RISKY BIBLE STUDY

If you’re anything like me, you’ve found yourself in the place where your Bible study is less than consistent.  Maybe our intentions are good.  We intend to be in God’s word every day.  However, good intentions often don’t translate into good follow-through.  This is where a good reading plan becomes essential.  Many balk at the idea of being regimented by someone else’s schedule for reading through God’s word.  And it may be that many of us have tried a reading plan and found it too cumbersome or overwhelming.  Consequently, the reading plan was abandoned and the former reader is now “gun shy”, as it were, toward the whole concept.  I could very easily place myself in this camp, having started many Bible reading plans only to give up half-way through Exodus.  But I find myself returning to the enterprise over and over for some very good reasons.

REASON NUMBER 1 – DISCIPLINE

2 Timothy 2:15 in the King James Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Besides not understanding why the word “show” was spelled “shew”, I felt like I grasped the meaning of this verse pretty well.  Spend time studying the Bible and God will give me his approval.  I was a teenager before I saw a modern translation of the verse where it was rendered, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  At first, I thought I was getting a pass on the Bible study part.  “It just says to do your best.  That could mean anything.”  Wrong.  The proper translation shows a much deeper level of commitment that is required by God to be approved by him.  I noticed that while the beginning of the verse took out the “study” wording, the ending was pretty much the same.  We are still expected to be able to handle God’s word.  We need to be accomplished, as it were, with it.  This will not happen with a haphazard approach to reading/studying it. 

I remember, years ago, watching a pilot to a hopeful TV show.  The story focused on a mom raising her children, and the struggles that are associated with a venture of that type.  Poor acting and writing doomed it though, and the series never saw the light of day.  However, one thing about it stuck out to me.  At the conclusion of the show the mom sat with her children and they engaged in what was suggested to be their family ritual.  She asked one of the children to bring out “the book”.  She then proceeded to have them randomly pull a passage out to be read for the family.  The idea was that they would gain daily wisdom from “the book” (which they chose never to call the Bible).  I can only assume that this was going to be the way each episode ended.  However, like I said, it was not to be.  But it has always stuck in my mind that many of us approach our real study in a very similar manner.  This is what I refer to as “risky Bible study”.  If we are ever to get any traction in our knowledge of God through his word, we are going to have to be disciplined in our study.  For many, if not most, that is going to require a study plan.

REASON NUMBER 2 – CONSISTENCY

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”  Proverbs 3:1-2 states, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”  It is made clear here, and in numerous other places, that God wants us to know him intimately through the knowledge of his word, and that we directly benefit from acquiring that knowledge.  One very important way that happens is by regularly being in the word.  When we are “shooting from the hip”, so to speak, it is all too easy to get off track with our reading, if we were ever on a track in the first place.  A reading plan helps hold us accountable in being consistent with our reading.

REASON NUMBER 3 – PURPOSE

For some people, reading from Genesis to Revelation straight through is the best way to comprehend God’s word.  They may even be dedicated to doing that yearly.  However, for many this might not be the best approach.  God’s word is big and complex.  Anyone who tells you reading through it is no big deal is selling you something.  Many people find parts of the Old Testament unwieldy and get discouraged in their reading.  That’s not to say these portions are unimportant.  They just require a bit of seasoning for the novice reader.  That’s part of the experience, and it makes Bible reading a joy and a journey, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”  There are many different reading plans that address the reader where he or she is – wherever that may be.  These plans give them a sense of purpose and focus, so as to not be overwhelmed and consequently give up on their trek through Scripture.

REASON NUMBER 4 – CHALLENGE

God made each of us differently.  We each have strengths that are weaknesses to someone else.  We also have ways of doing things that are going to make us less comfortable than others.  I have heard some people say that they don’t understand the value of reading through the Bible in a year’s time, because of the limited amount of time it gives you with each verse.  I have conversely heard others criticize that slow, meticulous, verse by verse study prevents the reader from appreciating the full scope of the biblical narrative.  In reality both approaches (and many others) are good and right, even though they accomplish different things.  What people are usually addressing is their own personalities.  Some people simply prefer reading through the Bible every year.  Some people prefer digging in to a passage.  And, of course, a lot of us would prefer to simply be told what the Bible says by a minister or some other teacher!  Venturing out and embracing a different type of Bible study can be very challenging.  However, it IS a good idea to study a passage intensely to gain deeper meaning and enrichment.  It IS a good idea to read through the entire Bible within a time-frame that allows to you grasp the “big picture” of God’s story.  It IS a good idea to surround yourself with people who can share insights from God’s word you were not aware of before.  In “A League Of Their Own” Tom Hanks' character addresses Geena Davis’ character who is leaving because of the difficult situation.  He says these memorable words to her, “It’s supposed to be hard.  If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it.  The hard. . . is what makes it great.”  I would apply this to Bible study with this minor change, “The hard is what makes it God.”  God wants to grow us, and it is going to be a challenging journey.  God made us for this, and his plan is to guide and mature us as we go.  I would like to lay out the challenge to try a reading plan that takes you out of your comfort zone.  If reading through the Bible in one year is challenging to you – good!  It probably means you need to try it.  I have mentioned "risky Bible study" above from a negative angle. Challenging ourselves is another form of "risky Bible study", but from a positive perspective.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

