Romans 15:4: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
We are reminded of the wealth of education that the Scriptures contain. Being well versed in what God decided should be revealed to us in his Book, enables us to endure in the race for God’s work. Like an athlete prepares for his challenge, Scripture prepares for the testing of our faith and it remains the only encouragement that ensures that we remain in the hope of God, even under the most severe pressure.
Reading the Bible well will be of great benefit to us.
Therefore Tip#4 for our Quiet Times is: Read the Bible well: systematic and with insight.
While it remains true that our Quiet Times are not for Bible Study, it remains central to our conversation with God, our fellowship with him and our Spiritual growth through meaningful communication with our God to read the Bible well.
It means that we do not just dip into Scripture at random.
Follow a plan. Read through a Gospel, even if it is only about a third of a chapter at a time. One could also read according to many Bible reading rosters that are available; some follow a theme and others are designed to help us to understand the complete message revealed in the whole Bible. This prevents us from reading only from our “favourite” Bible Books or the passages we consider to be “easy”, as this method results in us missing a part of God’s message that will have a great impact on our lives, intervening and guiding us on our way. The point is: be systematic.
It has three benefits:
1. It creates continuity between yesterday, today and tomorrow.
2. It helps you get a fuller picture. When we read at "random" we tend to go to what we know all the time and never expand our horizons.
3. It broadens our general knowledge of God’s Word.
Here follows one method – a simple yet valuable and helpful one:
Read through a gospel (Matt, Mark, Luke or John) at the rate of at least one third of a chapter at a time. Then over two or more weeks read 10 psalms, depending on how long the Psalms are. Then turn to some of Paul's letters, or to Acts, and then go back to one of the gospels.
Once you have covered all of these, start with other books, (remember the Old Testament forms the largest part of our Bible) - but regularly come back to the Gospels, learning from the ministry of Jesus as your central source.
Reading according to a systematic plan is beneficial and builds a good foundation.
Making notes helps to remember what we read, and it deepens the process of reflection and enables considering what God is saying to me.
In your journal, have specific topics under which you note the messages over a period of time. Your Quiet Time journal may have the following “chapters” where you make the various notes:
Statements worth noting.
Warnings.
Promises and prophecies.
Messages that have a profound impact on me and my decisions.
Commands, decrees and instructions.
You end up with a personalised journal that you can go back to, to often find a message, a solution or a promise you really need at the time. This is how we ensure that we are educated and encouraged through the Bible reading during our Quiet Time.
We now covered the following tips on Quiet Times:
Tip#1: Always ask God to help you when you have your Quiet Time!
The Holy Spirit will help us to hear God’s message!
Tip#2: Always reflect.
Talk to your soul! Quiet down and ensure that God’s message reaches the control centre of your being.
Tip#3: Engage your brain with your heart!
Make your personal devotions a time of fellowship based on good understanding of what God says.
Tip#4: Read the Bible well: systematic and with insight.
Be educated and encouraged for your challenges and calling.
(Thanks to Theo Groeneveld whose devotions on this topic gave very specific direction to the thoughts in this series on Quiet Times).
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