Obligation or Opportunity?

I was thinking this week about being in bible study and I thought about you. I was just wondering. Why are you doing it?
Is it because you want to?
Is it because you need it?
Is it because your friend invited you?
It came at a good time for your schedule?
You like studies by Beth Moore?
Is it because you are 'dry'?

I have to tell you why I 'do' bible study.

I am a weak person. When I say weak, I mean 'fleshly'- self centered, self-thinking, materialistic, lazy, mean person (left to myself).

Over the past 15 years, I have either sat in a bible study or taught a class. Really, for about 18 years! I have so many bible study books and folders that they fill up an armoire in my bedroom! No kidding. And even after taking in all that great stuff, I know that if I am not in the Word, I am probably six weeks away from throwing in the towel! What I mean by that is that life keeps happening 24/7. The world keeps spinning and people keep taking my parking place at Walmart! (just kidding). Without 'the renewing of my mind daily' my old characteristics come out-quick! My love for clothes, jewelry, furniture, shoes, etc. . . raises it's ugly head. These are not bad things at all, but in my case, when my focus shifts to them, they begin to crowd God out.

I actually think God likes cool clothes, if I like cool clothes (Psalms 37:4-Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!) BUT, 'stuff' is my weakness. Being in control is also my weakness. Come to think of it, pride is also my weakness! Well, I won't list all of them here but I think you get the drift! Left to live out my Monday's, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, just 'livin' will get me in a hole fast.

(I didn't mention Sundays because most of us probably go to church on Sundays so we are thinking about God at least for a couple of hours on that day-big whoop).

The point is, I HAVE to be in God's Word! I have to be. 2 Timothy says "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."(NAS)

The Message says it this way, "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us."

When I look at life through God's Word, things become clear for me. I don't mean that I understand everything, I just mean I can see things that are coming at me through a different lens.

No I certainly don't mean you have to be literally sitting in a chair in a classroom somewhere to be 'okay' with God. I am just saying that I have to be in the Word in a study either in a group or by myself. (Speaking of the classroom thing-I happen to LOVE actually being in a class!) When that opportunity arises, I take it. Listen to me-bible study leads me to know who Jesus is and love Him. I do not love bible study for study sake! Don't fall into that trap, and yes, it is a trap. The Pharisees knew the scriptures and look what great examples of Christianity they turned out to be! We study the scriptures to know Christ.

Do you want to know if He is really REAL? My husband Bo, was sharing with something he had read on Jack Grahams blog. He is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas. He said most people approach bible reading, and pray as an obligation, but it is really an opportunity to get to know the REAL Jesus!

He is Real and if you want to know it for yourself, make a deliberate, intentional decision to read and pray!!! He is going to 'freak you out'!!!

Blessings

Bekita