Over the course of our current series on Exodus, I’ve had several conversations with people about how they struggle to apply God’s word into their heart motivations and how difficult they find to discern what is going on in their hearts. I get it, because our hearts are a difficult (deceitful) part of us (see Jer 17:9). However, to live as devoted followers of Jesus, we must engage in the process of taking God’s word and diligently applying it into all aspects of our heart’s desires.
So how do we do this?
Below are a few simple guiding principles:
[1] Let the Bible speak into every nook and cranny of your life. The best way of doing this is to read through a book at a time. This way you can’t avoid the difficult or challenging passages.
[2] Read slowly. This year I’ve read way more slowly than I normally would! I’ve immersed myself in a few books of the Bible but allowed them to really challenge and shape me.
[3] Allow the text to ask questions of your heart:
- What does the passage actually say, not what do I want it to say?
- What does this passage teach me about who God is? Sometimes the answers we get will stretch us beyond where we feel comfortable.
- What does this passage teach me about sin in general and my sins in particular (think heart motivations / idols)? True devotion requires a constant (daily) process of repentance (see Matt 6:12)
- How am I being challenged to live differently and what am I going to do about that?
How is my heart stirred to worship Jesus? All Bible reading should lead to worship!
[4] Regularly write your thoughts in a notebook (Journaling) as this will also slow you down and give you space to reflect upon what God is highlighting.
[5] Make sure you have two or three good friends who you can share what God is highlighting in you and invite them to speak into your life, knowing they will point you back to scripture.
[6] Trust in work of the Holy Spirit to counsel and coach and shape (John 16:7) who you are
[7]Finally, enjoy walking with God as he shapes your life more and more into the likeness of Jesus!
by Adam Bradley