Bible reading Tip #4: Journaling for better Bible Engagement

Posted on by Matthew Laker

Journaling can help with better bible engagement. Journaling has so many benefits to the individual.  I also believe that it can have benefits to help us engage the Scripture for our personal growth.

Here are two reasons why journaling helps in bible engagement. Perhaps there are more, but let me give you my top two.

1. A place to process our thoughts

Generally, a journal can be used to process one’s daily or weekly life.  Why not do that with your Bible reading?  For example, let’s say you are sitting on a passage for a week.  Perhaps you will write down the one sentence or idea that seem to stick out for you each day, asking why and what the Spirit may be saying to you.  Generally, journaling can be used to simply process what you are reading in order that you may abide in God’s word.

2. A place to track what you are studying.

For example, I was trying to spend some extra time reflecting on the Second Coming of Jesus. I had a small book, where every time I read something around this topic, I would write in it.  In there was everything from thoughts from bible passages I was reading, and other books’ reflections on the topic.  This provided a place for me to go back to, and help in my reflection and study.

So how do we do it? How do we use journaling to help have better bible engagement?

How to use a journal for deeper bible engagement:

a. Write down the address of the passage you will be reading.  For example John 1:1-5.

b. As you read the passage write out a verse(s) or word(s) that stick out.

c. Write down what you think the passage is speaking about.

d. Why did you write the certain passage or word from part b?  What is it about that verse?

Start today using a journal to develop and engage scripture for your spiritual formation.

Bible Reading Tip #3: Reading in Community

Posted on by Matthew Laker

Are you stuck in your bible engagement? Consider reading with a community.

Reading the bible can be so hard sometimes.  Some really do try to engage it, but struggle.  We know that there is a goodness in it, but we struggle.  A young lady was struggling in the discipline of reflecting on God`s word in her life and approached the pastor for help.  He suggested, “Why not try our small groups?”  When they gather, reading scripture is a regular part of the experience.  This can be a great step in developing the discipline of bible engagement.

Brian Hardin writes – Too often we experience faith in a solitary way. We rarely think of it in terms of “us” and “our,” and frequently see it as “me” and “my.” But we can’t mistake these Western, individualistic values for biblical values. The Bible is clear that living in community with other believers is irreplaceable in the Christian life. (https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/08/living-the-bible-in-community/)

There is something special about reading scripture together and discussing it in community.  In the West we have pushed very heavy toward individual study.  There is a place for that, but God will use community to form us.  Just like having a workout partner helps your physical health, so too does community for Bible engagement and spiritual formation.

Reading in community also provides a healthy environment to ask questions, and work through the text.

Consider gathering with another believer to read scripture and talk about it.  When your small group gathers do you read scripture?  Do you reflect on scripture?  Are you in a small group?

Regularly reading scripture together in community will help develop the discipline of engagement in the scriptures.

Are you stuck in your bible engagement? Consider reading with a community.

Looking for help in Discernment?

Posted on by Matthew Laker

holyspiritbibleRemaining in God’s word helps when we need discernment.  God’s word can shape our perspective on how to view the world, ourselves and God, and this gives help for discernment in our life.

Have you ever found yourself in a place needing discernment? Perhaps you have a choice to make? Perhaps there is someone in your life, and you are needing to know how to respond to them? In 1 John, the apostle John gives some instructions to his people to help with discernment.  In 1 John 2:25-27 there are two reminders that can help with discernment in our life. I will share one here.

John’s church is experiencing some challenges. One group is claiming a new understanding of Jesus.  John gives his church some advice, a place to start that will help them with discernment. Whether that be the need to discern a new spiritual teaching, or direction in our life.

1 John 2:24-25 “See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.  If it does, you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us – even eternal life.”

“Objectively John was teaching there are objective right beliefs rooted in recitation of the historic facts of our faith” (Burge, Gary. “The NIV Application Commentary: The Letters of John.” Michigan, Zondervan, 1996, p. 131).

