Sometimes Bible reading is like mood music in a department store—humming along quietly in the background, but no one’s really listening. You may call your devotional a “Quiet Time,” but your mind should NOT be quiet—it should be buzzing with thoughts about what you’re reading.
Consider how we sell Bibles. Are they surrounded by tea cups, and lavender bath oils? Or maybe the Itty Bitty Book Light for those who crawl in bed and read next to a sleeping spouse? Does your Quiet Time look like someone else’s “Me Time” (or so-called “self-care”)? If it includes a bubble bath and scented candles, or nodding off from exhaustion, you are not giving the Bible (or its AUTHOR) the energy you should.
It’s great to read a novel in bed, knowing your eyes will become heavy and it will help you fall asleep. But that’s no way to master the word of God!
And a bubble bath with hot tea and “smooth jazz” may relax you. But the Bible merits intense scrutiny; read it without distractions!
Instead, bring to the Bible your FULL ATTENTION. Read it EAGERLY, expecting to be blessed—expecting to HEAR FROM GOD.
Read the Bible when you are mentally fresh.
Sit in a place where you can study effectively. Use serious lighting. Take notes. Expect to research and learn something. Expect to THINK HARD and go away stimulated, not to have your mood soothed and be lulled off to sleep. This is not Melatonin! This is God’s greatest revelation of Himself. Wake up! He wants to show you something!
“Son of man, pay attention! Look with your eyes and listen with your ears to everything I tell you… TAKE CAREFUL NOTES” Ezekiel 44:5.
“STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY INTERPRETING THE WORD OF TRUTH” 2 Timothy 2:15.
God, show us how to approach your word with DILIGENCE, to read hard, ask good questions, and push ourselves. Show us more of You every day!
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Household Words: 