our gracious God.

5. The additional resources listed in Appendix A. Excellent and trustworthy.

6. The more in-depth study of Psalm 1 in Appendix B.

7. The cross references between the Psalms and the Old Testament, and also those between the Psalms and the New Testament. And they are everywhere! I love seeing how (as always!) God’s Word is the best commentary on Scripture.”
— Georgia Schoelz

 

“This book is not a verse-by-verse commentary, but it is a compilation of lessons Mr.  Davies has learned from Psalms 1-41. There is one chapter for each of these Psalms. Each chapter begins with an explanation of something God has taught him from that psalm. This is followed by “Questions for Further Study, Reflection and Discussion.” These questions guide the reader into a better understanding of the psalm by prompting him to interact with the text.

I appreciate the comprehensive nature of the introduction because it let me know what to expect in the rest of the book. I also liked the short chapters and the questions that followed –this format inspired me to do my own thinking and application. The questions sometimes covered material not mentioned in the explanation of each thought.

Although I had read all the Psalms many times, I gained a greater understanding of Psalms 1-41 after reading the book. I learned how to pray more effectively. Each chapter spoke to a need in my life. I recommend the book highly. I plan to reread this book one chapter at a time and write my answers to each question. We live in an Independent Living Apartment. I would like to share what God is teaching me through the Psalms with some of the residents here.”
— Ken Dover

To access excerpts from the book, please click Here (Chapter 12) and Here (Chapter 40).

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How to Pray Like Jesus

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Wayne Davies

In Mark 1:35 we read an amazing verse. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made time alone with God a top priority. He woke up before dawn and found a place to be by himself to pray to his Father in heaven.

This early morning prayer time was likely a habit for Jesus. He had a relationship of deep intimacy with the Father. He had spent eternity past in divine fellowship with the Father and the Spirit. Yet coming to earth did not prevent him from continuing to commune with God.

The book of Luke provides much insight into the prayer life of Jesus. Of the four gospels, Luke devotes the most attention to Jesus’ prayers in a variety of situations.

Jesus prayed while being baptized (Luke 3:21-22)
Only Luke tells us that Jesus was praying at his baptism in the Jordan River. “As he was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.” Here we have a beautiful picture of the divine communion of the Trinity – the Son is talking to the Father, the Spirit comes down on the Son, and the Father says to the Son, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus prayed for extended periods of time (Luke 6:12-16)
When faced with an important decision, such as the choosing of his twelve apostles, Jesus spent all night in prayer. “Jesus went into the hills to pray, and spent the night praying. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (Luke 6:12-13).

Jesus prayed before eating (Luke 9:16, 22:17,19)
Does it really matter whether we stop and give thanks for food before eating? Jesus thought it did. Before feeding the 5,000, Jesus took “the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them.” Likewise, at the last supper, “he gave thanks” for both the bread and the wine.

Jesus prayed with his disciples (Luke 9:28)
As indicated above in Mark 1:35 and Luke 6:12, Jesus spent time alone in prayer. But he also prayed with his disciples. “He took Peter, John and James with him and went onto a mountain to pray.”

Jesus prayed on his knees (Luke 22:41)
We can pray anytime, anywhere, with any posture. But sometimes our need for God is so great, getting down on our faces is appropriate and even necessary. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus spent much time in prayer to prepare for his suffering and crucifixion, and therefore “he knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.'”

Jesus prayed with great passion (Luke 22:44)
Again, Jesus’ prayers in the garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his death reached a level of intensity that is difficult to fathom. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

How is your prayer life these days? The gospels present the Son of Man as the Man of Prayer.

Please take time today to examine yourself in light of the prayer life of Jesus. Ask yourself these questions: Do I spend time alone with God in prayer every day? Do I pray throughout the day, even while engaged in life-changing events? Do I spend long periods of time in prayer, especially when facing important decisions? Do I remember to thank God for food before I eat it? Do I regularly pray with and for other believers? Do I pray on my knees when the situation warrants it? Do I pray with passion?

May the example of Jesus motivate us to “pray continually” and to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

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How to Delight in the Flawless Word of God

Posted on February 13, 2022 by Wayne Davies

The Bible claims to be, and is, the very Word of God. Yes, the words of this book were written by people, and each human author utilized his particular writing style and vocabulary, but the ultimate source of Scripture is Almighty God himself.

Psalm 12:6 is one of many verses in the Bible to make this bold statement. Let’s take a closer look at what David meant when he said, “The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6 NIV 1978).

