Ministers Desk 28th October 2012

As October draws to an end, our Live Light in 25 words campaign also draws to an end.  I hope that during October you have been able to enjoy the blessing of participating in a daily habit of bible reading.  The Gospels make it very clear that Jesus was an active reader of the bible and that he used it to shape his character and mission.  For example, in the issue of the Sabbath he said, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those with him were hungry?” (Matthew 12:3).  In the issue of divorce and remarriage he said, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?” (Matthew 19:4).  In the issue of true worship and praise he said, "Haven’t you ever read, ‘From the mouths of babies and infants you’ve arranged praise for yourself’?” (Matthew 21:16).  In the issue of the resurrection he said, “Haven’t you ever read in the scriptures, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it’s amazing in our eyes’?” (Matthew 21:42).  And to the lawyer who queried him about eternal life he said, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?” (Luke 10:26).  Time after time Jesus used and quoted scripture to help his listeners understand the way of God’s kingdom and their involvement in the world. 

 

In the world that we live in there are many messages that seek to influence the lives that we live.  Most of these messages would seek to take us on a path that is away from that of God’s preferable plan and purpose for our living.  There is only one way that we can stand against the way of the world and stand for Christ.  That is through immersing ourselves in scripture.  Through scripture we are given a picture of who God is and what he has done, is doing and will do as he acts in creation, redemption and sanctification.  Most importantly we are given the picture of who we can become as we are aligned with God’s will in our lives. 

 

If you already have a pattern of daily bible readings I encourage you to continue to practice it.  If you don’t I encourage you to develop and maintain a pattern.  Don’t do this as a rod to beat your back with and weigh you down.  Do it as a means of grace that gives you a clearer insight into the power and presence of God. 

 

Included in the notice sheet this week is an out of date copy of a Scripture Union daily bible reading guide.  You may want to start using it, don’t worry about the dating.  You might find that the style of this guide does not appeal.  There are many other guides written in different styles.  Take a visit to Word Bookstore at 442 Enoggera Road, Alderley and check out there range of daily devotionals.  Another alternative is Journaling.  Through this you read a passage and then, using some standard questions, write your own reflection on what God is doing.  Check out our website for more information and a reading guide. www.emmanueluca.org.au/Journaling-pg23391.html