Scripture Reading: Acts 13:1-5

Key Verse: Acts 13:2

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

In our scripture for today we read of the church in Antioch.  This community was located in Syria and was the first place recorded that the followers of Jesus were called Christians.  These believers were obviously making great impact on the community for God’s kingdom.  What were they doing that the people in that community started the nickname, Christians, for them?  Most of us want our church to make such an impact on our own communities.  We are not told many details but there are a few key factors.

          First, this group of believers was a worshipping group of people.  They took serious the many commands from God to worship Him, such as Psalms 96:9 – “Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness…” and Psalms 100:2 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”  We can still make a powerful impact on our communities but we still must follow the Bible’s instructions to be a worshipping people.

          The second factor in the Antioch church was that they were a fasting group of believers!  The Holy Spirit stepped into their worship time and gave them direction while they were fasting.  These early believers practiced fasting because of the Lord’s instructions and because of its effect on their lives!  The Holy Spirit directed them to send out an evangelistic team to start more churches.  (Continued)

Father, I want my church and my own life to have great impact for you on those around me.  I will be a worshipping and fasting believer.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:1-7

Key Verse: Isaiah 58:3

‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.

In our scripture for today, God is correcting and rebuking His people for their fasting habits.  The problem was their lifestyle was far from what God had taught them.  They were living daily lives that looked like the pagans, yet still going through the motions of their Jewish faith.  The later part of our printed key verse summarizes this section of scripture:  “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please…”

          The bottom line of the lesson today is simple: No amount of spiritual exercise or discipline covers up poor behavior in our daily lives.  God is never impressed with our fasting, prayer, or Bible study if our lives still look like the pagans who have no God.

          In Isaiah’s day, God’s people were fasting yet still getting into quarrels and strife—even fist fights!  What is going on in your day?  Are there constant quarrels and strife in your home?  If so, fasting can’t be used to somehow “balance the books” with God.  It might be a good thing to fast, seeking God’s wisdom and power to end the quarreling and strife.

          Once again, we must remind ourselves that fasting or any other spiritual discipline is not an end in itself.  They are to take us to higher levels of godly living!

Father, I want my life to look like you more and more.  I will fast in order to gain more of you!  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 6:16-18

Key Verse: Matthew 6:16

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

In these next few days we are going to study the biblical instructions on fasting.  For those who followed Christ in the New Testament days, it was a common and expected spiritual discipline.  As Jesus taught them, He used the word when, not if.  Jesus Himself practiced the discipline of fasting.  Anyone who wants to be an authentic Christ follower must include this discipline in their lives.

          As we study fasting we will see that it has many forms.  Throughout the Old and New Testaments we will see that God’s people fasted for various reasons and in various ways.  In other words, we all should include a method of fasting in our lives, but we should never get legalistic about a particular method of fasting.

          In our scripture for today Jesus is giving us the first principle of fasting in our study: Never do it for show!  The leaders of Judaism had turned fasting into a symbol of how great they were in the hierarchy of the Jewish faith.  These leaders would powder their faces in order to look pale with hunger, wanting everyone to notice them in the midst of a fast.  Jesus told His followers to fast in secret and then their heavenly Father would reward them.  Our fasting, in whatever form it may take, is to be between us and our Father in heaven.

Father, I desire an intimate relationship with you!  I want to be used of you to build your kingdom.  I’ll fast to align myself with your will!  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 112:1-7

Key Verse: Psalm 112:1

Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.

Today’s devotional certainly speaks to all of us for we all want to live a blessed life.  Our printed key verse says that we all will be blessed in this life by doing two things: fearing the Lord and delighting in God’s words.  Fearing the Lord is a balance of being terrified at the thought of dishonoring Him and trusting the amazing love He has for us.  Extremes on either end cause legalism or a sinful lifestyle.  Don’t lose sight of Jesus’ words that we should fear the One who holds both body and soul (Matthew 10:28).  Balance that with the mighty love that caused him to send His Son to die for us that we might live eternally with Him (John 3:16).

