This post is in NO way meant to heap condemnation on anyone! Got it? I am just sharing my heart, recent convictions and some observations. I am NOT trying to make some new law or add a 'burden' on anyone.
With all that said, it dawned on me this weekend that this is my first time to actually be reading every single word in the bible. I am surprisingly knowledgeable of the scriptures. Trust me when I say it is a gift and not my wonderful intellect and memory retention ;-) But even as knowledgeable as I am, I still, until this forty day fast have never read every word of the Bible.
We are so privileged to have the very heart of our Father in written form at our fingertips. We have the opportunity to know what are His desires and commands. We really have no excuses to not be reading the whole counsel of His word.
It hit me when I read the following verse from Job 23:12,
I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
With all that said, it dawned on me this weekend that this is my first time to actually be reading every single word in the bible. I am surprisingly knowledgeable of the scriptures. Trust me when I say it is a gift and not my wonderful intellect and memory retention ;-) But even as knowledgeable as I am, I still, until this forty day fast have never read every word of the Bible.
We are so privileged to have the very heart of our Father in written form at our fingertips. We have the opportunity to know what are His desires and commands. We really have no excuses to not be reading the whole counsel of His word.
It hit me when I read the following verse from Job 23:12,
I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
Do I do this? Really? Really treasure His words MORE than my necessary food, or even other even less necessary things? Ouch.
Just read through Psalm 119 sometime, you will probably fall head over heals in love with His law!
Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The following verses from Psalm 19,
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.
The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.
I am humbled and convicted as I realize how much time I waste on 'worldly pursuits'. How much time do I spend increasing in knowledge about healthy eating, how to best home school, how to best . . . anything!?
How many times have I used the excuse of 'not enough time'? I have time for checking other's blogs, or formulating my own posts, or researching, or just vegging out watching a show, or mindlessly 'blog surfing', reading other books, (volumes and volumes of books) or talking on the phone. The list goes on.
How many hours do I spend 'studying' the wrong things, or the less important things?
We really do show what our priorities are by what we spend our time on. Is it possible that how we spend our time reveals the true desires of our hearts? ( I realize we all have responsibilities, I am not talking about neglecting God's call on your life ;-)
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)
Please hear my heart here. You are in no way to listen to the enemy if he comes knocking with condemnation. (let me know if you need a lesson on the difference between condemnation and conviction, please pay attention to 'who' is talking to you!) If the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction, then simply repent and ask Him what changes you need to make and what it would look like.
What a great post! Why do we ever try to go it alone. How foolish we sometimes are, when all help is there, in God's Word. Thank you for posting this reminder to us all.
ReplyDeleteNo condemnation, but conviction! Thank you for sharing your heart - I know I spend time on things that matter way less - or don't matter at all. I know the more time I spend in the word and with the Lord, the more I want to. (Amazing how that happens!). Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteA post that I need to read. Thank you for the gentle reminder. We are currently in the middle of packing for a cross-country move from NY to Texas as my husband accepted another pastorate and I have been very neglectful in even reading the Scriptures. Earlier in the day the Holy Spirit had laid it upon my heart about how that I should be doing scripture memory right along with my children. They do it, why can't I? I start and then never finish. What a better time than now to start. I think that I will now go and make sure to spend some time in the Word before I go to bed tonight. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely conviction here! Thank you for sharing your heart! God has been working with me on this, asking me to step away from the computer more and towards Him. It's a hard thing to do but a lovely place to be going!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for God's Word. I don't think I could live without it. It is so much a part of me. I am challenged to dig in even more. I used to think the Bible was boring. Oh my! The Bible is one of the most exciting books of all time. A giant love letter from my Father!
ReplyDeleteI have read through it frontwards and then turned around and read it backwards! That's a challenge! Next time you want to read through the Bible, start in Revelation and go all the way to Genesis. I know, I'm weird, but I do like to mix it up a little! LOL!
This really hit home with me. Thank you.
ReplyDelete