Tonight in Bible Study, we discussed the importance of praying and studying God’s Word or the Bible. We went around the room discussing reasons why reading the Bible was either easy or hard to do. The consensus of the class was that praying to God was easier than studying the Bible. Praying is something that can be done while you are cleaning house, driving the car, washing dishes etc. Studying/reading the Bible appears to be a harder discipline. The primary reason for not reading the Bible was time. Other things got in the way and then the day was over and the Bible was not opened.
One lady made the point that praying was us talking to God like we would talk to our friends or parents and studying/reading the Bible was God talking to us with us listening. So then it would seem that we spend more time is talking rather than listening. For me that happens a lot – love to talk and not good at listening.
I began to ponder why is it so hard for me to listen (study/read) the bible. Why do I put it off like something that is unpleasant? I am suppose to love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind. So reading/studying about God should not be unpleasant task if I love God. What a scary thought!
I have been trying to read a book about “Systematic Theology”. I am only on Part 1, Chapter 4. This section is all about the the Word of God or the Bible. I am taking notes on this book so it will probably take me a long time to read it. Anyway, here is a thought from my notes.
- As I read the Bible, I become convinced the the Bible contains the very Words of God when the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the words of the bible to my heart and gives me assurance that these words are the words of my Creator speaking to me.
So it is by reading the bible that I become more and more convinced that these words are God’s Word. I would think that reading my God’s Words should be something of high importance so I can know that God is like, loves, etc.
Well then, I can see that I need to incorporate more bible reading/studying in to my daily routine. I will have to give some thought on how to accomplish that.
Reflections 