          The second aspect of our key verse today is to delight in God’s commands.  Develop a strong appetite for the reading of God’s Word.  It takes daily effort but that love for the Bible will come to those who are determined to be blessed by God by delighting in His words.

          We can delight in something that we know is absolutely true—which God’s Word is!  We can delight in something that we know will correct the weaknesses in our life—which God’s Word will do!  We can delight in something that we know will increase our joy for living and bring purpose to each day—which God’s Word accomplishes if we read and apply it diligently!

Father, I fall before you in fear and reverence.  I will delight in your commands, as light to my path.  I will be a blessed person.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 119:41-47

Key Verse: Psalm 119:48

I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

Let’s think more about this idea of reflection; or meditation.  When is the last time you slowed down enough to reflect on how your journey with Christ is really going?  Several benefits come from meditation.  First, it allows our reverence for God to grow when we reflect on all His works and mighty deeds, according to Psalm 77:12.  Secondly, when we take time to reflect, we will consider more than our own thoughts and ways by considering God’s ways (Psalm 119:5).  Third, our worship goes to higher levels when we reflect on the glorious splendor of His majesty (Psalm 145:5).

          Life, in our society, has a way of running out of control.  Modern times have provided many wonderful opportunities and options for us and our children.  Unfortunately, these options can so distract us that we never slow down to reflect on our spiritual journey.  Christ followers who are determined to make time for spiritual disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, can still feel too rushed to truly reflect on the Word as it is being applied to their lives.

          My challenge to us all is: learn to allow time to reflect on your reading of God’s Word.  What should we be thinking about?  We should reflect on the last few days of our lives to make sure we are living out the truths we are reading.  A once a week review would be good for our souls.

Father, you have provided truths for my life that I might live out your abundant life.  Remind me to reflect on my progress in living it.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 119:41-47

Key Verse: Psalm 119:48

I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

The third word in the definition of “study” that is key to understanding the Bible is “reflection.”  Someone who studies reflects on the subject, allowing what they have read and investigated to sink into their mind.  The writer of Psalms calls this practice: meditation.  Meditation needs to be a part of every Christ follower’s spiritual disciplines.  Don’t allow the mystics and Eastern religions to steal this biblical practice of meditation from you.         

          The simplest definition of meditation is to quiet yourself and reflect on the truths of God’s Word.  We’ve been talking about reading the Bible as a daily practice.  We’ve talked about the fact that there will need to be investigation on difficult scriptures that we’ve come across in our reading.  However, it must not stop at this point of understanding God’s Word.  We must move on to applying God’s Word to our daily lifestyle!  This is where reflection can help us.

          To reflect on what you read includes asking yourself if you are living out the truths you are reading.  Reflect on your daily habits.  Are they Christ like?  Reflect on your entertainment choices.  Would you be ok for Jesus to literally join you in those entertainments?  Reflect on your conversations.  Are your words kind and loving?  (Continued)

Father, I want to become more and more like you.  Help me to apply the Bible to my daily life.  Point out weak areas.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture:  2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative.  No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

Intro:  A great definition of “study”:  Application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge by reading, investigating and reflection.

A.  God wants us to exercise our       study        muscles in order to mature in our walk with Him.

Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge

2 Peter 1:8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

B.  The question for today is:     How       should I study the Bible?

I.         READ        THE BIBLE.

A.  Read a translation that uses our       modern day        language.

B.  Read       small        portions.

C.  Develop a reading      plan        .

1.  Start by reading the Gospel of John.

2.  Read through the Epistles of Paul: Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians

3.  Finish the New Testament.

4.  Use Psalms as devotional reading.

5.  Read the life stories of Old Testament men and women.

II.  INVESTIGATE YOUR         QUESTIONS         .

A.  As you read, you will come to       verses       you don’t understand.

B.  How to investigate:

1.  Ask God for       wisdom       as you look for the answers.

2.  Use free        tools         on your computer.

3.  Email pastorben ‘at’ thenaz.org if you can’t find your answers in the above free resources.

4.  Buy a       bible          commentary.

III.       REFLECT          ON YOUR STUDY.

A.  After reading and investigating, we cannot be satisfied until we reflect on what this information means to our      lives       !

