WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
There is a difference between knowing about someone and knowing someone. The first is a detached, factual knowledge, and the second is a deeper, personal connection that comes from spending time together, conversing, and understanding their character, emotions, and motivation. The difference lies in the level of personal involvement and the effort to understand the whole person. Which connection would you rather have with God?
The Bible is chiefly how we get to know our Lord and His plan for our lives. However, let us issue a warning: Many read the Bible to learn about God instead of going to His Word to meet with Him and get to know Him. We must approach Scripture intending to meet with and hear from God. Here are some tips for meeting with God in His Word:
- Read from a Bible translation that you find easy to read: The New International Version, New King James Version, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, and New Living Translation are all reliable readable English translations.
- Listen to God’s Word if that works better for you: Consider downloading a Bible app on your phone and listening to God’s Word daily.
- Read the New Testament first: Reading just three chapters a day will take you through the New Testament in less than six months. Then read the Old Testament.
- Mark up your Bible with a highlighter or pen: Make notes and personalize it.
- Journal: Many find that writing down what they hear from God to be of great value.
- Focus on your relationship with the Lord and with others as you read or listen: Take care not to merely focus on learning facts, but rather, what God is showing you.
Meeting with God should change us. His Word is living and active, “even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). James admonishes,
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
God promises that just as the rain comes down and waters the seed to produce a sprout, every word that comes out of the mouth of God will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). So we must let it change us.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Meeting with God to know Him and understand His ways renews our minds and changes us. As we cultivate a love for God’s Word, share with others what He is showing us, and put His teachings into practice, our lives will be transformed.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:6
Personal Application: What works best for you in terms of meeting with God? What is He doing in your life as a result of spending time in His Word? This week, share this with someone.
- Taken in part from Getting in the Game: Joining Jesus on Mission by Jim Grassi, D. Min, Rev. Wendell Morton, Pastor Rob Fischer
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5