Coffee With The Lord

How do you read different books – various types of literature?

Sometimes I read superficially – a scan read, or what some might call a “speed read.”  My eyes fly over the words, I catch “the drift” but don’t get to caught up in the details.  That is how I read for enjoyment and relaxation – it’s how I read a novel.

At other times (now keep in mind this is an ol’ prof talking) I read analytically.  I look closely at the words, examine the phraseology, and seek to determine how the writer makes his or her point.  That is usually how I read a textbook or technical information.

But this morning, during “coffee with the Lord,” I found myself reflecting on how I read the Bible! … And I have to admit I read the Bible differently.  I rarely “speed read” the Bible!  But I find the Bible a very enjoyable and satisfying to read – I would call my reading of Scripture a “nourishing read” – an “uplifting read.”  On the other hand, anyone who knows me (especially my former and present students) are aware that I practice and advocate “analytical reading” of the Bible.  I take the message of Scripture very seriously and read to determine just exactly what the Biblical writer was saying and how he said it.  In fact, every passage of Scripture I preach or teach from I actually diagram.  And even when I’m having “coffee with the Lord” in the morning I “slow down and reflect deeply” on the message of Scripture as I read – So I guess you could call it a “devotional-analytical read.”  Deeply satisfying – deeply enjoyable – but mind and heart fully engaged.

But Scripture is more than simply “a novel” (although it is filled with engaging stories and narrative).  And it is more than simply technical information (although there are doctrinal passages that throughout history have challenged the greatest minds).

The Bible is MORE that that… It is “inspired” literature (and not simply inspired by merely the general definition of the word) – it is “God-inspired!”  In fact, the Greek word used in II Timothy 3:16-17 that is translated “inspired” in many versions of the Bible is actually a compound word and literally means “God-breathed” – in other words it comes from God!  As a result, there is a dimension of reading – a way of reading – that I utilize when I read the Bible that is beyond the way I read other books!  I call it “illuminated reading!”  When I read the Bible I ask the Holy Spirit to make the truth of Scripture real to me – to open my mind and heart to what God (and the inspired human writer) intended to communicate.  In fact, I make that a prayer!  I guess what I read again this morning during “coffee with the Lord” says it best…

“Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things out of your law!  I am a sojourner on earth; hide not your commandments from me! … Your testimonies are my delight – they are my counselors!” (From Psalm 119:17-24)

Oh, just reporting – I had a wonderful, refreshing, uplifting time of reading the Bible this morning!  The Holy Spirit was there to make the truth of Scripture real to my heart!  Let me recommend “illuminated reading” to you!

Well today, during “Coffee with the Lord, I began reading Psalm 119 – the longest chapter in the Bible and a Hebrew acrostic poem.  Over the next several weeks a read a section assigned to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet per day.

If I were to describe this Psalm, I’d call it a “Song Celebrating the Beauty, Power and Perfection of God’s Word!”  In many ways the Bible is like a brilliant diamond with many facets.  It is almost as though the writer of this Psalm displays Scripture and then slowly turns it under God’s brilliant light allowing each facet to radiate its brilliance – all 176 verses of the Psalm!

Here’s a sampling of its beauty from the first section…

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong but walk in His ways!

“You have commanded Your precepts to be kept diligently.

“Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!  Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.”  (From Psalm 119:1-8)

Oh, that’s how I feel about the Bible!  That’s my prayer today… “Oh may my ways be steadfast in keeping your word!”

I don’t simply “like” the Bible – I “LOVE” the Bible!  My favorite class to teach at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University) was a course we called “Bible Study” – a course that exposed our students to “inductive Bible study.”  Each year I’d do a little exercise with our students… I’d ask them to tell me what they thought the Bible provided for Christians.  Over the years their input could be summarized by the following list…

• The revelation of what God is like
• A reliable report of the wonderful things God has done
• Confidence in what God can and will do today!
• An awareness of how God works
• The revelation of His will for our lives
• The common beliefs and convictions that bind Christians together
• The vocabulary of our faith – how we talk about our relationship with God
• The “good news” of God’s provision to restore our relationship with Himself (i.e. the “Gospel”)
• Guidance about how to continue to live in fellowship with God (i.e. “discipleship”)
• And our mandate and message as believers

I like to think of the Bible as “an owner’s manual.”  Several years ago I purchased the truck of my dreams… A Honda Ridgeline fully outfitted.  Loved that truck!  When I purchased it, there was a book that came with it, located in the glove compartment.  It was called “the owner’s manual.”  That book provided all kinds of helpful information and problem solving tips.  Before I spent $$$ at the repair shop for shop time and parts, it was always helpful to consult the “owner’s manual!”

Consequently, each semester at the University I would encourage my student’s write these words in the front of every Bible they owned… “This book is my all sufficient guide for faith [my relationship with God] and daily living!”

Listen, in light of all that the Bible provides, don’t you think it might be a good idea to spend more time reading it, consulting it, and following its direction in all the matters of faith and life?