That’s a good question.  It all depends on where “here” is for you.  I would encourage you to check out the various different Bible study plans available.  “Plethora” would be a good word to describe the number of types and options out there.  I’ll just suggest a few.

• YouVersion Bible App – Probably the best resource for mobile Bible reading available today is Lifechurch.tv’s YouVersion Bible App.  It includes numerous reading plans.  It is available on all major smartphone platforms (iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry).  It is also available on PC as well.  It would be well worth your time to check it out.
• Websites like Biblegateway and Navpress have great plans too.  Navpress offers theirs as PDFs that can be downloaded or printed to carry in your Bible.
• Most study Bibles include reading plans as well.  The ESV Study Bible includes a fantastic one year plan that takes you through four different sections of Scripture every day.  The HCSB Study Bible includes both a one year and a three year plan, as well as a weekly memory passage (another article for another time).

There are numerous options available.  My suggestion is to first pray fervently for God to guide you and second, try some out to see if the pace is one you can maintain and provide you a rich experience.  It’s win-win from every angle “knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Blessings.

Modern Magi

I recently reread O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi".  If you've never read this short story stop reading this and go here to read this story.  I read for the first time in elementary school I think, and I don't believe I've ever read it since then until now.  It's funny how the effect of an event is directly related to where you are in life.  I can remember vaguely being touched by Della's and Jim's situation and the outcome of their affection for each other. However, upon a fresh look it has a totally different impact on me.  I'm still touched by these characters, but now I've the appreciation of a man who's been married almost 15 years.  I have experienced times in a 500 square foot apartment.  I been out job hunting with no real prospects while my wife was in a college class.  I don't say any of this to depict deep suffering.  God always provided.  God always provides.  But my empathy for these characters is now genuine.

One dollar and 87 cents.  That number has new meaning to me.  It now represents the catalyst that leads a person to give in to the foolish idea that happiness, even happiness for someone other than self, can be bought.  To the contemporaries of Henry, one dollar and 87 cents must have sounded like a pitiful amount of money.  By today's standards it's laughable.  I can scarcely buy a half a gallon of gasoline for that amount.  I can just afford a soda at the grocery store.  Disposable.  That's how most would view it.  And yet this small amount of money became the a watershed moment for Della.  She became desperate as she fixated on it because she was so sure that she couldn't be happy vicariously with that amount being all she had to spend.

Have you read the story yet?  Last chance.  Click HERE and read it before you go on.

Della thought that she need more than $1.87 to bring joy to her husband Jim.  She felt that so strongly that she was willing to go to an extreme in order to procure more.  What's so funny and touching is that her motivations are not disingenuous.  She isn't secretly hoping that she will find a gift for Jim that is so good that he'll reciprocate with something even better out of naked obligation.  She just wants, more than anything, to make Jim happy.  THIS is what will make Della happy.  Her sacrifice was pure in nature.

Psalm 63.1 says, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you".

As a Christian, I too thirst for a closer walk with my God.  I want so badly sometimes to just do the thing that will make him happy.  I don't always know what that thing is.  Sometimes I try to figure it out.  I'll spend time during my morning run trying to figure just what that one thing is.  I come up with all kinds of ideas.  God, let me start a website for you that will help people draw closer to you by having access to really great theological resources all in one place.  God, let me write a worship song that will allow myself and others to worship you more perfectly.  God, let me organize the perfect family gathering this weekend so my children will experience you and then never turn away.  LORD, let me build you a temple.  God replies in his word that those are all great ideas, but. . .

But before I give him a chance to reveal anything to me, I'm already pooling my resources and seeing what needs to be done in order to make "God's plans" reality.  I realize that these things will take sacrifice in order to make them happen - sacrifice of time; sacrifice of talent; maybe sacrifice of money.  And I'm willing.  I just want to make my God happy.

Della just wanted to make Jim happy.  She was sure that she couldn't do it with $1.87.  So she sold her hair to buy him an expensive watch chain.  She got $20 for her hair - more than 10 times what she had before.  She also bought what should have been the perfect present.  What could possibly go wrong?

I've organized events for my family before.  Prepared what should have been the perfect atmosphere for God to be experienced in a life-changing way for my family and myself.  What could possibly go wrong?


"Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah'" (Luke 9:33 ESV).  What could be wrong with that?

The problem in all three of these scenarios is that they all leave out something vital - knowledge from an eternal source about what would actually be best.

Della lacked the knowledge that Jim had sold the very watch she bought his beautiful chain to go on in order to purchase her a set of ornate combs for her long beautiful hair.  She actually had had in her possession along with her $1.87 everything she needed to make Jim happy.  But she gave that up in ignorance.

Peter wanted to honor Jesus in an amazing moment when his glory was being revealed to his disciples in the transfiguration (Luke 9), by building some tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.  When all he really needed to do to honor Jesus in that moment was bask in the presence of his deity.

I have often tried to create for the Creator, when in reality he has never asked me to do so.  I have tried to offer gifts like a Modern Magi.  I eagerly spend up time and talent to "create" what should be amazing by my standards, when God was already prepared to truly create greatness with what I already had.  My $1.87 was always enough.  No, not really.  Really nothing at all was always enough for God to do something amazing through me.  Scripture teaches us that all of our world was created from nothing.  Why would he need something from me?  It is only my own pomposity that would think I have anything (even my buck eighty-seven) to bring to the table.  God gives talents, but he already knows what he wants to do with them.  I don't!

My happiness is wrapped up in pleasing God.  I was created to do nothing more.  When I'm living for God as a husband, father, pastor - whatever, I'm happy.  Why would I ever try to add my own spin to that?  It never leads to happiness.  I only arrive at frustration when I try.  My happiness can't be bought with the bartering of my talents and resources for ventures I deem right for God's glory.  My happiness, my eternal joy has already been provided in abundance through the work and activity God daily places in my life.  Yes, I'll still make long range plans.  Yes, I'll still put together a calendar of events for the ministry of the church I serve.  But I will not let these things become MY things.  I'll try to never separate myself from the knowledge of God's work in me daily.  I will never think that I must do BIG things in order to please a big God.  He isn't impressed, nor is he going to be.  He simply wants my adoration - in everything I do.

My eternal journey is about seeking God.  Every ounce of energy given to me by him, every breath he places in my lungs, everything is meant to be used seeking an ever closer walk with him.  Through that daily pursuit I will find myself not merely discovering where God wants to use me, but find that I'm already being used for his purpose.

Father, help me be silent.  Help me listen for your voice in my daily worship of your greatness.  Help me see how you are using me in my daily walk.  Guide my gaze so that I never attempt to guide it myself.  I fail when I endeavor to take control.  I ask that you never give me so much freedom that I would pull away from your presence even for a moment.  I believe, but please help my unbelief.  In Jesus' name,  Amen.

The New Old Guy

Greetings everyone brave enough to chance a perusal.  My name is Stacy Allen Hildebrand.  I'm the husband of Jennifer, the father of two daughters and a son, I'm the Family Life Minister of Southwest Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas AND I'm a follower of Christ.  That last part is the most important part.  My formal education is in music and my personal studies center around theology or as I like to clarify for others - GODology.  I want to know all I can about the Creator of our universe and any other universe which may also exist.  I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  I believe Jesus died for our sins and that His plan was to set up His church to carry out His will in this world.  I don't believe that God is found only inside church buildings, but I do believe that a faithful Christian will find himself inside a church building regularly.  I hope that this tells you enough about me for you to determine whether or not it would be worth your time to continue reading.

Still here?  Cool.

Okay.  So I just heard about this new thing that allows people all over the world to share their thoughts with others from around the world.  It's called clogging!  Wait, no.  That's not quite right.  Blogging!  That's it.  Okay so it's not so new.  But I would hate to be thought of as an "early adopter".  I mean, we saw what happened with Betamax, Laserdisc, HD-DVD and Alec Baldwin's self-imposed exile.  I'm just saying. . .

However, I guess I do have some things that I would like to share on occasion, and I suppose this is the best place to do it.  God shows us all things in our lives that are amazing.  Each of us who profess faith in Christ, while on a common journey homeward, have very unique experiences getting there.  Mine may not be the most exciting one, but hopefully there will be things that God reveals to me that will be useful to some of you as well.

So, instead of allowing all these ideas to simply collect dust in the attic of my soul, I'm going to "turn on the attic fan" as it were, shake the cobwebs loose and blow the experiences of my faith-walk out into the living room of the world below allowing everyone else to choke on the loess of my spirit from time to time.  And in return, I ask that you share your soot with me.  Sound good?

A.W. Tozer defines faith as "the gaze of a soul upon a saving God".  It shall be my intention to give you a glimpse of my "gaze" and hopefully be an encouragement to some.  I sincerely request your comments for the reciprocal purpose - to encourage me as well.

Blessings.

Stacy