The word “flawless” means pure. But let’s not take David’s analogy to its illogical extreme. The Word of God was not impure and therefore in need of purifying. The point here is that Scripture contains no impurities; it never has and it never will. What is in view is the finished product.

How can this be? The perfection of Scripture is the direct result of its divine origin. The Bible is infallible because it is inspired, or breathed out, by God.

We can express the relationship between the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible like this:

  1. Scripture claims to be the very Word of God because every word of it comes from his mouth. 2 Timothy 3:16 makes this clear. “All Scripture is God-breathed.”
  2. God cannot lie. He always speaks the truth. Hebrews 6:18, “It is impossible for God to lie.”
  3. Therefore, the Scriptures contain no errors. Psalm 12:6, “And the words of the Lord are flawless.”

Other verses that teach these concepts include Psalm 18:30, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless” and Psalm 119:160, “All your words are true.”

Wow! Isn’t this wonderful news? With so much uncertainty in the world, aren’t we blessed to have the perfect Word of God in our hands to read and treasure every day of our lives?

I must ask you: How are you feeling today about the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible? Do you have gratitude in your heart toward God for the amazing gift of Scripture? Can you say with the psalmist, “At midnight I rise to give thanks for your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:62)?

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night? I do. Every now and then I wake up at 3 or 4 am. I’m not sure why. And it doesn’t matter. The last time it happened, I was wide awake and ready to go! I started reading the Bible, which is how I usually start the day. My mind became filled with thoughts about God’s Word and how I’d like to tell people about it.

At first, I thought, “I woke up too early. Shouldn’t I go back to bed and get some more sleep?” But I was too excited about the Word. I wanted and pour myself into the study of the greatest Book ever written!

Do you ever have moments like that? You get so excited about what God is teaching you, you can’t even sleep! I usually sleep like a log. But whenever I get up a few hours early, I head straight for my Bible and read it or study it or write about it.

I do have times when my heart soars with delight in the Word and I can honestly say to God, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103).

How about you? If so, please allow me to encourage you to tell someone about it, starting with God. We have ample reason to give thanks to God any time of day for his precious Word. Amen?

When you experience joy in reading and studying the Bible, why keep your enthusiasm to yourself? May your love for and delight in the Word be contagious!

NOTE: The above comments are an excerpt from my book, How to Pray Like David: A Bible Study on Psalms 1-41, available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback.

There are 41 chapters in this book, one for each psalm. And each chapter in How to Pray Like David contains Questions for Further Study, Reflection, and Discussion. These questions are ideal for either individual or group study.

Here are the questions for Psalm 12:

1. According to Psalm 12:6, the Word of God is flawless (NIV) and pure (ESV) because God is flawless and pure. Jesus said, “I am . . . the truth” (John 14:6). And he prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Take time now to reflect on this magnificent teaching on the infallibility of Scripture. Then write out a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the incredible gift of his Word. Be like the psalmist and say, “I rise to give thanks for your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:62).

2. Have you ever wondered, “What would my life be like if God had not given us his Word?” Can you remember who first gave you exposure to the Bible? Was it your parents, a Sunday school teacher, a pastor, or a friend? Offer another prayer of thanksgiving to God for the person (or people) who first taught you the Bible.

3. Let’s reflect on the prayer of Jesus quoted above: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The word “sanctify” can mean “to make holy.” God sanctifies us by his Word. He renews us and changes us and makes us more like Jesus – and he does this through the transformational power of his Word. How has God been at work in your life by the life-changing work of his Word? Reflect on what he has done for you, in you, and through you because of his Word. Offer praise and thanksgiving to him for this!

4. Psalm 12 is a study in contrast: the words of sinful mankind (verses 1-4, 8) are presented in stark contrast to the Words of God (verses 5-7). How are the wicked (and the words of the wicked), described in verses 1-4?

5. In verses 5 and 7, what promises of God are brought to bear on the plight of God’s people?

6. Our sinfulness is seen vividly through our tongues. James wrote: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell . . . no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:6, 8). Over the years, what has God been teaching you about the use of your tongue? Is there a specific sin related to your speech that you continue to struggle with? What practical steps can you take to allow the sanctifying power of God to work in this area?

 

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What Does the Bible Say about Setting Goals?

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Wayne Davies

As 2022 heads into February, I’m reflecting on the three goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year.

One of those goals is to read through the New Testament this year, following the Navigator’s 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan. So far, so good. By the grace of God, I’m staying on track.

