T H E O P H I L U S

Today’s Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

– Hebrews 4:12

Knowing the truth is a powerful thing. It determines the way we live our lives and how we are influenced. But even good things can become inherently toxic for our lives if our interpretation of truths are not sound and balanced. We can easily read a health article which says that apples and oranges are good for us, describing the benefits to having an apple a day. But if we are influenced by the article in a way that leads us to only consume an apple a day or to eat only apples, would likely not lead to the health benefits described. In fact, it would likely lead to health complications such as malnutrition, high blood sugar levels, significant weight gain, diarrhea and possibly type 2 diabetes. The way we interpret truths is of utmost importance.

No Pickin’ and Choosin’

There is a great importance in the way we read scripture and the kind of motivation we enter into it. If we are constantly looking for ways to change someone else’s life, the bible becomes merely a means and a way of convincing your own perspectives and perceptions. The truth from scripture must first be revealed to us personally before we use it to speak to others.

Questions such as, “How does God’s word speak to me today?”, “How does this challenge and transform me?”, “Does it bring me to a place of repentance and an acknowledgement of the Holiness of God?”, “Does it make me love my neighbour and to cast out all judgement?”

Here are some ways to read scripture in your devotional life.

1. Start with the Gospels – If you have not finished the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), then start here. This is the foundational work of Christian faith. Your Foundation comes from knowing Christ and Christ first!
2. Read it in Historical context – There is a richness in understanding the Historical context of the passage. It gives a deeper understanding of why Jesus, the Apostles and the prophets of old had written what they did and what spiritual truths they may have received. It becomes much more practical in our context if we understand theirs.
3. Read it with Humility – Our reading of scripture ought to deepen our relationship with God, to know Him more and grow in grace with others. Scripture is not to be used to manipulate others or to justify one’s own needs. If it makes you more religious and proud, you’ve likely read it wrong.
4. Apply it with Love. This statement is not saying that the application of God’s word is always fluffy and warm. In fact loving God and loving others can be a real pain. It challenges us to go against our broken nature. The Word of God ought to lead us to apply the truths in loving and compassionate manner.

I hope this will help some of us out there starting, continuing or thinking about a daily devotional life and not sure how to approach the scriptures. Tomorrow, we will touch on how we approach God in our devotions.

“How happy we would be if we could find the treasure of which the Gospel speaks; all else would be as nothing. As it is boundless, the more you search for it the greater the riches you will find; let us search unceasingly and let us not stop until we have found it.” 

― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God