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Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Several years ago now I embarked on a journey that would take me nearly ten years to complete. For reasons I’m still not sure of I decided that I wanted to study the Bible from cover to cover. Not just read it. Study it.
I set up some rules for myself. I would only read a paragraph a day unless it was a short chapter. Proverbs was a treat in and of itself! I followed no specific pattern of book order, although I did try to alternate between Old and New Testaments as much as possible. I also made a commitment to myself that this would not become a ‘religious exercise’. I was going to do it because I wanted to, not out of obligation. If I missed a day or two I resolved to NOT send myself on some guilt trip. Life happens.
The ‘format’ for my study was really pretty simple. I bought a three ring binder and some lined paper. Each day that I studied I would put the date, the scripture to be read/studied and a ‘journal’ area. After reading the selected section of the Bible I would write down what I thought the passage meant to me. Lastly, I put a one line ‘Life Step’ after each journal entry. The ‘LIFE STEP’ would be one thought from the passage that I would take with me throughout my day. It may have been a verse or a thought. It ‘had to be’ something I could apply to my life.
There were some days when I would read a passage and go through my day encouraged by the things I read. His word and the lesson stayed with me all day long as I meditated on some thought from that passage.
There were other days when I did the process and to be honest didn’t really find anything that would grab me about my life and walk with God. It was interesting though that later, on occasion, some part of the passage would come to mind and I distinctly remember thinking, “Oh, that’s why God gave me the reading this morning!”
This experience taught me some valuable lessons.
First, God’s word is relevant for today. The more I read, the more I realized its importance in giving me wisdom, strength and encouragement.
Secondly, daily reading of God’s word gave me more awareness of God’s presence in my daily life. He showed me his presence in many ways that I’d never seen before.
Thirdly I began to see the Bible as one story, with many sub-stories, that showed that God uses people. Ordinary people like you and I to accomplish his work. These were people who sinned, rebelled, and struggled with life!
We are extremely blessed, in the United States especially, with a multitude of Bible Studies, Churches, TV shows and the internet to give us God’s word. Joshua was promised that by making God’s Word a priority in life he would see success and prosperity by God’s standards.
PRAYER: Father God. Thank you for your word the Holy Bible. Thank you for the fact that throughout generations your Word has continued to be the infallible guide we need to find rest, peace and hope in you. I praise you for your choce to use us, as ordinary sinful people, to accomplish your kingdom work here on earth. Amen.
So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Proverbs 24:6 (NLT)
What do you do when you have a tough decision to make? Here are twelve suggestions to guide you along the way. Remember that God loves you and has exciting things in store for you if you follow His direction.
- God wants you to win. He’ll give you the tools, the strategy and the opportunities to be victorious over any obstacle you encounter or dream you may have. But He will not do the work for you. You must take action steps of faith to start the process.
- Don’t discount the ‘wisdom and advice’ of those who do not know Jesus. God can and has used unspiritual men to speak His wisdom. However, be very careful when following this advice that is does not contradict scripture for God will never lead you to disobedience.
- Don’t automatically assume that all advice from ‘Godly’ men is wise advice from God. Even pastors will be guilty of saying things to win you to their perspective. Weigh all the advice you receive before taking action
- Stretch yourself. God will rarely call you to something that you don’t enjoy or don’t have the gifts to accomplish. He may, however, call you to do things that you’d never thought of before and that are completely out of your comfort zone. Keep yourself open to new opportunities for ministry.
- God isn’t a fan of tradition. Jesus was a radical in His day although He never went against the wishes of His father. The way you dress, the music you listen to, the activities you engage in may draw unwanted ‘advice’ from people. Evaluate what they are saying to see if their concerns have merit. Prepare to adjust your life accordingly. But remember, you are answerable to God alone.
- Too many counselors/advisors can be counterproductive. Choose two or three of your closest and most trusted friends. Listen to their words. Allow them the freedom to be critical in the evaluation sense. Don’t allow yourself to be sensitive.
- Watch and listen for God’s confirmation. There are times when people completely out your circle of influence will make statements that will verify what you have been feeling all along.
- Pray. Pray. Pray. Not just the daily, routine prayers. Bring your thoughts constantly before God and allow Him to steer you in the way he wants you to go.
- Fast. Fasting has become misunderstood and forgotten. A fast doesn’t have to be painful or even that long. Skip lunch a few days and spend the time in prayer.
- Personal Retreats. Many times God will speak to us when we are removed from all distractions. Consider adding a personal retreat to your decision making process and the words of your advisors. Many Bible Camps and Christian Retreat Centers will have rooms/cabins available for you to stay in for a day or two for a nominal cost, or even free. Take nothing along but a bible, a journaling notebook and personal items. Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible.
- Read your Bible daily. It doesn’t have to take long. 15-20 minutes a day of bible reading can make a huge impact on how you think.
- Count the Cost. Make sure you are willing to give up everything you have to follow Christ. God will not always call you away or ask you to give up everything you have to follow Him. He may, however test you to see if you are willing to give up all for him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. I thank you today that you have told me I can call you ‘daddy’ and that you love me as a loving father who wants to be actively involved in my life. Right now you know that I have many decisions to make in life. I ask that you would help me to seek the wise, Godly counsel that will help me seek your will. Amen.