B.  Questions for reflection.

1.  After reading a small portion of scripture:

* What truths did I      learn       ?

* Are these truths       evident        in my life?

* How can I       apply        them today?

2.  What good deeds or         ministry       am I consistently doing now that I did not do a year ago?

3.  What       sinful        behavior have I defeated in my life in the last year?

4.  Are my levels of        love        for God and all people higher than a year ago?

Conclusion:  God’s people have always realized how absolutely essential it is to study and obey God’s Word.

Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 2:14-19

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

As the Apostle Paul mentors young Timothy, he wants Timothy to correctly handle the word of truth.  Paul knew that the human nature could get lazy and someone could handle God’s Word in a far too casual way.  Too many people take their Bible for granted.  We all need reminders that it is the very word of God Himself to us; handle it correctly!

          The definition of the word “study” that we have been using included three key words: read, investigate and reflection.  I want to zero in on the word investigate.  A true study is an investigation which includes more than just reading a passage of scripture.  When we don’t understand a verse, we should take time to investigate its meaning.

          Good investigation will take some good investigation tools.  Maybe your Bible has a good concordance in the back of it where you can look up words.  You can find good tools online to help in your study.  Many of these sights are free, such as “e-sword.com.”  God’s Word must be a lifelong study.  No one can say that they have come to the end of all its truths! The depths of the Bible go deeper than any person has the capabilities of mastering.  A Christ follower must realize that the study of God’s Word is like bread to his physical body—desperately needed and desperately needed on a daily basis!

Father, you gave us the Bread of Life in your Son and your words sustain us in our journey with you.  Guide my steps today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:19-21

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:21

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

As we pick up from yesterday, let’s continue to understand how to read God’s Word.  The Bible is not like any other book.  Its’ not best to start at the beginning and try to read straight through it.  A person who is new to the reading of the Bible should go to the Gospel of John in the New Testament to begin reading.

A second difference in reading the Bible, in contrast with other books, is each time you read it—even the same sections you’ve read before—can bring new truths to your life!  We should get into the habit of spending months in one book, reading it over and over.  If you are starting to read for the first time in the Gospel of John, when you finish it, start over.  Take your time and read for understanding.  God does not give rewards for speed reading His Word.  The point is not to say you’ve done it.  The point it to get it and get it to the place it’s affecting your lifestyle.

God gave us His word to transform every aspect of our lives.  To accumulate a lot of head knowledge does not bring rewards in heaven.  Slow down, read short portions, think about what you’ve read and how you should integrate its truths into your life!  As Peter wrote, “You will do well to pay attention to it” (2 Peter 1:19).  Let’s be readers of the Bible!

Father, when I feel too busy to read your Word, please remind me of my mixed up priorities.  Help me to do first things first!  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:19-21

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:21

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Our scripture for today’s lesson testifies to its own authority.  It reminds us that God’s Word through the writers never found its origin in the writers.  The source of truth in the Bible is God.  It was the Holy Spirit that was at work in these writers to inspire their thinking process, aligning it with the will of God.

There really needs to be no other discussion on why to study the Bible; it is the revelation of God Himself.  To ignore words from our bosses, spouses, or even presidents of the nations is one thing, but to ignore the words of the eternal God seems insane and arrogant.

Let’s return to our definition of the word “study” given in the first devotional of this section: application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge by reading, investigation and reflection (www.dictionary.com).  There are three key words that help us in our study of God’s Word.  The first is reading.  God’s Word deserves to be read.  It is worthy of your time.  It is worthy of your effort and self-discipline to make time!  God’s Word is worthy of a daily reading routine.  We should not try to read large portions lest we fail to understand what we are reading!  Read a few verses and stop, asking yourself what you read and how it applies to your life.  (Continued)

Father, I want to be devoted to your Word, making it the light to my path—the guide of my lifestyle!  In Jesus’ name, amen.