Tuesday Thoughts from Pastor Tim - May 13

Dear Church Family –

There is always a struggle of connection—

Connection of truth to life

Connection of knowledge to application

Connection of mind and heart

Connection of people with differing perspectives

We know that we live in a contentious and divided society.  As Christians who love God and His Word, we also know that the Bible has the true principles for life.  But how do we make the connection?  We know that the real answers to life and the future are not found in politics, or education, or finance, or sociology, and psychology.  While these things may have some help and use, they are not the foundational answers needed.  Those enduring, and universal, and integrating and joy and peace giving answers are in the Bible. 

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Joshua 1:8)

 But how do we make the connection?

I’ve found it helpful to have a set of question to ask myself after my daily Bible reading.  Answering these questions helps me discover God’s principles and apply them to my life.  Questions like:

What does this passage tell me about God?

What does this passage tell me about people?

What does this passage tell me about myself?

Is there, in this passage, a command to obey?

An example to follow?

A sin to confess or avoid?

A promise to claim?

A blessing or encouragement to receive and thank God for?

You could craft your own questions that help you apply God’s Word as you read it each day.

Recently, I came across a slightly different set of questions in the book, Real-life Discipleship, by Jim Putnam.  These questions particularly relate to stories in the Bible rather than to history or poetry.  I commend these questions to you.

What new thing did you discover in the story that you did not know before?

What did you learn about God?

What did you learn about people?

Which person is most like you in the story?

What will you take away from this reading?

What will you do with what you have learned?

Reacting to what’s happening in the world, or what we like and want out of life, is more initially scintillating.  But in the long run, giving our time and attention to God’s Word, and connecting it with life, is more productive, and satisfying, and successful.

Thanks for coming each Sunday to make a connection with God and His Word and His people.  Blessings – Pastor Tim