They were reading some scripture in the Bible and confessed that they are a little confused and would like some clarification. I responded by promising them a study in one of my upcoming classes on what the Bible says about God's judgements.
It's been thirty years since I gave my life to God. Way back in those early days, I had a great Bible that had a study on judgements that I've taught from on several occasions. Last night, I was wondering where that old Bible could possibly be. I found it! This book was my first real study Bible. I purchased it, as a brand new believer, at my friend, Aldo's store, The Bible House, located in Providence, Rhode Island. As I flipped through it quickly, there -- right in the center -- was the study I was looking for.
I am having a ball going through this study and searching the scriptures for answers. I'm thankful for the people who originally put this study together. They have made it easy for me to understand clearly what the Bible has to say about this topic. Nowadays, I've noticed that people don't even carry Bibles. The young people just take out their phones, press the Bible Ap and "Woolah!" up pops their Bible. In a matter of seconds they can type in part of a scripture and "Bingo!" the entire scripture appears with the reference, in several translations. A dear friend of mine plugs some ear buds in her phone, clicks on the ap, and listens to the Bible throughout the night as she sleeps. All that is so incredible!
I love the fact that it's so easy these days to research and read God's Word. But I have to admit, right now, I am loving my old Bible, looking up scriptures in the concordance, and flipping here, there and everywhere, finding the the material I'm looking for! As much as I want to embrace all the new technology, I love the whole Bible study process that I've been brought up on. I love the feel of the pages. Looking up all those scriptures is what helps me to memorize where they are at. Flipping from one book to another and another has sharpened my awareness as to where things are in this power-packed book that I sometimes call my sword!
Either way, I truly do love the Bible. I love the words. I love the lessons. I love the stories. I love the characters. I love it from beginning to end.
John 1:1 says
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
Sometimes I think of God's Word as the written manifestation of Jesus Christ. Maybe that's why I love it so much... because it's all about Him!
Now with all this said, like many of you, I must confess I don't read it nearly as much as I think I should or even as much as I'd like to. I am endeavoring to change that. I had it easy, (although it didn't seem easy at the time), in my earlier years. We attended church at least three times a week.
(1) On Sunday morning, we arrived early for an hour Sunday School class that was a topical Bible Study. That was followed by Sunday Morning Service in which the pastor always delivered a power packed Bible message.
(2) We were back in the House of God at 7 p.m. on Sunday evening. Sometimes these services were reserved for water baptisms, testimony services, missionary speakers and special events. Even still, I'd always leave filled with Bible scriptures, a good Bible study or a powerfully preached message. I was full to the gills with spiritual fuel for the week ahead.
(3) Right around Wednesday, I would begin to feel a bit spiritually depleted or defeated! It was back to God's House for the mid-week Bible study. At that time, we'd usually study a specific book of the Bible.
Even with all that, we were encouraged to read our Bible's during the week. I remember always trying to have a morning Bible devotion, even if it was just a three minute reading in "The Daily Bread."
Let me say this... everyone's church experiences are different. Some are great! Some are good. Some are not so good. I never ever felt that I had to read the Bible continually or that I had to go to church all the time in order to be a better Christian. Personally, I just loved being in church and in His word. It made me feel good. I could never get enough. It was spiritual nourishment that I thrived on!
I am slowly opening up to the new technological wave of today and it's impact on my spiritual growth. I can't deny its significance. I can research in one day what used to take me a week or longer. And if I am to move ahead in business and in ministry, it is mandatory! In their spare time, some people like to watch t.v. Others like to look at magazines. Some bask in the sun. I choose to flip though my Bible, manually... all while wearing RED shoes.
Gail
