Reading Scripture

 

        Reading Scripture does not come naturally.  You can go to church your whole life and not really understand how to read the Bible.  There are many ways and no set correct way other than to do so often.  The more you invest into reading and praying scripture the more you get out of it.  It is not a book to be read once from beginning to end.  You jump around and you reread.  It will have different impact over time.

    Reading the context is important.  You need to understand what is going on to see that it still applies today even though a few things will be different.  Try to keep the big picture in mind while personalizing it for your life at the same time.  

    Creation was when God spoke and life began.  He took nothing or the void and spoke existence to create life.  It was good.  It was holy.  It was perfection that lead to the simplest form of peace.  When humans allowed sin into the world perfection was tainted.  The consequences were eventual and possible eternal death.  It also meant that everyone has to deal with the consequences of their inherited sinful nature.

    Redemption was paid by Jesus to put to death sin.  If you have faith, then the bondage of sin no longer has possession of you.  You have soul freedom to be able to spend eternity with God.  Jesus provides restoration of the soul.  

    When you read the Bible you need to study the scriptures through observation, interpretation, and application.  Ask yourself what the scripture is actually saying.  Then what does this text mean.  Lastly ask yourself how you can apply it to your life today.  It will build holy habits over time if you focus on today.  

    Memorization is a wonderful way of meditating on scripture.  I will admit that I am horrible remembering the exact verse or book.  I typically don't get it verbatim either, but I know enough where I can use scripture in context in a conversation without preaching.  I also focus more on the context than one verse that can be manipulated according to some people's perspective.

    You find the way to memorize verses, sections, or even books of the Bible.  Use the method that works for you to memorize: write, say it, repeat it over and over, find ways to use it on a daily basis until you don't have to look it up, journal, sing it, or use a prayer partner to go back and forth repeating it (holding each other accountable).  You can't go wrong if you try.

Joshua 1:6-9, Psalm 5:1-3, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 4:1-11, & 2 Timothy 3:14-17