In some ways, the seasons of Nashville have fit the chronological reading plan of Scripture I’m following this year. For the last three months, it’s been blisteringly hot. Pretty dry. These are the dog days of summer.
Concurrently, the read the Bible in a year plan has had me in the minor prophets. And Jeremiah. And Ezekiel. Day after day of judgment language and decrees. The fall of Jerusalem. The deportation. Hot and dry indeed.
Now the temptation for people like me is, especially during those dry times, to try as best I can to get through the assigned reading. You know, check it off the list. These words from Charles Spurgeon caused me to examine my habits more closely:
You are retired for your private devotions; you have opened the Bible, and you begin to read.
Now, do not be satisfied with merely reading through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly read through two or three chapters—stupid people for doing such a thing!
It is always better to read a little and digest it, than it is to read much and then think you have done a good thing by merely reading the letter of the word.
For you might as well read the alphabet backwards and forwards, as read a chapter of Scripture, unless you meditate upon it, and seek to comprehend its meaning.
Merely to read words is nothing: the letter kills.
The business of the believer with his Bible open is to pray, “Lord, give me the meaning and spirit of your word, while it lies open before me; apply your word with power to my soul, threatening or promise, doctrine or precept, whatever it may be; lead me into the soul and marrow of your word.”
Also, it is not the form of prayer, but the spirit of prayer that shall truly benefit your souls.
That prayer has not benefited you, which is not the prayer of the soul.
You have need to say, “Lord, give me the spirit of prayer; now help me to feel my need deeply, to perceive your promises clearly, and to exercise faith upon them.”
In your private devotions, strive after vital godliness, real soul-work, the life-giving operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts.
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He’s describing me at times.
For this reason, I wrote up a 3.5-year reading plan (180 weeks), called, Time, Times, and Half a Time. It works for me, and goes slow enough I have time to take notes and not feel guilty for falling behind.
Helpful, Doc – thank you.