God at the Centre

God at the Centre

“Reading God’s Book”

2 Timothy 3:16

                How might one grow spiritually? This is a question

asked by many who are unsure of how to grow in their relationship with God, His Son- Jesus and the Spirit. To be trained in godliness means to take on practises on a regular basis with God at the centre. In the next few weeks we will focus on these practises.

Another important part of growing in relationship with God is to read God’s book, the Bible. Believe in the authority of scripture is vital to living an authentic and victorious Christian life. Only through such faith can we experience the joy of being God’s children. “All Scripture is God breathed’—inspired by God and as His faithful people we need to understand the words of the Bible so that we might grow in faith.

                Psalm 119:137- 38 states “You are righteous, Lord and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous, they are fully trustworthy.” But how do we read the Bible?  How do we remember its words?

                In order to draw closer to God we need to know what God inspired others to write down and so it is important to read the Bible and to remember it. To be filled with the Spirit is a command, a duty and a privilege for Christians. It means to be walking in God’s light and to let God’s presence guide our thoughts. We need to ready and meditate on the Bible and fill our minds and hearts with its wisdom. (Colossians 3:16)

                One suggestion—Read a chapter from Proverbs every day—there are 31! And then read other passages and meditate on them. Read them several times and try to remember them each day.

Palau suggests the following passages:

New Birth            1. Salvation   John 3:16                       2. Identity as God’s child I John 3:1-2

God                      3 Christ as the Word John 1:1-2          4 God’s strength Ephesians 6:10-11

Family                 5 Wives and Husbands   Ephesians 5:21-33        6. Children Ephesians 6:1-3

    7. Parents Ephesians 6:4

The Christian Life       8. Temptation                             1 Corinthians 10:13         

9 Confession and forgiveness     1 John 1:9

10 Meeting Together                   Hebrews 10:24-25

11 Walk in the Spirit                   Galatians 6:16-18

12 The Great Commission          Matthew 28:18-20.

Reading God’s word will help you in your life- relationships and in your understanding of God.

PRAYER:

Wonderful God we pray that as we look to your holy word that we might find wisdom, understanding and hope in the words we read. Help us to remember these words as we continue to grow in relationship with you and with all whom we meet. Bless us we pray. Amen.

Luis Palau, “God at the Center: Habits for Spiritual Growth” ODB Ministries, p.9-12.