People of the Word – Thurs 6 September 2007

There is no record of Jesus having a formal quiet time but the bible tells us that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) When he read the bible we don’t know, but we know he could read as he read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, and we know he knew his bible well because of the way he used it.

When Satan tempted him he was able to quote freely and appropriately from the bible, using the Word of God both to defend himself and as a weapon of attack. He also regularly quoted from the bible in his teaching. He clearly spent time in the Word, and through the Word knew the mind and purpose of God. He lived a bible lifestyle.

For you and me to be effective disciples, followers of Jesus, we need to have a bible lifestyle. Where reading the Word of God is a regular, constant habit; where quoting the bible comes freely; where drawing on our knowledge of scripture guides our speaking and doing on a moment by moment basis.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

If you need help with bible reading you could try using the plan I use to read the bible in a year – it takes just 15 minutes a day – compare that with how long you spend reading the paper, watching TV or on the internet. You can find it by following this link:

http://www.stmatthews.org.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=64250

Father please light my path today with the truth of Your word. Amen