Comments on: Savoring Every Bite

By: Justin

Justin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:58:55 +0000

I’m always trying to explain to people that the Bible is not a book you pick up and read from beginning to end. I loved this post, because it confirms to people that we DO need to pray about the scripture we are reading. That is when God shows us His will. I always ask Him, “God show me the scriptures that will help me further your Kingdom”. It’s amazing what happens when you pray that!

By: Rusty Gates

Rusty Gates — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:37:53 +0000

I have struggled greatly throughout my short lived nineteen year journey on this earth with giving God’s Word its due place in my life. Even after growing to be somewhat of a spiritual leader to those around me, I struggle deeply with taking the time to look at the map before I trek off on His mission.Recently I was confronted with the extent of my weakness. When I honestly took the time to look at my spiritual walk, I found despite my over-ambitious intentions, I was doing very little practically to find God’s will for my everyday life.I am finally seeing a glimpse of the power of the Word of God. There is so much to learn…Thanks for the Post

By: Neva Cooper

Neva Cooper — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:33:09 +0000

Jim,
A very godly Christian sister taught me how to "pray" the scriptures. It was a powerful experience and I found the more I desired to "savor" the Word, the more I craved it and the more it consumed my thoughts. It was and is a great way to meditate and pray.
PeaceNeva

By: Carl Holmes

Carl Holmes — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:06:37 +0000

Sounds quite a bit like lectio divina to me. I have been learning quite a lot about this, and I have been challenged to slow down, sit down and sometimes shut up so the scripture can speak to me.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:05:16 +0000

Michelle,I like what you are said about reading between the lines. Very good.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:04:14 +0000

Connie,Thanks. You are right–this is our challenge.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:15:52 +0000

Hi Dusty,I share your fear and have to deal with that as well in my own life. I have also reacted to those who wanted to completely dismiss context, intent, setting, etc. What I am seeing now is that one doesn’t have to sacrifice one for the other.Thanks Dusty.

By: Dusty

Dusty — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:01:17 +0000

Jim, thanks for this post. I am just now learning to pray in this way. There is a certain freedom in this approach. One of the negative results of some good training in biblical study has been my fear of misapplying a text. I’d become so robotic in my approach to the Word that the relationship aspect was gone. This method, and others like it have given me the freedom to walk with my Lover in new ways.

By: Michelle Van Loon

Michelle Van Loon — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:35:55 +0000

I once heard a teacher say that when it comes to savoring Scripture, it’s OK to "read between the lines". He didn’t mean to invent stuff and make connections that aren’t there. What he was saying was that if we slow down and read meditatively and devotionally, going beyond a surface skim in order to check off a box in our daily "quiet time" routine, we will discover the Author between the lines of our text.
This has been a big help and a continual challenge to me, as I’m typically a speedy-fast reader. But this isn’t about reading. It’s about encountering God.

By: ConnieLard

ConnieLard — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:08:00 +0000

We are all gifted with different abilities and called to different stations in life. But, whatever our gifts and abilities, each of us can take time to savor scripture and ponder its meaning in our individual lives. The challenge in our day and time is to take the time to slow down and do it. Thanks for the reminder. Good way to start the week.