Principle #20--Psalms of Discipleship--May 21, 2010

Hello my dear friends, to those who love God's Word.

This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a day early.....I am taking a sabbath weekend to recharge the batteries. Thanks for praying for me. Its a good time to change the channel of life and relax.

I was reminded today that there are many in the world who do not have the Word of God in their own tongue. In many parts of the world illiteracy is rampant and so the great stories of the Bible have to be told in an oral fashion. Because of the great poverty in many communities, torn out pages of the Bible are put to memory and then passed on to the next eager disciple. And yet, in our culture, we have access to the Bible--in a variety of translations; in a variety of formats; in a variety of places where one can be purchased: in bookstores, super stores, as well as software and even via the internet (and if you are a super-savy geek, you can even load the Bible on your cell phone).

It is my hope that I can stimulate our thinking on how blessed we are to have a Bible that we can read and even understand. May each one of not just approach the reading of God's Word as an empty task but as a devoted love-relationship with the God of the Bible.

May you have a restful weekend as you abide in Jesus and allow His Word to abide in you (John 15:7).

Lets talk again soon.

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #20

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

Core Value: Bible Study

It is essential to understand why a proper understanding and practical application of grace and worship is critical when it comes to the core value of Bible study. Without grace and worship, Bible study becomes nothing more than a religious duty rather than a relational joy. Scot McKnight undergirds this need for a relationship when he writes in The Blue Parakeet, “If we are invited to love God by reading the Bible as God’s communication with us, then a relational approach to the Bible invites us to listen to God (the person) speak in the Bible and engage God as we listen (pg. 89). . . . A relational approach believes our relationship to the Bible is transformed into a relationship with the God who speaks to us in and through the Bible” (pg. 90).

Principle #20 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high regard for the Word of God.

• The Bible, all of it, is trustworthy and true. There are no mistakes or errors. It is perfect in all its parts.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 (NASB95)

• The Bible, all of it, has been given as God’s Word to us. It is God’s way of helping us grow in our faith.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB95)

• The Bible, all of it, has stood the test of time and is eternal. All other books will come and go, but God’s Word stands forever.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 (NASB95)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How do I know for sure that my Bible translation is trustworthy and true?

Why is it important for me to give God’s Word primacy in every area of my life: at home, at work, in my neighborhood, in my world?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may I never take Your Word for granted. Men and women have sacrificed so much that I might have the Bible in a language I can read. May every language group in the world be given access to Your Word in their “heart language.”

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

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