Eat This Book — Henry Williams

Christian Community Church in Naperville, IL, is doing a series on the importance of the Bible in our lives. Tracks very closely (almost in a freaky way) with our emphasis on the Bible Reading Plans (you can download a plan by going to my May 20 post). Here's a part of a post from their senior pastor Dave Ferguson from his blog:

1. Everyday Read God's Word: Find a time everyday to read at least a chapter from the Bible. You don't forget to eat everyday; don't forget to feed your soul everyday. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 4:4, "People do not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God." If you are going to read everyday you need to get a Bible reading plan. It can be either one that you create yourself or one that we have at CCC on the quarterly book marks or the 3C Journals. In summary - get a plan and work your plan to read the Bible everyday!

2. Everyday Listen for God's Voice: It's not enough just to read God's Word; you need to listen for the the voice of God speaking personally to you. Before you read the Bible, put your hands on God's book and pray this prayer, "God, speak to me personally through this book". Then as you read, listen with your soul to what God wants to say to you. I usually read about a chapter from the Bible and 90% of the time there will be two or three verses that jump out at me and say something specific to me and my life. Everything you read in the Bible is true, but there are specific truths that the Holy Spirit will speak into your life if you listen everyday.

3. Everyday Write Down What God Says: When you sense that God is saying something specifically to you - write it down! That is a really, really big deal when God speaks truth into your life and you don't want to forget it. That is why I want every person at CCC to have a 3C Journal, so you can record these truths that God speaks to you. If you write them down you are more likely to remember them. If you write them down you are more likely to act on them. And if you write them down you are more likely to share this with others who will hold you accountable. So get a 3C Journal and write it down!

4. Everyday Do What God Says: Do it! The most mature person is not the person who reads the entire Bible from cover to cover every year. No! The most mature follower of Jesus is the person who reads the Bible, hears from God and then obeys His voice. So, once you hear from God do what He says.