I pray your summer is going well. These long hot days give us an opportunity to slow down, and I hope that you are including Bible reading in your daily worship time. God tells us to meditate on His Word. Some people can find “meditating: on God’s Word a little confusing, sometimes because of what we think of as “meditation.” One of the best ways to get the most of any passage of Scripture you read is to ask these four (4) questions about each verse or section:
1. What does the Scripture tell me about God?
The Bible is God’s Revelation of Himself, and it is the means by which He wants you to come to faith in Jesus Christ. So, the Word must tell you something about God. What is He like in this story? Can I see God’s Grace? His Judgment? His righteousness?
2. How does this Scripture fit into the redemptive plan?
The whole Bible is the story of redemption through Jesus Christ. Here’s something I like to use as a guide to help me figure out where the verses I am reading fit into the redemptive plan. Remember, the death of Jesus Christ in payment for sin on the cross was planned before the foundation of the world, and we need only look at Scripture to see it revealed – in both Old and New Testament:
| Genesis 1 & 2 | Redemption Planned |
| Genesis 3-11 | Redemption Needed |
| Genesis 12- New Testament | Redemption Prepared For |
| Gospels | Redemption Fulfilled |
| Acts & The Epistles | Redemption Explained |
| Revelation | Redemption Completed |
3. What does this passage tell me about who I am in Christ?
When we become children of God, we are “new creations” in Christ. We are called to walk worthy of Him, and that ability comes from learning about Him, and who we are in Him. So, what is this new me like?
4. What response does it call for?
All three of these above questions lead to this – ”What is the Bible telling me to do?” Jesus always called for a response to His Words – as does the Bible.
Maturing in Christ is a lifelong process. So, grab a glass of lemonade, head outside to God’s creation, and read His Word. Ask these questions and open your heart and mind. It will be the best time you spend all summer.
If you’re visiting this website, come visit us in person at Maple Grove to learn more about Jesus Christ and how you can become a child of God.
Bro. Parks