How do you engage with God’s Word?

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

Scripture tells us the Bible is the very expression of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read all Scripture is God-breathed. His Holy Word is not just a furnished resource. His intonation and declaration of assurances and support assist our spiritual walk. We see this to be true in Romans 15:4. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (ESV).

However, the basic knowledge of His Word only scratches the surface of properly handling this precious treasure (2 Timothy 2:15). Take the Pharisees, for instance. They were top scholars of the Word and had a precise academic understanding. Would you agree? Who knew the Torah better? They devoted their lives to memorizing and interpreting Mosaic law with its conformity and ceremonial acts. The Pharisees allowed their scholarly status to take a legalistic stance, leading them to believe works trumped God’s mercy and grace.

Quite frankly, this contradicts the accurate message of Christ Jesus, our Savior. In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV). Our obedience in following God’s law is from a heart of love and respect for Him, who saved and called us to live according to His purpose. Pursuing God’s prohibitions has nothing to do with redeeming ourselves from eternal damnation. We are not capable of this miraculous task.

How you read, engage, and understand the Bible can affect your conduct as a Christian.

Scripture is a gift from God, so you can know Him as He reveals His love, goodness, truth, and redemption. God wants to extend very precise knowledge unique to you and so much more.

What is your vision of Scripture engagement?

Have you ever wondered what the Lord visualizes for you? What does He picture you doing? How does He want the story of your life to unfold?

God’s Windowpane of Transparency

He envisions you:

• embracing Scripture independently with Him
• reading and studying His Word as a beginning to move forward
• believing the Bible is living—not just text
• seeking ways to go BEYOND an educational knowledge of verses
• committed to growing in relationship with Him and His voice
• inviting His ways and perspective
• treasuring His voice as life-authority
• welcoming His refinement for a lifetime
• going BEYOND head knowledge to full life-saturation
• allowing the Bible to change your life completely (heart, mind, body, and soul)
• slaying all obstacles and barriers keeping you from going BEYOND
• feasting on Scripture as your sole substance with an eternal mindset

I pray as you ponder over this list, a couple of envisions will spark a revival in your spirit to engage with Scripture on a deeper level this week. May the Lord increase a hunger within your soul to infuse God’s Word into your life more than ever and through the journey you are transformed to be more like our beautiful Savior.

Go BEYOND surface level and live out God’s Word! The Lord envisions your life saturated with His love. Embrace the journey.