Archive for February, 2013
Enjoying the Bible and applying it to all of life
In my recent post on re-launching Bible Studies for Life we saw how important the Bible is to how we live. We study the Bible, not merely for information but for transformation. We want to be informed and transformed.
We Want the Bible to Meet Life
What, exactly, does that mean?
One of the basic struggles we have as believers is the temptation to compartmentalize our lives into sacred and secular. That is, we think of church, Bible study, and ministry as the important parts of life—the Jesus compartment. But, often, when we hit the weekday head on, we are in the secular compartment and Jesus is left far behind.
We’ve often heard people express things like, “I can’t believe you’re saying that in church.” In the old days you might have heard, “Don’t be running in God’s house!” Unfortunately, many of these same people would have little problem with telling dirty jokes at work, swearing during a football game, or heaping verbal abuse on his or her spouse, child, or friend.
For people living these kinds of divided lives, all manner of sin—greed, hatred, covetousness, gossip, injustice—can pass as long as it stays, to their way of thinking, separate from the religious part of life. It is a game many people try to play while claiming to follow Christ.
The main problem with this approach is the Bible does not leave such an existence open to followers of Christ. When we come to Christ all of life is transformed, even if not all at the same time.
A Path That is Lit
One Psalm records, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). The path indicates movement, direction, and travel. It indicates illumination so that life is not blanketed in darkness. This light comes from God’s word. It is for all of this journey we call “life.”
Jesus’ most harsh criticisms during his earthly ministry were reserved for the religious people who supposedly knew what God’s Word said. One thing Jesus criticized was their tendency to keep part of God’s Word while ignoring other parts. They wanted to live life in compartments, some compartments where God was welcome and others where He was not.
This is opposed to how God wants us to live. If we are to be wholly redeemed and restored then every facet of life has to be affected. This is where God’s Word comes into play.
As Sweet as Honey
An Old Testament metaphor demonstrates that God’s Word is sweet like honey. That means it is pleasant and enjoyable. When we spend time in God’s Word, having His heart and His will revealed to us, it is sweet indeed! Can you remember a time when you were reading or studying your Bible when, without warning, it was as if every Word had been penned just for you? That a particular need in your life or questions you had were suddenly addressed with the power of God Himself through His Word?
Is God’s Word during those times not sweet like honey? Are our hearts not stirred, drawn to Him and made hungry for another serving? They are. And in the hunger and thirst after righteousness we will be filled.
As a Sweeping Light
This is one reason we should not try to hold back any part of life from the sweeping light of God’s Word. Throw open all the doors and cabinets and let the light of the Word reveal all.
Like a Sword
A New Testament metaphor teaches us that God’s Word is like a sword. It is living and powerful. Like a flaming Excalibur it is able to expose our thoughts and intents so we do not deceive ourselves. It opens us to the truth, the truth that brings us back in line with God’s will for us.
Focus
Focusing on God’s Word is a reason I am excited to be involved with Bible Studies for Life. The Bible changes our lives, as we experience God’s fullness through it.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Six Important Questions To Ask Yourself When Making A Decision In Your Life
When you make a decision in your life, how do you know it is the right thing to do? Quick decision-making often results in poor decision-making. Long and drawn-out decision-making often results in paralyzing others that look to you for leadership. Therefore, how are we to know when we are making the right decisions in life?
Preparation is really one of the important things about decision-making. For those of us who are Christ-followers, a passionate daily walk with Christ can help aid us towards effective decision-making. I want to challenge you to ask yourself six questions when making a decision in your life?
Question 1: Do I have a word from God’s Word about this decision?
When the trucking magnate J.B. Hunt was alive, he used to read the Bible through about once every 18-20 months. Although he would tell you he had a limited education, he shared with me wonderful insights he had from his walk with Christ. As a former truck driver who founded the powerful J.B. Hunt Transport, he would say that the Bible was like his road map for life. As he read it, God would make clear to him where he needed to go and what he needed to do.
The Bible is the GPS system for Christ-followers today! We do not have to walk in the darkness of decision-making. Through God’s Word, we can have God’s way lit for us. God’s Word always shows us God’s Way! The Holy Spirit never leads us away from God’s Word.
The most important step you can take daily is to read God’s Word. Ask God to give you a word from His Word about the decisions that you have to make. Some decisions you do not even need to pray about because the answers are already clear in God’s Word. His Word can keep you straight and on target towards His will.
Question 2: Is this what Jesus would want me to do?
As you become aware of Jesus’ life from the Word of God, clarity is gained in decision-making. Through the lens of God’s Word, the will of Jesus becomes crystal clear. Before you just haphazardly declare God does or does not want you to do something, stop long enough to ask yourself: Is this what Jesus would want me to do? If the decision you make does not represent the person and character of Jesus Christ properly, then Jesus probably is not leading you to make that decision.
Question 3: Have I valued what others have told me?
Decision-making can be confirmed or questioned when godly, holy people become a part of your decision-making process. Godly counsel can help us. Ungodly counsel will never help us. Decision-making is about the will of God, not about our will. Do you take the time to seek godly counsel about important decisions? Are you listening to this counsel? Do you value what these counselors are saying? You need to give your godly counsel time to consider, to pray, and then tell you the truth about what they believe is God’s will, not what they think you want them to say.
Question 4: Have I saturated this decision in prayer?
Before we question others, godly or not, and before we stress ourselves out, laboring over decision-making, we need to make sure our decision-making is saturated in prayer! Christ-followers need to follow the New Testament model and saturate decision-making in prayer. Prayer needs to be your first choice, not your last choice. We need to pour our hearts out to God, pleading for a Word from Him, desiring to honor Jesus in every way, and valuing the godly counsel of others. Call out to the Lord about the decisions that lie before you!
Question 5: Am I willing to leave it all in God’s hands?
King Jesus rules! King Jesus reigns! May His Kingdom come and may His will be done on earth, as it is being done right now in heaven! Daily, we must go to the Lord being committed to trust His Sovereign ruler-ship over all things! If He can turn the hearts of kings, He can open and close doors, and change circumstances in the twinkle of an eye! If King Jesus wants it to happen, He can make it happen. We must pray believing this and walk away willing to leave it all in God’s hands! We cannot resent outcomes. We cannot become bitter over the results. We cannot wonder endlessly, asking why. We have to leave it all up to King Jesus!
Question 6: Will I trust the Lord with the outcome?
This fifth and sixth question are cousins, really close cousins! Relationships are built upon trust. We must trust God knows what is best for us even when we do not know what is best for ourselves! We must leave the results in God’s hands, walking in 100% trust. Absolute trust! Complete faith, believing God’s will is never denied. He has the final word!
From now on… slow down. Ask yourself these questions. Take time to answer them. Be honest with yourself completely. Be resolved: I want the Lord’s will in all things.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.