Blog Writer: Allyson King
Summer — why does it makes our days so unpredictable? No matter what season of life we are in, summer can sabotage our schedules.
I always thought that once my kids were grown, my summer days would be mine to spend as I wanted. But this summer, I got a rude awakening! My husband had foot surgery on June 4th, and everything we had planned flew out the window. I became nurse, chef, and taxi driver overnight.
With all the unexpected change in responsibilities, I had no consistency with anything, much less my quiet time. The only thing that guaranteed my spending time in the Word was my participation in a weekly Bible study. That one morning out of the house each week to study His word with others has been a lifesaver for me. (Thankfully, my sweet hubby knew how important this time was to me!)
God’s Word is my life line through all life’s twists and turns — the good and the challenging. It keeps my focus on the important things in life.
Tasting a small bite of Scripture each day is good. But I have found there is no substitute for spending intentional, prolonged time in the Word as often as possible.
In Psalm 119:103-104, the author declares, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”
I love this! I want to feast on His Word — not just taste it.
Montgomery Boice, one of my favorite theologians, shares two quotes that have significantly impacted my life:
“In reading the Bible, we study to know God, hear His voice, and be changed by Him as we grow in holiness.”
“If you want to know God as He speaks to you through the Bible, you should study the Bible daily, systematically, comprehensively, devotionally and prayerfully.”
The only way God’s Word can penetrate and change my heart is to spend time in it!
If you’re like me and summer has derailed your schedule and time in God’s Word, I encourage you to ask the Lord to help you get back on track. There are so many studies available for personal or group study. There is one perfect for you!
Personally, I have been blessed over the years by involvement in different study groups. There is accountability in completing a weekly lesson. Additionally, hearing how the same study impacts each of us differently brings rich depth and understanding to His Word. Personal studies are also great if you have the discipline and personality to do one. This is an area in which I struggle, but I am working on it!
However you get back on track with spending time in God’s Word, I pray that He will reveal Himself to you in a new way through your dedication in studying the Bible. May you know Him more and be changed through your time with the LORD and His Word.
October 19-20th | Marriott RTP | Grades 4th – 7th