Reading the Bible

When I read the Bible, I want to be able to more clearly direct my whole mind to God and His Word.  I have found several ways to help with this.

Firstly, I love amplifying a different word in a verse each time I read it.  Pastor Mark Martin at Calvary Community Church in Phoenix (http://calvaryphx.com/) and in his recent GraceMail (http://www.calvaryphx.com/newsletter/v.aspx?n=2776) from July 22nd speaks about this concept.  What you do is take a verse, like Psalm 46:10a (ASV), which says "Be still and know that I am God."

• Read it through once, then accent the first word, "BE still and know that I am God."
• Then, accent the second word, "Be STILL and know that I am God."
• Then, the third word is accented, "Be still AND know that I am God."
• Accent the fourth word, saying, "Be still and KNOW that I am God."
• Continue on, "Be still and know THAT I am God."
• "Be still and know that I am God."
• "Be still and know that I AM God."
• "Be still and know that I am GOD."

This gives the verse an entirely new meaning to me.  As I focus on each specific word, I can begin to more fully understand what God is saying to me.  It even feels more like He is speaking directly to me.

Another method that helps me is to follow some sort of study through the Bible.  Right now, I have found it helpful to look at chapters (it's important to get the context of the verses) of the Bible that relate to a subject on my heart.  I have found this to be rewarding, because I can see the consistency of God's Word, the repetition packs His promises onto my heart, and I am able to see how often these promises are mentioned and their importance to God too.

Definitely, praying for focus and clarity while entering into time with God's Word is beneficial.  With the craziness of the world and all that is constantly going on, I struggle when I find myself wandering, but God is faithful to help us focus more on Him.  This is something I want more of in each moment of my day.

2 Timothy 2:15 NCV "Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve.  Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NCV "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right.  Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work."

Hebrews 4:12 NCV "God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword.  It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones.  And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.

Psalm 119:11 NKJV "Your word I have hidden in my heart,

          That I might not sin against You."