My resolve to do a few things differently has once again been shoved out the window by a rogue gust of procrastination. Sigh… it was not pretty to watch it fall.

Here is one thing I know, I continue to make time for the things I value most. Admittedly those things can sometimes be in conflict with my goals, but hey, sometimes they also align perfectly and for that I am grateful. One of those perfect alignments is setting aside time each day to fill up my tank with Jesus so that I have all I need to go wherever He takes me in the hours ahead. After all these years it has become a desire born of love rather than a mechanical repetition of guilted duty. Somewhere along the way, the Holy Spirit himself gave a big shove to “stupid is as stupid does” out the window as well, and my life began to finally change.

For anyone who is a regular reader of my blog, I’ve been posting highlights every other day or so from my latest book, Speechless. It’s been a fun way to hopefully whet your appetite enough to buy it, but also to share the contents in a way that breaks it down into short, easy to read snippets. Here’s yet another “snippet” from chapter 7 that I think goes hand-in-glove with those who are attempting to make bible reading part of their new year’s resolve, and may have fallen short already.

There’s a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh , where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises. Psalm 25:14, TPT

Anyone who has ever read any part the book of Psalms is immediately introduced to a zeal and passion for a personal, interactive God. King David himself, whom God said was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), emphasized throughout the Psalms his love for God’s word. In Psalm 25, which is attributed to David, we gain insight into why he had such a love and admiration when he reveals that a private place has been reserved for those who are devoted lovers of God. The use of the word “covenant” in this verse (noted in the Passion Translation as “revelation-secrets”) implies the type of friendship where God confides with those who love Him. 

When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8

Allow yourself a moment of holiness, to come into God’s presence and engage in this kind of interaction with Him. Ask Him to increase your desire for it.

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Exodus 33:11a

In my late twenties I had the privilege of participating in several missions trips to places like Russia, Slovakia, and Mexico. Prior to my first summer trip to Slovakia, our group leader wanted us to spend time bonding as a team. There were several activities from that day but the one I remember most was a discussion circle. One question being asked was “What do you desire most from God – what’s one thing you are asking Him for in your life right now”? I immediately knew my answer. I had heard Him speak audibly to me when I was 25 years old and, having read about how Moses spoke with God, I knew I wanted more.

My response was simply “I want to speak to God face to face as a friend, the way Moses did”.  I wish I could tell you that everyone in the circle was gushing with love and admiration over what I said, but the reaction I remember most was outbursts of laughter.  Sadly, it took me way too long to get over that intimidation and press forward into hearing God’s voice once again. But the one thing I will attribute to moving me forward was a love for God’s written word, as it became the plumbline for everything I began hearing later on. His written word, the bible, is what enabled His spoken word to resonate within me so deeply and give me confidence in what I was hearing.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

If you are seeking God in this way, I want to encourage you to start reading the bible on a regular basis just for the pleasure of His company and for no other reason.  I know there are many motives why we would want to read the bible through in a year or if we want to look up certain scriptures, but this is different.  It’s expressing to God that you find Him valuable and precious enough to you to desire Him above whatever else you could be doing in those moments.

As you read, allow yourself to be insatiably curious about anything and everything God-centered. As His disciple, learn to ask Him questions about what you’re reading. Here’s some examples:

• Why does this translation use that word or that phrase? What does it mean? What was the original Greek or Hebrew word used, and what does that word mean?
• What was taking place historically during this time period, both in this location and/or globally?
• What is the context surrounding this verse? Who is the intended audience? Is this passage meant to be read literally or is it more symbolic in nature?
• What is the background of the people in this portion of scripture? What was their culture like? What are their traditions? What are their beliefs and how do they differ from mine?
• What is God saying to me about this passage?

I enjoy keeping a journal, too, because it is where I write love letters to God and receive love letters back from Him. I began to realize that journaling my prayers helped me to quiet myself and focus. Journaling my thoughts around scripture helped me to absorb what He was saying to me though them, which included things like my thoughts, notes, ideas, dreams, visions, studies, revelations or anything else I believe He is teaching me in the moment. 

As you begin to saturate yourself in scripture out of this type of love and relationship, God will begin to hide it in your heart in a way that goes beyond merely memorizing, speed reading, or having a head knowledge. This is an important building block in the foundation to your transformation journey.

Be blessed!