Greetings in Name Above All Names!
CHARLIE BROWN… Charlie Brown shoots an arrow from his bow and then goes and draws a circle around it. This went on for some time until Lucy, who had been watching him, finally got disgusted and went to Charlie Brown and said, “Charlie Brown, this is not target practice. Target practice is first drawing the circle and then aim your arrow to shoot it.” “I know Lucy,” Charlie Brown explained, “but this way, I’m never missing and always hitting the target.” Unfortunately, this is how many Christians treat their spiritual development. Whatever comes in is what we were aiming for.
FULLY TRAINED… For us to grow spiritually, we need a goal of becoming more like Jesus. He’s the target, and our practice involves constructive habits or disciplines that help us become more like Him. Check out what Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40 ESV) Training is not optional for a Christ Follower.
There are many spiritual disciplines or soul exercises that can help us, but I recommend you start with reading Scripture. I’ve been a Christ Follower for a number of years now but still, find this soul exercise key to my spiritual formation. Here are 3 Things You Can Do Now to make your time in Scripture a daily exercise in training for godliness:
#1 You need a daily TIME
Sounds simple, but our lives are already compacted with multiple habits that don’t include you taking the time to read Scripture. Last week we talked about systems and the need for us to schedule our priorities. You can click here to catch up. Determine a time to read Scripture that is already associated with an existing habit. For example, right after I wake up in the morning, I make myself a coffee and then dive into Scripture. I have created this life-giving routine of waking up, making a delicious cup of coffee, and reading the Word. I love it! When throughout your day would work for you?
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” -Author & Pastor John Maxwell
#2 You need a practical PLAN
God’s word tells us that God is a planner. “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord…” Trust me when I say, if you don’t have a plan, you’re planning to fail. This is not some huge complicated strategy but a practical path for what to read in Scripture.
You can Google “Reading Scripture Plans” and find hundreds of them or utilize the Bible App. I have a personal reading plan, which has me reading a chapter a day through the New Testament over the next year. It provides me a simple path for reading Scripture that is methodical. The goal of your training here is not to get through the bible but let the bible get through you. It’s not just about you reading Scripture; it’s about you letting Scripture read you. It’s about processing it. It’s about going slow enough that you allow the Holy Spirit to help you reflect on the very Scripture you’re reading. Why is that a big deal? Because ultimately, you’re going to want to apply it.
#3 You need a simple METHOD.
The plan gives you a road map for your monthly or yearly reading, while the method gives you the daily instructions on how to navigate your journey and get the most from it. I like to use the S.O.A.P. method of reading Scripture.
It’s an acronym: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. While doing this, write down your thoughts. I’m not one to journal much, but I’ve found this invaluable. Check out christplace.church/bible for more on this method and the possible plans that I recommend. You can also check out Pastor Terry Brown’s Facebook page, where he shares his personal S.O.A.P. regularly. Whatever method you use, I encourage you to keep it simple and don’t overreach trying to do too much as you begin this new exercise. I love this word of encouragement: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10)
So, your training in godliness starts with Scripture. You can do this. All you need is a TIME, a PLAN, and a METHOD. Do not doubt that the Holy Spirit will honor your effort to know His word.
I’m praying for you, and know this…You are not alone.
Rick Lorimer
Lead Pastor
Christ Place Church
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11 (NLT)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. – Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