I like that the plan begins with the Gospel of Mark. I find all four gospels to be captivating. They should be, for Jesus is the most captivating Person to ever walk on this planet. What He did and what He said is breathtaking. Amen?

Do you ever wonder whether setting and pursuing specific goals is biblical?

Here’s a passage in Luke’s gospel that I find most helpful in this regard:

31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! (Luke 13:31-33).

Jesus had a goal and here He states quite plainly what it is – to die!

What you and I spend much time and energy trying to avoid, Jesus set as a goal: His death in Jerusalem.

And according to Luke 9:51, He was intent on the accomplishment of this goal:

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (NIV)

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (ESV)

“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem.” (NASB)

(A great way to drill down on the meaning of a verse is to read it in several translations. The NIV, ESV, and NASB are three of my favorite Bible versions. BibleGateway.com has an easy way to see a multitude of translations for any one verse on your screen, simultaneously. What a wonderful study tool!)

Jesus not only set a goal for Himself, but He was also determined to achieve it. He reached a point in His ministry when He knew it was time to go where He needed to be to accomplish that goal, and He resolutely headed for Jerusalem. I love how the ESV puts it: Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem.

Do you get the picture of our Savior that Luke is painting for us?

This is a compelling portrait of our Lord. He had a goal, and He went after it, with a determination and a resolve that you and I would do well to emulate.

Jesus had a single-minded focus – to die in Jerusalem for the sins of the world so that you and I could have forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Aren’t you glad Jesus set this goal?

Yes, it is biblical to set goals – biblical goals, such as the pursuit of godliness through sanctifying time in the Word and prayer.

What are you determined to do today that will bring glory to the One who was determined to die for you?

Where have you resolved to go – today, tomorrow, or the next day, so that Jesus gets the honor for you being there?

What kind of person is God calling you to be this year that requires you to set your face in that direction, every day, for the rest of your life?

One final thought . . . Accomplishing God’s goals for your life takes self-discipline, and self-discipline is the fruit of the Spirit. Living a holy life is not so much a matter of willpower, but the Spirit’s power. Without Jesus, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

And if you find anything in this post helpful, please leave a comment below.

If you would like to connect with me on Facebook, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/GodWroteTheBook/

To read more about my goals for 2022, click here.
https://godwrotethebook.com/how-to-follow-jesus-in-2022/

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Did Jesus Have a Favorite Book in the Bible?

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Wayne Davies

Do you have a favorite book of the Bible?

I know that’s a hard question to answer. I asked it on my Facebook page and one person responded, “This question is like asking me to pick my favorite ice cream . . . I love them all.”

 

Yet he did answer the question (Ephesians). And others did, too — the books of Jeremiah, Colossians, Romans and James were mentioned.

How about you?

Perhaps a better question would be, “What book of the Bible do you read most often?” Isthere a book that you find yourself returning to more than others?

For me, it would the book of Psalms. Lately, it is also my favorite book to write about. I’m finishing up a book entitled How to Pray Like David: A Bible Study on Psalms 1-41, which should be published next month, Lord willing.

Which leads me to another question . . . Do you have a favorite psalm? (or 2 or 3)?

If so, let me know via email. I’d love to hear what Psalm has become precious to you, and why.

As far as Jesus is concerned, I’m reluctant to speculate as to how he would answer the question, “What is your favorite book in the Bible?”

But we do know how many times he quoted the Old Testament in the four gospels. And we know which books he quoted. That is a topic worthy of our consideration.

For example, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture three times. And all three quotations were from the book of Deuteronomy. Isn’t that intriguing?

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ “ (Deuteronomy 8:3).

“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:16).

“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

Jesus also quoted several other Old Testament books, including Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Hosea, and Malachi. And what about the Psalms? Yes, Jesus quoted the Psalms, too.

When he was on the cross, what prayer did Jesus pray?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

This is a quote of Psalm 22:1, which David wrote. In a sense, then, we could say that Jesus prayed like David. These words, along with several other verses from Psalm 22, provide arguably the most graphic description of the physical and emotional sufferings of Christ found in Scripture.

Why did he pray this prayer? Because when Jesus was on the cross, “he (the Father) made him (the Son) to be sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Father was pouring out his wrath on the Son, the wrath that you and I deserve as fair punishment for our sin. This demonstration of God’s grace came at a great cost to the Father and the Son, for they had enjoyed blissful union from eternity past. Now, for the first time, this unity was severed so that we could be restored to a right relationship with both Father and Son.

