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Did Jesus really hate religion?

Did Jesus really hate religion?  I guess it all depends on what you mean by your definition of "religion".  In the last week, a youtube video uploaded by Jefferson Bethke has gone viral.  Viral....as in 13 million views... in one week!  Ah...the power of social media.  In case you've been living under a rock and haven't seen this yet...watch this first.

 

 

 

Jefferson's video immediately grew huge praise....and criticism.  It drew praise from many who understood "religion" one way....and curses from those who understood it a different way.  His words were definitely misinterpreted by many.   However, he could have chosen better verbiage throughout this poem to truly communicate how he feels about true faith.  

The first time I watched it..I understood what he was talking about.  Jefferson is bashing the religion that promotes self righteousness, works salvation and takes the place of knowing God intimately.  We've all been there and done that.  I understood it from the angle of Jesus' trashing the Pharisees religiosity of His day.  Need a reminder of that?  Read this - 

Matthew 23:1-34

There is no doubt in my mind that the "religion" of the pharisees is what Jesus wants done away with!  The problem is that most people associate the word "religion" with  prayer, bible study and going to church.  So when somebody hears "Jesus came to abolish religion!"...they freak out.   Jesus doesn't want me to read my bible? Jesus doesn't want me to go to church?  Jesus doesn't want me to pray?  No..no...no!   It's impossible to celebrate our faith without observing the "religious" practices that Jesus himself instituted.  Jesus prayed.  Jesus knew the scripture.  Jesus taught and worshipped in the synagouge.  Jesus was religous.  However...you never see Jesus insert what he does "for" God the Father with his relationship "with" God the Father.  

That's the problem I have with religion. It's when people think they are ok...based upon what they do for God.  Our religious practices (prayer, bible reading, church attendance, feeding the poor, taking care of orphans & widows etc.) propel us forward in our relationship with God.  However...they are never a substitute.   Salavation is based upon the Grace of God alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross!

Does Jesus hate religion?  It all depends on how you define it.

God in a Box: "Why you really don't have a "Biblical Worldview".

    Everybody lives within the confines of their own reality.  This reality, and what we make it appear to be, is influenced by who we have become.   This reality is how we view and see the world.  Some may call it a "worldview". The problem is that our worldview muddies the water of how we see everything.  You can not explain something or be passionate about anything without looking at it from your worldview or perspective.  It is your reality. With this worldview we have put God in a Box.  We don't expect God to be anything different that what we expect. The question becomes...do I have an accurate worldview?

    Your worldview has been shaped by the things that have happened to you and by the people around you.  It definitley has been shaped and has been molded from what you percieve to be true.   There is a reason an Al Qaeda terrorist flies a plane into a building or blows himself up on a crowded bus or street.  He believes that by doing this act he will enter "paradise" and inherit 70 virgins.  He believes a story that somebody down the line told him was true.  I'm sure growing up he heard how evil America was.  He may have even witnessed first hand occupation or "terroristic acts" from America.  These people and events have shaped him.  Maybe 10 years ago when the war began his family were victims of the shock and awe campaign waged against Saddam Hussein.  Whatever the situation, he believes that he is right.  He is just.  He believes that he is the good guy.  He lives in the confines of his own reality. 

    Many Christians today claim to have a "Biblical Worldview".  But is that really possible?  I mean..yes we strive to live the Bible and see the world through the filter of Scripture.  I totally agree with that!  However, it is hard though to see the Bible without your own biases getting in the way.  

    For years, the Bible was used to defend and promote slavery.  Slave owners pointed to the New Testament and Paul's letter to Philemon.  For years, the Bible has been used to mistreat women and treat them as second class citizens.  The Bible has been used to justify war and excuse the slaughter of multitudes.  Don't believe me?  Do a google search or check the history of Christopher Columbus and also the Crusades.  These people would have also claimed a "biblical worldview".  But obviously, God is not for slavery; the mistreatment of women; and the slaying of the masses for failure to convert to Christianity. 

    Did you know that for awhile I thought that America was God's only hope for the world?  It was almost as if I believed that if you were any other Christian living in another country that you weren't as good or special.  I believed that America was the next best thing to living in heaven because this was God's paradise.  No, I'm not saying that I don't love America and that I'm not patriotic.  But, where faith and patriotism intersect in my journey is far different than it used to be.  I had to ask myself, am I a Christian that happens to be an American or an American that happens to be a Christian.  I had to ask questions outside of what I percieved was truth and reality.  What does it mean to be a Christian and have all the "expectations stripped away".  What does naked truth and faith look like?

