One thing I have found that I do since I finished my Bible studies is that I tend to pause for a longer time on Bible passages.

Rather than read a new one each day, I might read one and it might stay with me for a few days. Sometimes I might read the same passage for a week.

I find that by doing this I allow it to percolate inside me and sink deep into my spirit. It allows God to speak to me via His Holy Spirit too.

As I pause for a time on a passage I am able also to read commentaries or other books I have on the passage too or look over any Bible college notes that come to mind.

I have found that it gives me a much fuller picture of what God may be wanting to say to me or to those around me… or for this blog!

In saying this though, I still do have times where I read one chapter or a passage a day as a part of a reading plan.

But now I am not afraid to pause the reading plan to get the fuller meaning of the reading. I don’t worry about getting “behind”, it is more about getting “into” the passage.

Carrying passages for longer is like having a three course meal, rather than drive through takeaway. You feel way more satisfied.

God Bless,
Dave

I have been thinking about this today… The more you read the Bible, the bigger God becomes to you.

It is not that God’s size or strength or ability changes, but our perception of Him does. The more we read and try to understand God, His creation and His plan of salvation, the more in awe of Him we become.

I think we all need a bigger view of God. We need to be constantly reminded of His greatness, His power and His eternal love for us.

If you have found that your view of God is not what it once was, try re-reading the creation stories and the passages that talk about God setting the sun, moon and stars in place.

You should also try re-reading about a God who made man from the dust and came and died for him.

God is a big God. The more you read the Bible each day, the bigger He will become in your eyes.

God Bless,

Dave

I came across a new resource I had not seen before. It is called BibleX and is created by the LifeChurch.tv – the same people who created YouVersion.

Here is a snippet from the site…

What is BibleX?

BibleX helps people become more familiar with the Bible and understand it in a more complete way. To gain a more detailed understanding of this study, complete the Introduction Module. This module will give you an idea of what this study will cover, and how it will enrich your understanding of Scripture.

What will I learn about?

Beginnings (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers)
History (Joshua, Judges, I and II Samuel, Kings, Chronicles)
Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)
Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Jonah)
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Pauline (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, I Timothy)
Letters (Hebrews, James, I Peter, Revelation)

How much time should I expect this study to take?

Each module has three to six sessions, depending on the topic. Each of these sessions is designed to take about a week, however, that time may vary depending on the pace of your group. The entire study is designed to be completed in one year or less.

Do I have to complete this study with a group, or can I do it on my own?

BibleX can be studied in the context of a group, or as an individual study. Although it is okay to complete this study on your own, there are benefits to completing this study with a group. Your group can interact at BibleX.com by using our Groups function.

Do I have to view the modules in order, or can I skip around?

All learners should begin with the Introduction Module, which will set the foundation for the rest of the study. The remaining modules were placed in an order that is most effective for learning the information. We encourage you and your group to move chronologically through the study beginning with Module 1; however, it is okay if your group chooses to begin with a different module within the study and skip around.

I have not used BibleX yet but I am going to set up a free login to try it and see how I can use it for www.passionaustralia.org and see if our Pastor can use it for our church.

If you are interested you can find it here http://www.biblex.com/

God Bless,
Dave

Another reflection from Joshua 1:7-9…

7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

I love the way God told Joshua to read and meditate on the Word before He told him to be strong and courageous.

As a result his courage would be built on God’s Word and who God is, not just being strong and courageous mentally or trusting in his own skills.

We should get things in the right order too…

Read the Word, meditate on it, obey it… then you are in a good position to be strong and courageous in God’s strength.

God Bless,
Dave

One of the most confusing things I found when I first became a Christian was the concept of the Trinity. I just couldn’t wrap my brain around the concept. It wasn’t until I went to Bible college and we spent a whole lecture on the topic that it fell into place.

One of the most useful resources we looked at was this diagram. It explained the concept one God in three persons. You can click on the image to make it bigger.

The key thought of the Trinity is one God in three persons – Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Three distinct persons, but they are one in love, one in purpose, one in unity, one in relationship and so on. All are equal members of the Godhead and all are eternal.

The diagram above shows that God is actually the sum total of the three persons. You can see that it shows Father, Son and Holy Spirit as the three members of the Trinity. Then it says the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. But they are all God.

This helps us to understand that when Jesus left heaven to live in the world that He was able to pray to the Father in heaven. Likewise when Jesus returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit, was able to come and be our comforter and helper.

I hope this helps you in understanding the Trinity.

God Bless,

Dave