Soaking Up

In my Dr. Luke article a few weeks ago I discussed some of how to study your Bible in-depth and alluded to a bit of why as far as the benefits of understanding.  But the why of Bible study goes even deeper ... it is a definition which God has weighed heavily on my heart in the ministry He has called me to.

Much like my writings on prayer and the cornerstone it can become when we wholly devote to relationship with our Lord... Bible study is the other side of that stone and relational aspect.

We live in a time when, I believe, this necessary element of a Christian relationship is taken for granted.  Because we do not often enough hold ourselves accountable to His Word, we also do not hold others accountable for it; namely teachers/preachers/leaders in faith.

We follow a drum because it is pounding but we do not ask why or by whom.  We tap to the beat, we nod our heads... we don't truly consider what the drum is sounding for.

“So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.

His going forth is as certain as the dawn;

And He will come to us like the rain,

Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

- Hosea 6:3 (ESV)

The scriptures are not meant to be watered down, taken at a glance, or simply referenced to support an idea.  They are meant to be studied, soaked up, and used to grow and spring forth in knowledge and understanding of our Lord.  To grow in relationship with him and show forth for him.

Hosea paints a beautiful image for us as to this relationship of knowing the Lord [through His Word].  Let us also consider our responsibility in that as per what Luke suggests in the book of Acts:

... for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 

- Acts 17:11b

Throughout scripture we are called to be not just hearers of the Word but doers of the Word.  We are called to test or look into the Word to be sure the teachings we receive are true.  We live in a fallen world in a time of many deceivers and we are responsible not just for our relationship with Christ, but also for our reaction and reflection of it.

I pray you will take the love of our Lord most sincerely to heart.  I seek to grow each day closer to the one who gave His life for me so that I might be more ready to give my life for him... will you join me?

Be most blessed,

Linking up today with

 Mom's Mustard Seeds, Women Living Well, Seeds of Faith, Internet Cafe and A Holy Experience.