SHALLOW READING, DEEP STUDYING

 

2 Timothy 2:15

 

 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." ESV 

 

We are well aware there is a difference between reading and studying. When it comes to the Holy Bible, God's Word, it is well that we take time to read several verses or a chapter on a regular basis. In doing so, we are exhorted to "study" the Word. That takes much more than simply reading it and then going off on our own way. It means we will dig deep to find other scriptures that are similar, identifying patterns and themes of the way God works. We will pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the words alive in our hearts. We will meditate on the words. We do not study the scriptures because they will save us. We study the scriptures because they teach us who God is and they lead us to Him.

Jesus, forgive us when we hurry through our day, quickly reading through the verses for the day. Help us to discipline ourselves, taking time to study and meditate on Your words that give us wisdom and bring us closer to You. In Your name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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TRUTH IN SKILLED HANDS

 

 

2 Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." ESV

How can we rightly handle the Word of Truth? Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is the starting point. Then it's just like becoming skilled with anything else. We make ourselves so familiar with the Word that it becomes a part of us. We read and study and pray over and over, day by day. Then just like a finely tuned instrument, we can stand before God, approved and ready to work in the harvest.

Heavenly Father, we bow in humility that we don't read and study the Word like we should. Give us an unquenchable hunger for Your Word so that we will be equipped to use the Word in our lives and teach others to do the same. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD

 

James 3:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." NIV

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." KJV

As energized Christians, we have a strong desire to share what we have learned with others. This is a good thing, however, some of the things we learn are merely logical ideas from the minds of humans. Just because what we hear sounds good, feels good, and makes sense, does not mean it is the truth of God. That's why the Word tells us if we want to teach what we know, we will be mature and recognize that which is from God and that which is from man. When we learn things that are supposed to be truth from God, we can pray for discernment and go to the Word like the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-12) and test it to see if it is from God. To teach the things of God carries the highest of responsibility of handling the Word of God with wisdom and discernment. We will be held accountable for every word we teach.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not allowing the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment about the things we learn concerning You and Your kingdom. Help us to discern what we share and teach to others, that it is Your Word, not ours or someone else's. Give us ears to know Your Truth and to know when it is the logic of this world. Let us know when we are to teach and when we are to sit back and learn quietly. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only