The Beauty of Scripture

Having weighed the costs and benefits, and committed ourselves to being everyday disciples of Jesus (see “Counting the Cost”), we will now explore how we can become healthy disciples. One essential way is by saturating ourselves in Scripture. Through Scripture, we get to know God, hear His voice and His heart, learn how God works, appreciate His promises, live God’s way, and receive God’s guidance. This Plan focuses on the importance and purpose of Scripture in building disciples of Jesus.

Please note that this Plan offers more than a daily reflection on Scripture. It is designed to forge everyday disciples who are aware of God’s presence and hear God’s voice throughout the day. Please try to build the lunchtime meditations and evening reflections into your routine, as well as the morning devotions. Before each session, pause to be aware of God’s love and presence.

MORNING

Read Psalm 19:7-12

Devotion

When David wrote this song, most of the Bible had not yet been written. But God’s people did have His Law (the first five books of the Bible) and a growing body of sacred writings that may have included Joshua, Judges, and some of Samuel’s writings. David is reflecting on this written revelation from God when he says that it is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, firm, righteous, precious, and so sweet.

That’s a resounding commendation from David. It’s obvious that he intensely loved what God revealed about Himself and His desires for His people in Scripture.And David only had a fraction of what we have in our Bible. What a privilege we have in being able to read Scripture and to know for sure what God is like and how He wants us to live. No wonder studying Scripture has such a vital role for those who are disciples of Jesus. As David says, it refreshes the soul, it makes wise the simple, it gives joy to the heart and light to the eyes, and it warns us when we are blindly walking into trouble.

Everyday disciples of Jesus will make the study of God’s Word a high priority because the benefits are deeply significant. God’s truth is sweeter than honey. According to David, it’s pleasurable and enjoyable as well as being incredibly helpful and revealing. I’m not sure if you have experienced the joy of Scripture yet, but there is only one way to find it. Saturate yourself in Scripture and let God do His work in you through His Word.

Prayer

Lord, You have not chosen to reveal Yourself in vague ideas or feelings, but through Your written Word. We are so privileged. It’s encouraging to know that David loved the part of Your revelation he had received, and I pray that I too will grow in my respect for, trust in, love for, and enjoyment of Your Word. Please keep opening my heart to Your truth. May I be refreshed and renewed and changed as I daily study Scripture.Give me a sweet tooth for Your Word.

Today’s Bible Focus

“God’s revelation in Scripture is perfect, refreshing the soul.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.