Yes, Jesus prayed like David because, 1,000 years before Christ died, David, in a prophetic sense, prayed like Jesus.

Oh, what glory is revealed in this prayer! Both the justice and mercy of God are on display here. And who are the beneficiaries of this deluge of kindness and righteousness? The Father and the Son did this . . . “for our sake” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Aren’t you glad they did? I pray that you do. Rejoice, my friend, rejoice!

And if you find anything in this post helpful, please let me know by leaving a comment below.

You can also connect with me on Facebook.

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The Key to Understanding the Bible

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Wayne Davies

The Bible is a big book, well over 1,000 pages.

How do we make sense of it?

There’s so much to read and digest. And so many different interpretations floating around.

I think the key is to understand the big picture of the Bible.

What is the main point? What is the central idea? What is it all about?

Here is a resource that answers these questions:

http://themostimportantjourney.com/category/your-rescue/

There are several free videos on this page that I find delightful. They are compelling because they explain one of the most important topics in the Bible. If you understand this, you’re on your way to understanding the whole Bible.

I recommend you watch them in this order:

The Most Important Journey
http://themostimportantjourney.com/2021/04/the-most-important-journey/

Life According to Jesus in 3-2-1
http://themostimportantjourney.com/2021/04/life-according-to-jesus-in-3-2-1/

A Friend in the Darkness
http://themostimportantjourney.com/2021/04/a-friend-in-the-darkness-link-3-of-a-4-link-chain/

A Future in the Light
http://themostimportantjourney.com/2021/04/a-future-in-the-light-link-4-of-a-4-link-chain/

Then, for a deeper dive, check out this no-cost resource:
http://themostimportantjourney.com/2021/02/grasping-the-biblical-reality-of-justification/

Click on the link entitled “Grasping the Biblical Reality of Justification” and you’ll have access to a PDF that provides a wonderful explanation of one of Scripture’s most crucial truths. If you understand this teaching, the whole Bible will make sense.

If you find any of these resources helpful, please let me know by leaving a comment below. Enjoy!

Posted in Bible reading, Salvation | Leave a comment

How to Follow Jesus in 2022

Posted on January 9, 2022 by Wayne Davies

I know it’s only January 9th, but how is 2022 going for you so far?

Do you know where you are going this year? I’m not speaking geographically but spiritually.

 

What are your goals for spiritual growth this year?

Here are a three of my 2022 goals:

  1. To be a faithful witness of God’s truth to my friends and family members. God taught me much in 2021 about being a faithful witness. About a year ago I started praying for 5 friends — former co-workers that I had lost touch with. One by one, God orchestrated opportunities for me to re-connect with 4 of these 5 men and to renew our friendships. One of these men joined our weekly Bible study that my wife and I host in our home. In 2022, I am asking God to provide opportunities to share Christ with 5 other men that I know.
  2. To continue communicating God’s truth through writing. Lord willing, I want to write and publish two new books this year (one on the Psalms and another on the Gospel of Mark). I plan to continue writing articles that are posted on the GodWroteTheBook.com blog, as well as other Christian websites. I will also continue to send out a weekly email, plus more frequent posts on Facebook.
  3. To immerse myself in Scripture by reading the New Testament per the Navigator’s 5x5x5 Bible Reading Plan (1 chapter per day, 5 days a week).

NOTE: And if you are looking for a way to read the Bible more consistently this year, there are excellent Bible reading plans on the Navigator’s website:
https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/.
This Navigator’s webpage has 3 plans. Plans #1 and #2 are for the whole Bible in a year. Plan #3 is the 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan that I’ll be doing (scroll down to the bottom to get this one).

You probably know by now that I am an enthusiastic supporter of annual Bible Reading Plans. I call this A Better Way to Read the Bible

At the same time, it’s good to remember that reading the Bible, even the whole Bible, is never an end in itself. It’s a means to the greater end of a God-honoring life and personal holiness – becoming more like Jesus every day, “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV).

Jesus told His disciples to “Follow me.” He issues that same command to you and me. Spending quality time in the Word is one of ways we strive for the goal of staying on the path of discipleship and going where He leads, which is best described as the life of faithful obedience to His Word. Such a life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and submission to His will as revealed in His Word.

May we continue to follow our Savior all the days of our lives. If you find anything in this post helpful, please let me know. Got questions or want to dialogue with me, just leave a comment below. I’m available to assist you any way I can.

