In the foreword of R. C. Sproul’s book Knowing Scripture, J. I. Packer writes: “If I were the devil . . . one of my first aims would be to stop folk from digging into the Bible. . . . How? Well, I should try to distract all clergy from preaching and teaching the Bible, and spread the feeling that to study this ancient book directly is a burdensome extra which modern Christians can forgo without loss. . . . At all costs I should want to keep them from using their minds in a disciplined way to get the measure of its messages.”
With that said, you have to believe that Satan was once ticked at the prophet Ezra. For Ezra “had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel” (Ezra 7:10). The prophet was known as a “scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6), and one “who studied and taught the commands and decrees of the Lord to Israel” (Ezra 7:11).
I picture Ezra sitting at his desk, carefully copying the holy Word of God. From time to time he pauses to—in the words of German poet Rainer Maria—“lean back and close his eyes over a line he has been reading again, and let its meaning spread through his blood.”
Our reason for studying the Bible is simple—we have a covenant relationship with God. As we study His Word, we’re better able to understand His commands. We need to consistently select an hour, quiet our hearts, and carefully examine the Scriptures. But we need both understanding and application. This tandem will allow us to reveal its life-changing wisdom to others.
Get the devil mad this week as you dig deep into God’s Word and apply its truth.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 1:8-2:10
More:
Read Psalm 19:7-11 to see why it’s important to study, obey, and teach God’s Word.
Next:
What will you do to begin truly studying God’s Word? How does applying God’s Word to our lives affect both us and others?
roxanne robbins on January 31, 2012 at 3:41 am
The ladies in my Uganda small-group Bible study are working through the devotional booklet “The Daily Office.” The devotions are helping to draw us into more consistent daily time in prayer and God’s Word.
sheridan voysey on January 31, 2012 at 4:59 am
Just love that quote from Rainer Maria Rilke—“lean back and close his eyes over a line he has been reading again, and let its meaning spread through his blood.” That’s exactly what brings life to the soul – the voice/word of God ‘spreading through our blood’.
Thanks Poh Fang.
nivla on January 31, 2012 at 6:21 am
i started my 2012 quiet time right. last year, i really did struggle with this esp the bible reading part but now, I praise God,,… as my daily time with Him is 12 midnight, He would not allow me to sleep unless I read His word, reflect on it, move into action….
At times, you really have to do it on purpose but as days go by, it eventually becomes a habit that you would feel incomplete if you miss one day of just being delighted by the words and the things He’s trying to reveal to your life. Godbless everyone’s quiet time.
dnelse42 on January 31, 2012 at 9:02 am
Any suggestions how to DIG DEEP into the Word? I get a lot from reading it, but so many different takes from various books, etc. makes it difficult at best to get God’s clear meaning. As churchs across this land split and split again over the smallest issues, if I were the devil I would sit back and relax, and watch the church do itself in.
marrobtdd on January 31, 2012 at 3:47 pm
I’ve learned through time that it is always good to pray for Gods understanding before i read his word and that he might guide me to a scripture and not i myself. And when that happens, you’ll find his word speaking directly to you and chances are it will be something that you have been searching for for a while. His spirit in you will guide you through the passages and it will be him “Jesus” talking to you via his word.
thats when you know you have that connection with him and no one can take it away….
pohfangchia on January 31, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Amen.
Additionally, Jesus said in John 7:17: “Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.”
I believe Jesus is telling us that if we are an honest seeker (one who do not just want to know God’s will, but also do it), we will be able to discern, with the help of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s teachings.
shellyk1 on February 5, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Thank you that was great for me as I am a new daily reader and yes sometimes I am left confused but praying before and asking for Gods understanding will be part of my daily adventures! thanks again :0)