    How much of what we percieve to be true in applying our faith really isn't?  There is absolute truth.  We just get in the way of seeing it for what it really is. Down the road, what is something, that we hold dear to, that others will compare to the "slavery" example?   What parts were never meant to be true but we have made them to be? 

    You can claim to be fundamental.  You can claim to be liberal.  You can claim to be progressive.  All of these groups would claim a "Biblical Worldview" and believe that they were/are right.  But really, nobody can have an untainted "Biblical Worldview".  Their Biblical worldview is really a "Personal Biblical Worldview".  It's how they see the story of the Bible in thier lives and culture.  They live within the confines of their own reality.  We would need the Bible to speak for itself...instead of us speaking into it.  Get God out of the box you have him in.

 

Holiness: Do or Do Not (part 2)

Continuation from this previous post (click here)

Holiness is a life of freedom of exploring God and imitating Him. I will never measure up...but that's ok. The journey is the best part.  So what does a life of holiness look like? 

I believe that a life of holiness has it's sole focus on becoming more like Jesus.  When we focus on becoming more like Jesus...the things of the world will grow "strangely dim".  When we put our focus on "not becoming like the world"....I believe Jesus becomes "strangely dim".  Let's stop focusing on what we should not do....and focus on what we should do.

For example. When I was younger, I wanted to be just like my Dad.   My Dad is an amazing man.  I'm 34 years old now, but I still want to be like him.  He is the most kind, generous, loving individual I know.  What if instead of imitating my Dad....I instead focused on not being like the other Dad's in town?  Does that make any sense?  What if wanted to paint a portrait of my Dad?  Would it make sense to look at all the other Dad's in town and see how different they were from my Dad?  No, right?  The same way...stop looking at the world to find what to avoid.  Focus on Jesus and be Holy!  

To be holy is to be set apart.  It is to be different.  God is high above everything and everyone.  Nobody can compare!  Be holy in your Love as He is.  Be holy in Compassion as He is.  Be holy in Patience as He is.  Be holy in Forgiveness as He is.  Be holy in your Mercy as He is.  Be holy in your Faithfulness as He is.  Whatever you see God do or be.....Be holy as He is Holy!  When we look to God we see the ultimate example of holiness.  When we have this attitude it will be clear the things we should do.  

Let holiness be true and present in all of us.  Let us be different from the world in every way!  The world is unloving, uncompassionate, impatient, unforgiving, unmerciful, unfaithful!  Be set apart!  Be different!  Imitate your Father in Heaven and be holy. Don't say "I won't do that because that's what the world does."  Do say "I will do this because this is who my Father is!"

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1) NLT

Holiness: Do or Do not?

The command is clear.  God expects us to be like Him.  He expects us to be holy.  Here are two examples from Scripture.  

“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2 (NIV)

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

But what exactly does this mean?  How can I be holy?  God's Holiness is the very thing that separates Him from......well everything.  This command is quite the tall task.  It's one that I believe has been interpreted in the negative all too often.  However...it's not a negative command at all.  

I often hear people speak of holiness as a list of rules that must avoided.  Don't go to movies.  Don't smoke.  Don't drink alchohol.  Don't dress that way.  Don't curse.  Don't watch TV.  Don't listen to that kind of music.  Don't use new technology. etc.  The list can go on and on.  This kind of "holiness" is a life that has it's focus on what you do not do.  It's exactly what the Pharisees did in Jesus day.  

A life of holiness does separate from those things that are not like God.  However, for many, though the journey of holiness, has become a satisfying life of self righteousness.  It may be very easy to define one as a "Good Christian" by what one does not do.  Is this the kind of life that God wants us to live? Does God want us to be known by what we avoid?  Does God want us to be known by our rules?  Don't get me wrong...there is plenty of things we should not do.  But are these don't's keeping us from a life of saying yes to the do's?

I speak from experience.  I lived a life of legalism.  I thought that by keeping a certain list of do's and dont's....I was ok.  I was a "person who pleased God".    Well....that only goes so far.  What naturally happens is that the list continues to gets bigger.  You add more rules to the list.  Your list may have included even some of your preferences.  You know....those things that are not etched in stone...but are the way you think it should be.  Then your preferences turn into "truth" for everybody.  You don't watch PG movies....so nobody else should either.  You prefer classical music and hymns so you then think that everybody else should as well.  And if anybody dares disagree with your list....then they are not holy.  Hmmmmm, does this sound familiar?   Is that what God said?  Be holy so everybody else can be holy like you?  That was me.  Is that you?

