In The Word

​          There is an apocryphal story told about a pastor making a delinquency call on one of his parishioners; it’s a warm summer evening and they sit around a fire in the backyard. The conversation is long and pleasant and when the pastor gets around to the reason for his call his host replies, “I can worship God just as well right here in his creation.” Pastor lets the comment slide but after a few minutes he takes a stick and coaxes one of the blazing pieces of wood from the fire. It sits alone…the flames die down…then only the embers are visible…finally they disappear as well and only the charred and darkened wood reminds anyone that it was once a part of the fire.

          I recount this old story to expand the application that we naturally take away from it; yes, the parishioner was in worship the following week as we all should be. Hebrews 10.24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” But one hour on Sunday morning is not enough; to be people of the Word we must be IN the Word. 

          I encourage you, if you are not already, to consider joining and participating in one or more of the regularly scheduled Bible studies available here at Redeemer. On Sunday morning before service at 9:30 I lead an adult class in the Fellowship Hall where we are currently working our way through the book of Hebrews. On Tuesday afternoon at 1:15 in the Griffin House, a residential care facility located at 6630 Alderbrook Road, Rev. George Putnam is leading the residents and visiting members from our congregation in a study of 1 Peter. Wednesday afternoon at 1:00, I work through the assigned reading for the coming Sunday giving you a chance to start reflecting on our coming time together. Finally, bright and early on Thursday morning at 8:00, several our ladies and others from the community gather in the Page House for a light breakfast and Bible study; currently they are working through the book of Jonah.

​          But as enriching as reading the Word together can be, we should each of us have some time set aside every day for reading and for prayer. It doesn’t have to be volumes; sometimes the drive to “read through the Bible” in a year or two years can be counterproductive. Instead, why not take little pieces and give yourself time to reflect and the Holy Spirit time to work. Back in December of 2014 I wrote about Luther’s simple method for prayer, the same methodology works well for private time in the Word. Select a verse or two, read slowly more than once and ask what is God teaching me here? Instruct. Second, what does this prompt me to be thankful for? Thanks. Third, what short-coming or failure am I led to confess? Confess. Finally, close by summarizing these three points in a simple prayer. Everyday in the Word will yield rich blessings.  Amen.