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7 Tips on How to Read the Bible in 2022

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Wayne Davies

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Today I’d like to offer resources that can enrich your reading of Scripture in 2022. Oh what a treasure chest of spiritual riches God has placed at our fingertips!

 

Now more than ever, may the Word be sweeter than honey and more precious than gold.

Here are 7 tips to help you read the Bible this year.

TIP #1: Read the Bible Like Any Other Book
To that end, my first suggestion is to embrace “A Better Way to Read the Bible.” Simply put, a better way to read the Bible is to read it like any other book, which means we read the whole thing. For more thoughts on this, please Click Here.

TIP #2: Read the Bible Like No Other Book
My second suggestion is to pray . . . before, during and after you read the Bible. Here’s one of my favorite Bible reading prayers: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18). The word “law” can mean “instruction” or “teaching.” The Word of God, like no other book, contains the instruction and teaching of God. While the Bible is to be read like any other book, it is also to be read like no other book, because there is no other book like the Bible. It is the only book written by God, and we need His supernatural help to understand it. Click Here for “3 Great Prayers to Pray When Reading the Bible.”

TIP #3: Get the Big Picture
When reading the Bible, always keep in mind what Jen Wilkin states so succinctly, “The Bible is a book about God.” I take this to mean that the Bible is primarily or mainly about God. It is His autobiography. Until just a few years ago, this was a new idea for me and a hard pill to swallow, so I know it can come as a surprise to some. But like life itself, the Bible is not primarily about us. Sure, we are in there, and the Bible has much to say about you and me. But we’re not the focus. God is. Therefore, every time you read the Bible, ask the question, “What does this passage teach about God (Father, Son and/or Spirit)?” And then ask, “What is my response to this teaching about God?” You can learn more about the main theme of the Bible, aka “The Bible’s One Big Story” by Clicking Here.

TIP #4: Write Down Your Thoughts
Write down your answers to those two questions in Tip #3. Maintain a Bible Reading Journal. This doesn’t have to be fancy. Record your thoughts in a word processing document or a spiral notebook. I always learn and retain more when I interact with the material I’m reading. Don’t just read and pray. Whenever possible: Read, pray and write. Even better: Pray, Read, Pray, Write, and Pray.

TIP #5: Make a Commitment to Read the Whole Bible (or at least the New Testament)
Yes, I’m circling back to Tip #1 – to understand any book, it is best to read the whole thing. Resources abound to help you do this. Bible Reading Plans are a good place to start, so Click Here to find one that you like. Then . . . Go For It! By the grace of God and for the glory of God, it can be done.

Here’s how I’ve been approaching the task to read the whole Bible. For several years I’ve been reading the entire New Testament in a year. This can be done by reading 1 chapter a day, 5 days a week. The Navigators ministry has put together a nice resource for this called the 5 x 5 x 5 New Testament Reading Plan. You can Click Here to download the PDF.

Then, every 2 or 3 years, I read both the Old Testament and the New Testament in a year. This is how I’ve been doing it for the past 15 years, and it has worked well for me.

If you’re new to the Bible or if reading the entire Book seems too intimidating right now, why not start with the New Testament? Eventually, though, you’ll want to read both Testaments; your understanding of the New Testament will skyrocket to a new level when you read and understand the Old Testament. And when was the last time you read only the last 25% of a book?

TIP #6: Get Help to Understand What You Read
Regardless of how you read it, please take advantage of the many wonderful resources that can aid in your understanding of the Bible. God has given the Church many gifts. One of those gifts is knowledgeable Bible teachers who have spent years studying the Bible so they can help God’s people to comprehend it. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

The Bible is both one Book and a Book of Books. As you read through the Bible, take time to get the big picture of each individual book. A good study Bible should have an introduction and an outline of each book, which you would do well to read and use to navigate that particular book. Another important aspect of the Bible is the variety of literary genres which are found in Scripture. With that in mind, here are my recommended resources for getting help.

Two Great Books:
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
How to Read the Bible Book by Book
These two books, written by the team of Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, go together quite well. I recommend that you get them both, and read them in conjunction with your Bible reading, one bite at a time. They are a valuable resource I use over and over. (Sorry, you’ll have to buy these books. If money is tight, check with your with your local library or look for used copies online.)

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth will teach you how to understand the many genres (types of literature) in the Bible, such as narrative, Law, poetry, wisdom and prophecy (in the Old Testament), along with the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and Revelation (in the New Testament).

How to Read the Bible Book by Book  is similar to a study Bible, providing the following information about each of the 66 books: an overview and outline of the content, an explanation of the historical background and emphases, “specific advice” for reading, and a thorough yet insight-packed summary of each section of every book.

