Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 11, 2016
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10
Many of us go through times when bible reading seems dry and we may think, “There has got to be something more.” At these times, one reason we may have parched souls is because we have been gathering biblical information rather than communing with the Savior. Perhaps, as G.K. Chesterton said, our religion has become more about theology, and less about a love affair with Jesus.
When we consistently reduce time in the Word to instructional sessions, rather than a way to experience Christ, a dryness will settle into our souls. Christianity is not meant to be a self-improvement program; it’s about an intimate relationship with the Savior—the God who loves you, made you, knows the thoughts and attitudes of your heart, and desires to intimately commune with you. Abundant life is found in living life with Him, not just knowing about Him.
“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
The devil wants to drive a wedge in Christ’s love relationship with you. Others will tell you that you cannot experience intimacy with Him. They may not know Him, or they may profess to know Him, but only live by religion and false intimacy. They will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). They will tell you God no longer speaks to His people, or they will try to draw you away from Him through worldly lusts so that you start living like an orphan and become just like them. But God has called you to intimacy.
The world wants to put God in a box they can understand. The worldly mind cannot understand what the spiritual mind understands (1 Corinthians 2:14). Others will deny the intimacy you can have with God because they have not experienced it themselves. Living by religious rules without knowing Christ is easier because they can put Him in a box.
To move to being less about theology and more about Jesus, we must take time to sit in His presence like we would sit with a friend. This means meandering along the path of your quiet moments with Him, rather than running through your time with Him. Talk with Him and allow His Spirit to illumine His Word and give His thoughts to you. And don’t forget to listen—because prayer is a two-way conversation.
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fair” (Isaiah 55:2).
Prayer
Lord, please keep me close to you and help me to remember that you want to know Me and you want me to know you. There is life only in a genuine relationship with you. Amen.Application
Have an honest conversation with the Lord about what you read today and ask Him to speak His truth to you. And, don’t forget to look up the related readings.Related Reading
John 15:1-8; Matthew 7:22-23; Isaiah 40:1; Jeremiah 31:3Post/Tweet today
Christianity is not meant to be a self-improvement program; it’s about an intimate relationship with our Savior Jesus. #WisdomHunters #AbundantLifeWorship Resource
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