Holiness is a life of freedom of exploring God and imitating Him. I will never measure up...but that's ok. The journey is the best part.  So what does a life of holiness look like? (to be continued)

 

Are you smoking what you are selling?

Say what?  Yes I just said that.  This is probably the only time that dealing   drugs; can be used as a positive example for illustrative purposes. Maybe you've heard it said this way. "Practice what you preach!"   Jesus called the people who didn't live this kind of life "hypocrites".  The english word hypocrite is the greek word ὑποκρίτης.  It literally means to act.  Or it has the connotation to "wear a mask".  It is somebody who is not true to the message that they are proclaiming.  Here is something important to note here.  We've all been hypocrites.  We've all known a hypocrite.  We have all decided, at one time or another, to not be who we were meant to be.  We have all worn a mask hiding who we truly are inside. 

We could use many different examples here for hypocrisy.  The one example I want to focus on is how we treat the Gospel.  The Gospel is literally Good News.  It's the Good News about what God is doing in the universe through Jesus Christ.  It is the Good News that God has not given up on the world. As a follower of Christ my life should be overflowing with Good News.  Why is it then so many Christians are known for bad news?  Just the name "christian" has so many bad memories for so many people.  I would like to submit to you that when my life hides the Good News I am a hypocrite.  

When I love, forgive, care and sacrifice, I am telling the world that there is hope.  I am showing that there is Good News.  When I hate, hold grudges, neglect others and consume myself with me....I am proclaiming bad news.  When I treat others as Jesus would treat them....I proclaim to the world Good News!

There are two choices.  I can choose to add to the brokenness of the world or I can choose to join God in putting it back together.  I am a hypocrite when I claim to be a person of Good News but constantly proclaim Bad News.

Are you smoking what you are selling?

Deeper Devotions......how do you recapture the fire?

I've been very frustrated with my devotions lately (or lack thereof).  I have grown very lazy and apathetic towards my Bible reading.  You know what I mean, right?  You've been there before, no?  You read your "passage" for the day.....and thats about it.  You forget everything you read in mere moments.  (more on this in a few moments)

This past weekend I had the privilige of attending the Blossom Conference for Church Planters and wives.  What an awesome time.  It was a great time to connect with my wife and get refreshed and renewed.  The speaker was Bob Roberts, Jr. who is the Pastor of Northwood Church in Texas.  He is an amazing speaker.  

Anyway.....there was a small time of Q&A with Bob.  So I asked him the question that always bothers me.  I asked, "How do you handle discouragement?".   His response was quite simple...."I journal".   He even said... "I can't imagine not journaling anymore".  He said that journaling allowed him to take a deeper look at his life and be honest before God.  

So...the main thing I took away from the conference was that I needed to journal.  Not a diary....but a journal.  A more indepth look at my life through the eyes of scripture.  A time where I can read the Bible and take the time to apply it to my life more intentionally.  

So I started tonight.  I am reading in Galatians and started to write some basic questions.  Not sure if this will help you....but it helped me already tonight. Here is the outline that I wrote down in summary.

1.  What passage did I read?

2.  What is the basic summary (in a couple of sentences)

3.  What verse was I going to ponder on? 

4.  What is God showing me through this passage?

5.  What am I going to pray as a result of reading this? (a short prayer written out as the thoughts come to my head...I just write it out)

6.  What actions steps are needed as a result of reading this?

I'm curious as to who journals out there?  Anybody?  What is the best way for you to keep the fire in your time with God?  Any other suggestions?  There are a lot of great notebooks out there.  I just downloaded the "Moleskin" app for my iPad to help me.  I love it.

Can't wait for tomorrow.......

Making it rain.....

It's rainy season in Southwest Florida.  The time of year where you can guarantee a late afternoon thunderstorm everyday.  It usually only rains for an hour or so...and then the sun comes back out.  It is truly refreshing after the dry season.

For months and months we see no rain.  It's dry.  Really dry.  Brush fires rage and the dry grass crunches under your feet.  The grass doesn't grow and you must keep your sprinklers on to keep from having your grass go brown.  

