Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tough Truth Tuesday-Is it really that important?


                  I want you to do something for me. Are you ready? You’ll need your Bible. I want you to turn to Revelation chapter 2. Now count how many times you read the word “hear.” I’ll wait...





                  You should come up with four times. It is mentioned in the phrase, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” In one chapter this phrase is repeated four times. We should pay close attention to everything the Bible says, but I believe when God repeats something it merits extra attention. In Revelation 2, this phrase is repeated to four of the seven churches entreating them to change their wrongdoings. As God’s children, he wants us to listen to what the Spirit has to say in order to avoid some of the same mistakes those in the first century church were making such as apathy, carelessness, forgetfulness, and complacency.



We are warned to “Be not weary in well doing” (Gal. 6:9) and to take heed lest we fall (1Cor. 10:12). Paul, in his letters, repeatedly used the words, “Bring to remembrance” because he along with Peter realized how easily we forget things (2Pet. 1:9). One of the devil’s greatest tools is distraction. Think about it. How much time do you give to the Lord in proportion to other things? We are quick to allow all sorts of other activities to fill our schedules until we feel that we just do not have the time to devote to our Lord. We might make it to church on Sunday and Wednesday. We may spend a great deal of time in prayer, but we fail to listen to what the Lord has to say to us. It’s a one-sided relationship.



Bible study is so often treated with the attitude of  “Well, it’s great if you have the time for it.” The reality is that Bible study is something every Christian must make time for. It is the only thing that will allow us to remember, to be watchful, to be strengthened & aware of the dependency we have on Christ. We must hold ourselves accountable using whatever means necessary. Leave your Bible on your bed or kitchen table to remind yourself to study each day. Write a reminder and stick it to your fridge. Ask a friend to ask you each day if you have spent any time in Bible study. Use social media to share your study in a humble manner. The list goes on and on. It is something we can do…if we really want to.