July 3, 2017
Tell Me Another Story
Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word (Psalm 119:16, NIV).
Friend to Friend
When my son Ethan was in kindergarten, I remember how much he loved reading his Bible. He would come into my room in the morning asking, “Mommy, can you read me a story from the Bible?” His Bible was written like a children’s storybook with colorful illustrations and animated characters. Whether the story was “David and Goliath” or “Jesus Feeds Thousands,” his attention was fixed sharply on each page. After one story ended, he asked for another - then another.
I sometimes wish I had this same kind of hunger and enthusiasm when I approach my Bible. I’d like to read it with fresh eyes. Instead of knowing how things turn out, what if I read a story about Jesus and wondered, “What is going to happen? Is Jesus really going to walk on water? How did He do that?”
If we’re not careful, Bible study can become a chore, something to check off a “to-do” list and nothing more. Anyone can become numb to the miraculous stories and truths found in God’s Word. After sharing a parable, Jesus says to his closest followers, “Are you so dull?” (Mark 7:18). Even the disciples who walked with Jesus experienced times of spiritual dullness.
Reading the Bible is a fundamental component to living your best life, yet it’s easy to forget the joy – the life – that’s found in studying God’s Word. So how do put the fun back into the fundamentals of Bible study?
Pray First. Before you begin reading, take a moment to pray. Ask God to help you comprehend and apply what you read, that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people” (Ephesians 1:18).
Personalize It. When you read an Old Testament story, put yourself in the picture. What if you were thrown inside the lion’s den instead of Daniel? How would you feel when the morning came and you were still alive? You can also insert your name into a passage like, “[Sheila] be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Put it into practice. If you love to play basketball, it’s enjoyable to watch a game on television but not nearly as fun as suiting up and playing yourself. Likewise, you can sit on the sidelines, observing the truths found in the Bible. But until you put what you read into practice, you’re not fully realizing the positive power of God’s Word in your life. Take a passage of Scripture and ask God how to apply it to your life.
In the same way my kindergartener used to say, “Tell me another story,” you can approach the Bible with curiosity. We are to delight in God’s decrees, so put a smile on your face. Keep turning the pages. There are more wondrous stories, both old and new, waiting for you inside.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, how I love the Bible. May I always approach Your Word with joy and interest. Thank You for the promises, lessons, and truths found from Genesis to Revelation. Help me understand and apply Your Word to my life today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
When you read a familiar Bible passage today, pause. Pretend like it’s the first time you’re reading it. What would you think about what was happening or what was being said?
More from the Girlfriends
If you or someone you know is bored in marriage and needs to see the relationship with fresh, wonder-filled eyes again, Arlene’s book, 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife offers practical help to get unstuck.
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