A father was once asked by his son to explain how the Word of God cleansed a person. Instead of answering he asked his son to take a wicker basket down to the lake and bring him back a bucketful of water. The lad tried several times, but before he got back to where his dad was, the basket was empty. In frustration he complained to his father. "It's impossible, before I get it here the water has all run out." The father then called the boy's attention to how clean the basket was and said, "that is how the Word of God cleanses the believer as it passes through the mind."
This story is found in chapter 2 of Tim LaHaye's book that I have mentioned many times, "How To Study The Bible For Yourself". The book that started "it all" (this blog).
I can hardly put into words how I have been blessed by the reading of The Word since I started following the suggestions of the author. I just finished my first read through the entire New Testament, and I am ready to start my second time through. As I was finishing up Revelations this week a certain bumper sticker sentiment kept coming to my mind. I'm sure you know the one I am taking about... it says something about knowing how the book ends. I wish I could remember the exact words... I just googled it (giggle). It's "I've read the back of the book, and we win!" I didn't know it was also a gospel song, but I found that on google (YouTube) too.
The last few days as I was reading Revelations I kept getting very antsy to start Matthew again. I'm so excited to go again!
I am going to be more detailed in my journaling this time and follow Mr Lahaye's directions more carefully. Not that I am unhappy with my journaling so far, but I feel like I am now ready for more detail.
I will be reading the first 3 chapters of Matthew tomorrow, and answering some of Lahaye's questions while I journal. There are 5 journaling questions/topics to answer each day. You will find these questions and the reasons behind them in Chapter 3 on pages 31-37.
I do highly recommend this book. I would suggest a person do what they can at their own pace guarding against becoming overwhelmed. Tim LaHaye is carful to repeat this caution a number of times.
I have only just begun the suggestions for reading. I still have much to do. I reread some of the author's chapters on how to study the Bible, and found myself getting a bit overwhelmed just reading the instructions. I am glad that it is not time for that yet. I will continue to follow the steps one at a time. I know I will be ready for the next step each time I get to it. This is exciting to see the growth, and I anticipate more growth and learning ahead. I, of course, prayerfully continue knowing that when it seems like a lot "I can to all things THROUGH CHIRST." I know He will help me, because I know He is pleased with my efforts and desire in continuing and completing this endeavor.
As I type "completing" I am reminded that I will never be finished reading, studying, learning, growing... until He takes me HOME.
Chapter 2 "What Bible Study Will Do For You" gives an exciting list. I want to share it with you, because I think it will excite you to start a reading/studying plan such as this one.
1. It will make you a strong Christian. 1 John 2:14
(The longer I am a Christian the more I realize how weak I am, and I can only be strong because of Christ and His Word.)
2. Assures us of Salvations. 1 John 5:13
(How Satan wants to confuse us and cause us to doubt! The deceiver can be successful in stealing our joy, our peace, and our success as a Christian if we do not know what the Bible says about our eternal salvation!)
3. Gives us confidence and power in prayer. 1 John 5:14, 15, John 15:7
(All I can say is Thank you, Jesus!)
4. Cleansing from Sin. John 15:3, John 17:17, Psalm 119:9
5. It gives joy. John 15:11
6. It produces peace. John 16:33, Colossians 3:15
(Are you ready to get the book and get started? Wait there is more!)
7. It guides us in making the decisions of life. Psalm 119:105, Luke 11:28
8. It enables you to articulate your faith. 1 Peter 3:15
9. It guarantees your success! Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3
I am so excited to continue to grow in these areas listed. Before beginning this way of reading and journaling my Bible I didn't know how to begin or how to continue. This has been completely different than any other devotional or Bible study I have done before. The Bible is so mush more alive to me. I have truly "fallen in Love" with reading The Word like never before! I'm so glad I never forgot this book by Tim Lahaye that I read more than 8 years ago. There was a quiet whisper reminding me to get to work on it. Be quiet. You might hear it too.
(Please leave comments about your daily reading, and let me know if you get this book! I will be so excited for you, and would love to pray for you and support you as you start your journey.)
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