If you read the Desiring God blog you’ve probably already seen this, but I found it a useful and needed reminder and thought I’d share. These points are taken from an interview with John Piper in Bible Study Magazine.
- Be open to the fact that it is the Word of God.
- Revere the Bible when you discover that it’s God’s Word.
- Have a sense of conviction that you are a sinner in the view of God’s Word.
- Know that the Bible meets you with forgiveness because Christ is at the center of the Book.
- Have the hope that you can press on in life because the Bible will give you all the guidance you need.
I like what Piper had to say about making time to read the Bible,
I don’t think it’s merely a function of time. It’s a function of earnestness and faith. A person must build into their life a regular encounter with God, personally and quietly meditating on His word. [...] You don’t need hours and hours with God every day, but you do need to have time with God orienting your mind, taking something into your heart, letting your heart express itself to God in communion–taking faith’s renewal and walking with God through the day, reminding yourself of what you say in the morning.
That last part is one I struggle with often and wish it weren’t so. It’s easy for me to spend time in the Word in the morning, to soak it up, and pray, but to carry it with me throughout my day is something altogether different.
All too often, I close my Bible and it’s done. That expression, that communion, is shut away until I open the Word the next morning.
That, for me, is a matter of discipline and I think it says something about how I view and live life…somewhat autonomous. I charge up with God, but then go into the day on my own. I’d like to say this is a rare occurrence, but if I’m honest with myself my dependence on God is really when I find I’ve reached the end of my rope.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with calling out to God when I’m at my wits end. But the problem is I usually wait until I have exhausted all my resources before seeking Him, when it really should be me seeking Him hour by hour, minute by minute.
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