One Great Website
The Bible Project has a plethora of great no-cost resources. If you are a visual learner, you’ll love their videos, especially the “Book Overviews.” In just a few minutes you can literally see the shape and themes of every book in the Bible in a way you’ll not soon forget. So, before reading any book of the Bible, I highly recommend you watch the “Book Overview” at least once, if not multiple times. It will set the stage so you can then read the individual books with greater understanding. Did I mention that everything on this website will not cost you a penny?

TIP #7: Search Your Heart for the Answer to This Question
Finally, let’s not forget the “Why” question. You’re reading this because you want to read the Bible. That is such a good thing, or so it would seem. But why? What is your motive? That is such an important question. I think about this a lot, because I know that my reasons for reading the Bible have not always been good ones.

How about you? How do you answer the question, “Why do I want to read the Bible?”

For more thoughts on this all-important question, please read this:
What Is Your Motive for Reading the Bible?

And then I recommend you read this:
Be Not Deceived: Knowing about God and Knowing God Are Worlds Apart

Here’s to a grace-filled, God-blessed New Year, and may you know God better in 2022 through the reading of His Word.

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One Great Christmas Verse, Three Incomparable Gifts

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Wayne Davies

Do you have a favorite Christmas verse? Here’s mine.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

 

God the Son left the glorious riches of heaven to lavish us with the priceless and incomparable gifts of His grace.

Here are three of them.

Forgiveness of Our Sins
Zechariah prophesied that his son John the Baptizer would “go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:76-77).

To forgive means to cancel a debt. Because of our sin, we have a debt so great we can never pay it off. This is why Jesus taught us to ask God to “Forgive us our debts” (Matthew 6:12). Because God the Son was born to die for those sins, God the Father can cancel that debt. For those who believe in Jesus as their Debt Payer, sufficient payment is made on their behalf and the books of heaven now proclaim “Paid in Full.” Glory to God in the highest for this act of tender mercy!

Rescue from the Wrath of God
After learning that Mary was pregnant (and knowing that he was not the father), Joseph gave serious consideration to divorcing his bride-to-be. But God intervened and spoke to him through an angel who said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

The name “Jesus” means, literally, “the Lord saves/rescues/delivers.” The apostle John wrote that “The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14), and Jesus is the only one who can save us from our sins. To be saved means to be rescued from imminent and catastrophic danger. Our repeated violations of God’s law have put us in a most perilous predicament: God’s holiness demands compliance with His perfect standard, and we fall far short. We don’t even come close. In the courtroom of heaven we are guilty as charged, and the sentence has already been announced: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Our depravity deserves God’s just punishment of death — physical death (see Hebrews 9:27), spiritual death (separation from God, see Isaiah 59:2) and the second death (the eternal lake of fire, see Revelation 21:8).

Yes, this is the plight of the unbelieving sinner. But in His infinite wisdom God has provided a way to be rescued from His wrath. Because Jesus suffered and died on the cross, He received the punishment that we deserved. He took our place; He did our time; He paid our fine. And because of His death, those who trust only in Christ for salvation are miraculously delivered from the fire of hell. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Reconciliation with the Father
Our relationship with God has been in disrepair from Day One. We are born in sin, separated from God since the moment we were conceived. We don’t become sinners because we have sinned. Rather, we sin because we are sinners, rotten to the core right out of the gate. What child needs training in unrighteousness?

And so we are in desperate need of reconciliation. And for reconciliation to occur, we need a Mediator, a go-between, someone who can bridge the infinite gulf that exists between us and God. Who is worthy for such a task? Only Jesus! “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:5). Because He is both Man and God, Jesus can stand in the gap. Once again, we see that the death of Christ is the basis for the work of Christ. Because He “gave himself as a ransom,” He pays the price that sets us free from bondage to sin and all its devastating consequences in both this life and the next.

The Apostle Paul explains this reconciliation perfectly: “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:10-11).

We were God’s enemies. But because of the death of His Son, we have been reconciled to the Father and now “we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). We are no longer estranged and alienated from God. We can come into His presence, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We have unlimited access to our Maker, who reigns from the throne of grace, because Jesus “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Rejoice, Christian, rejoice! God the Son left the riches of heaven to lavish us with the priceless and incomparable gifts of His grace. Forgiveness of sins, rescue from God’s wrath, and reconciliation with the Father are awaiting you on Christmas day and forever.

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