It reminded me of the seasons that we go through spiritually.  We all go through them.  It would be great to constantly stay in a state of joy.  But in this sin ridden world that is not possible.  Our lives can be vibrant and full of energy....or cold, dry and stale.  I've had times where I felt incredibly close with God...and then other times where I have felt so distant.  When you are in the middle of a dry part of your life...you begin to wonder if it will ever end.   You wonder if God will ever use you again.  You grown extremely apathetic towards anything spiritual.  You simply just go through the motions.

But then the rain comes.  A time of refreshment and renewal.  A time of encouragment and passion.  A time where you feel so alive!  

Here is my question for you.  How do we make it rain?  Or do we just wait for it to happen?  Does repentance bring the rain?   Does a more committed time with God bring the rain? Does a focus on God rather than my circumstances bring the rain?  Or do we have no bearing on when it rains?   What brings the dry season? 

 

Which Jesus do you follow? Baby Jesus? Bearded Jesus? Teenage Jesus?

Watch this first.....

 

One of my favorite songs is "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew.  A phenomenal song which will make you examine how you view Jesus.   Todd begins the song with a very important question.  He says, "Which Jesus do you follow?".  

Now you may ask....Dan isn't there only one Jesus?  Yes, you are correct.  There is only one.  However, isn't it amazing how many people interpret Jesus differently?  

Some people have such a wrong perception of Jesus that it warps there entire view of life and faith.  For many, Jesus is a "white, middle class, Republican who opposes Obamacare".  To others...."Jesus is a liberal who will do anything to advance the agenda of the political left."  

For many, Jesus is a poster child for welfare, health, wealth and happiness.  For others Jesus was just a good teacher...but not God.  

Jesus is also used as an expletive when somebody needs to be blamed.  To others...Jesus is just a good luck charm when then need something to go their way.  There is no better way to illustrate in a "comedic" but sad way... how this happens.  Watch this. :)

 

So let me ask you....which Jesus do you follow?  How has your political, socio-economic, denominational, childhood, views have impacted on how you view Jesus?

I know what you are saying right now.  "Dan, I get my view of Jesus from the Bible."  

Awesome.  But do you really?  How can so many people say that and be wrong?  How can you read the Bible with an unbiased view?  We are so sinful, that we must be very, very, very careful, that we are not reading things into the text that are just not there.  If you are not careful...you can leave your Bible reading with a warped view of Jesus and life.

I think Todd Agnew is right.  If Jesus were physically walking the earth today we would not be impressed.  Jesus would probably not be welcome in most of our churches.  We would not want to b

e around the people that He would around.  We probably wouldn't even darken the door of some places Jesus would hang out. We would not be impressed because the images and views of Jesus, are so warped by our worldview, that it's hard to see it clearly.  I'm sure that some would even debate Jesus on doctrine.  Guarantee it.  So sad....but so true.  Heaven is going to be so awesome.  Can't wait to see the real Jesus. :)

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2-3

Think on this.  Which Jesus do you follow?  

Big Ben and the value of your name

Big Ben will go down as a Hall of Fame Quarterback in the NFL.  He is a very talented player and plays for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.  I should know...I lived in Western Pennsylvania for about 5 years.  The Steelers breathe life into the Steel City and the entire region.  Big Ben came into the league and had instantaneous success.  It didn't take Pittsburgh fans long to fall in love with Ben.

One of the things, that became apparent in Ben's life and to the world, was his faith.  Big Ben is a Christian.  Ben even sought to have the following initials on his cleats, "PFJ".  PFJ stands for "Play for Jesus".  A likable guy?  Yes.  Talented? Oh yeah! Role model?...yep.  So what's the problem?  

Ben made poor choices.  One who gives God glory on the field and in the locker room is also expected to do the same in private. If you are going to talk the talk...you have to walk the walk.  About a year ago, Big Ben was accused of sexually assaulting not one...but two women.  I won't go into the details.  It's bad enough.  Big Ben was not charged with any crimes but his reputation was tarnished.  

Now, you may be saying...Dan, isn't this post just a tad late?  This is old news. Yes, yes it is. However, Ben is making headlines again today in
announcing his upcoming marriage.  He also has announced that he won't be living with his fiance until they are married this June.

This has raised many questions.  Why would Ben, live such a carefree lifestyle, having sex with multiple women...to now want to live to a higher standard?  Because he is human.  He screwed up.  He has asked for forgiveness and has been granted grace and fresh start.  A very smart move.  I understand it.  I get it.  The rest of the world doesn't.  Every choice you make matters.  The bad ones and even the good ones.