However, it is not just the ability to repeat back what John wrote in his gospel.  It is about taking hold of who Jesus is and putting our trust in him.  Often it is when we have forgotten who Jesus is that we have forgotten who we are, and this makes choices even harder.  John is calling his people to not forget who Jesus is, and what they heard in the Gospel of John.

Remaining in God’s word is not just about reading scripture every day.  This is a good discipline, but the discipline does not save us.  Our spiritual disciplines position us to hear from God, and centre ourselves on Jesus.  To remain in God’s word is to let it also take root in our life, and embrace God’s promises and principles for our life.

If you follow Jesus long enough, you know of times when you need some discernment and so you open your bible and hope something comes out.  However, for many you only come out in the end with nothing.

I have observed in life, that through the regularly reflection/meditation of scriptures over time we gain better perspective.  God’s word can shape our perspective on how to view the world, ourselves and God, and this gives help for discernment in our life.

Remaining in God’s word will point us to Jesus, were we can find and live in the promise of eternal life (v.25)

Remaining in God’s word will help in discernment in life.

What is Lent?

What is Lent?

Posted on by Matthew Laker
beginnerguidetolent.com

Back in high school, some Christian friends asked me, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Then the same question was asked by my friends at evangelical bible college ? However, it never carried a lot of weight. I would hear about what they were giving up, but never saw how or understood how it helped in their spiritual formation.

Then I came to be a part of a local body of Jesus followers, who had the tradition of practising Lent. Perhaps the idea of Lent is a new one for you. As I was called on to give leadership, it meant a fast learning curve about Lent. HD_ea0131j

The church Calendar rotates around two main events: Advent, which is at the start, and then Lent and the high season of the Easter Celebration. For Christians, Easter Sunday evokes awe and wonder. Historically, this comes out of a 40 day time of reflection to get ready for celebration.

Over the years it has changed. For example, the Church Father Irenaeus of Lyons shares how it was only a two or three day observation. There are also some differences on how the 40 days have been calculated over the years. Today, it is practised over 40 days, and historically there was a connection to using it to disciple new believers.

Even though the practise has developed over the years, the purpose has always been the same. Time for self-examination, repentance and denial of self in preparation for Easter.

Dr. Michael Pasquarello sums up the purposes well, that Lent is an invitation to examine our desires and reorient them toward God.

Throughout the years three spiritual disciplines have been at the core, though many incorporate others. The three are prayer, fasting and alms giving.

What has been your experience with the season of Lent?

What helpful resources have you used over the years?

What questions do you have about Lent?

Stay tuned for more in the Series: Beginners Guide to Lent

Bible Reading Tip #2 : Get A Plan, and Execute

Posted on by Matthew Laker

Finding a plan and running with it will help you in the development of the discipline of reading your bible. 19149_Quiet_Time b

Life has taught me that if you want to accomplish something, get a plan together.  This often can be hard for many, but to help with the disciple of reading the bible, a plan is often a great tool.  It is like following the GPS; it may not be the most efficient, but it will get you reading.

Executing is also just as important. Just because you have a GPS, you still have to drive.  This is often the hardest part of any plan, actually walking it and adjusting as needed.

Where to get a plan?

There are so many good resources and plans available.  Some printed bibles today even come with bible reading plans in the back.  If you are using an app like Olive tree or Youversion, there are more plans available then you have time for.  You can also search bible reading plans and go from there.

You can also create your own.  Pick a book and break it down over a calendar and start checking off as you read.  You could use your calendar on your phone and schedule the reading.

Many times I just read one chapter a day and have a book mark and pick up where I left off last time.

GET A FREE PLAN here on my resources page.

More Help to for executing the plan

a. Do not worry if you miss a day, just pick up where you left off

b. Think about when you have some down time or alone time and schedule it.

c .It is not a race for bible reading

d. Have some way of marking the progress.  For example, a check list (physical or electronic), or book mark your spot. This will help with your progress.

e. For beginners or re-starters, small chunks are better.

Finding a plan and running with it will help you in the development of the discipline of reading your bible.

What does your plan look like?  Any tips for developing one? Give me a tweet @matthew_laker

If you would like help, or email matthew@matthewlaker.com