We should not hold his sins against him since God has forgiven him.  However, the one thing that we can't get off our mind is his name.  Ben's nights of passion will be remembered as his biggest folly.  He'll be remembered by many as the guy who said he wanted to live like Jesus but really lived like Hugh Hefner.  

Your name is valuable.  Don't believe me?  What images or thoughts come to your mind when you read these names.

Tiger Woods.

Albert Einstein.

Barry Bonds.

Charlie Sheen.

Billy Graham.

Mother Theresa.

Dan Sardinas.

Your name.

Just hearing a person's name can paint a picture.  It paints a picture of what people remember the most.  Unfortunately that's the way it is.  Some people will remember Ben the Super Bowl Champion.  Some will remember the Ben the guy who couldn't keep his pants on.

What does the bible say about protecting your name?

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." - Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

"A good name is better than fine perfume..." Ecclesiastes 7:1

What if you are thinking right now..."Ok..Dan.  I've blown it.  I've really screwed up.  My name is tarnished.  What now?"

There is good news.  Even though the consequences of sin does not go away....there is still hope.  There is peace.  There is forgiveness.  There is grace.  There is renewal.  The gospel doesn't let us go back in time...but it does give us freedom to not be weighed down from the guilt of our past.  There is grace available.  The gospel gives us all a brand new fresh start.  Thank God for good news.

What's your legacy? What do people think of when they hear your name?  What are you doing to protect your name?  Do you need forgiveness?  A fresh start? 

Ben got a fresh start.  His name will be ruined in the eyes of many people.  But he now stands forgiven and set free in the eyes of God.  How about you?

Do you really want Hell to be real? Seriously?

Hell must be something that we 100% believe to be true.  It also needs to be something that we wish 1000% were not true.  To fully believe in a place called Hell is a sobering reality.  So sobering, that if we really did grasp the full realities of it, would make us shake at the very word.  

What makes Hell, Hell?  Is it the fiery flames?  Is it the eternal darkness?  Is it the gnashing of teeth?  Nope.  None of this.....  What we fail to realize is that Hell is the absence of God's presence.  You and I have absolutely no idea what it feels like to be apart from God's presence.  You have never been apart from God.  God is everywhere.   However, God is not in Hell.  I believe that Jesus experienced Hell for us on the cross.  Jesus cried out, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?".   God the Father "turned his back" on his only Son.  God the Father was pouring out his wrath on Jesus for our sins.  For a moment in time....Jesus felt what you and I have never endured.  Hell.  He was separated from God's presence.  Word's can't describe what we have never experienced.  

Over the last few weeks, so many have been consumed by this topic because of Rob Bell's new book "Love Wins".  I have read blogs, tweets from both sides.  I have even weighed in on this blog over the matter.  This is what I gathered from the conversation. Some of those who were blasting Rob and his book, because of the denial of a literal Hell, seemed to want to be more right than wrong.  It would seem to me...that those who believe in Hell would want to be wrong!  If they fully understood Hell...not only would they warn everybody they meet (not very many do)...but they also would very much like to be wrong.  Who would want Hell to be real?  Who would wish Hell on anybody?  If you are truly a follower of Jesus, this would not be true of you!  

It would seem to me...that some would love to come up to Rob in heaven and tell him to his face that he was wrong!!! Ha Ha..nanny, nanny, poo poo.  (With a childish grin and tounge sticking out).  

To want your theological system to win over the eternal punishment of billions of people is a sin!  I stand firm where I believe.  I know what I believe.  I proclaim what I believe.  However, how faithful would I be to God if I wanted "my" beliefs to win out?  Should not love, grace, peace, forgiveness, righteousness, justice, holiness win out?

I think for many....it's going to a very surprising moment in heaven when they realize how many doctrines they had wrong.  I for one...would rejoice in my wrongness over Hell.  So should you. May God give us wisdom, and the grace to realize, that HE is bigger than our doctrine.  

I am Jonah: What distracts you from the things that really matter?

I just finished preaching through the book of Jonah at The Way Church of Cape Coral.  I love the book of Jonah.  It's a book that's often overlooked as a "children's story".  However, that couldn't be further from the truth.   Jonah is a story of God's grace, mercy and restoration.  It's a story of a preacher who was given a second chance.  Jonah tells an entire enemy city, of the God of second chances.  It's a remarkable story.  If the story had ended in chapter 3, we would have thought it would have been a nice ending.  But it doesn't end there.

Chapter 4 shows us the true heart of Jonah.  We see the real reason he ran from God and fled to Tarshish.  He hated Ninevah.  Jonah was....well... pretty prejudiced.  The thought of God saving these wicked people did not sit well with Jonah.  How dare God extend love, grace, and forgiveness to his enemies.   The very though made Jonah wish he were dead!  Jonah even perched himself a safe distance outside the city walls to watch the city burn!  A little dramatic?  Yep.

The part of Jonah chapter 4 that truly convicted me was the object lesson that God gave Jonah.  God wanted Jonah to see exactly how ridiculous he was.  Jonah was truly miserable under the oppressive heat.  So God made a plant/vine to grow to give Jonah shade.  This made Jonah very happy.  

God does something brilliant.  Jonah 4:7-9 says: 

"But before sunrise the next day, God sent a worm. It chewed the vine so much that it dried up. When the sun rose, God sent a burning east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah's head. It made him very weak. He wanted to die. So he said, "I'd rather die than live." But God said to Jonah, "Do you have any right to be angry about what happened to the vine? I do," he said. "In fact, I'm angry enough to die."

Jonah the "prophet" of God was so distracted by his comfort that he loses the importance of people.  He was given Grace and refused to allow others to receive the same Grace he had received.  Now he sank so low that he cares more about a plant/vine that he does for real people.  He is angry about a vine dying....when he wanted 120,000 people to die.  Wow.  What truly matters?

What did God say? Jonah 4:10-11

"But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine. But you did not  
take care of it. You did not make it grow. It grew up in one night and died the next. Nineveh has more than 120,000 people. They can't tell right from wrong. Nineveh also has a lot of cattle. So shouldn't I show concern for that great city?"

The question for me, then becomes....what has me so distracted that I miss the lostness of the world?  Jonah was distracted by the comfort of the plant that brought him shade.  What do I care more about than showing people Jesus?  For me the answer is easy.   I am distracted by technology.  I live for the latest Apple product.  I read the rumors, blogs everyday to see what's coming out next.  What truly matters?

If I had to choose tomorrow to give up my iPhone over reaching one person...what would my answer be?  In so many ways "I AM JONAH".  How about you?

It Happens.......

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

The Word of God is alive.  How awesome is that?  The very words spoken by the Creator of the Universe are available to the world today.  Many of us, have several copies in our home and in different translations.   I can access God's Word not only from the hard copies that I have at home....but also digitally.   I can access it from my iPhone, iPad, & MacBook (yes I know I am an Apple fanboy).  I can hear it on my radio in my car or I can hear it on T.V.  (although most TV preachers make me want to barf).

God's Word is everywhere.  How many Christians take it for granted?  With the Bible so readily available, how hungry do I get to read it?  How much do I long for it?  Can I go a day without it?  Is the bible just another book?  Have I grown apathetic with it?  May I burn with passion for God's word, as my dear brothers & sisters around the world in underground churches.  May I hunger, as the believers, whose only scripture to read is the scripture that they have memorized. They have no Bible because it is illegal.  

When I read it does it move me?  Acorrding to this verse in Hebrews the Bible reads us more than we read it.  It is searching deep within us and bringing our spirit in tune with His Spirit.  It is digging deep within my soul and it is my greatest judge.  It knows me.  It searches me.  When I read it do I see myself in the stories?  This, in my opinion, is the best way to read God's Word.

The greatest truth for us to know in the Bible.....is not that "it happened" but that "it happens".  I need to see myself as Adam & Eve when they sinned.  That happens to me everyday.  I need to see myself as a young shepherd boy whose faith was enough to bring down a giant. I lack faith everyday.  I need to see myself as Joseph and his brothers.  Unforgiveness, Pain, Rejection....it happens. I need to insert myself in the story ofthe prophet who ran away from God and got swallowed by a big fish.  I have issues.  Apathy, doubt, indifference to suffering......it happens.  I need to see myself as the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch.  God believes in me when no one else does.  It happens.  I need to see myself as the thief who hung on the cross.....it happens.  I can go on and on.  I hope you see my point.

It is not enough to know the characters, events and stories of the Bible.  What is a wealth of Bible knowledge going to do for you?  Read the message.  Heed the message.  Don't read the bible for knowledge.  It is not a textbook.  Read it for what it is....the Living, Breathing, Inspired, Flawless, Soul Searching, Poetic message from the God who loves me.  Make it happen.