When a person is trying to get in shape they may have a tool to aid them. One might use weights, a treadmill or exercise bike. A video that guides them in their exercise routine might be employed. All of these things are only tools, however, and will not take the inches off by themselves. Adherence to a good diet, plenty of water and then the discipline to stick to the routine must also be applied to their life.
When a Christian is looking for something to help them make their devotions more meaningful, they might find it helpful to use some tools. There must be the understanding that the tools are not to be replacements for the Word of God, just as the weights wouldn’t replace the need for food in a dieter’s life. But the tools can be good aids in helping a person grow spiritually. Let me share with you some of those helps.
- Commentaries – Our Sunday school classes have been using Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series as we’ve studied together. The Treasury of David by Spurgeon is a wonderful accompaniment to the book of Psalms. A great link that I use nearly ever day is http://www.preceptaustin.org/tool_commentary.htm Here you can access many great commentaries. Read the passage from the Scriptures first, then go to the commentary and look up particular verses for clarity, deeper understanding and application.
- Study Guides – These types of books take you to a specific passage and often deal with topics. You use it to study what the Scriptures teach about that topic. For example I’m doing a study on Saturdays on the heart by Claudia Barba entitled, Refresh Your Heart. It takes me all through the Bible teaching what my heart is like, what God says about my heart, and how it can be changed daily. This book hasn’t replaced my Bible, it guides me through it. This book is published by Bju press. Other books could be found at their web site: http://www.bjupress.com/page/ID+Home. Another great author is Elizabeth George. We’ve done several of her studies in our ladies’ groups. http://www.elizabethgeorge.com/george/default.asp?f=404 Betty Henderson’s study books will cause you to really dig into the Word. You can find her new book here: http://www.bjupress.com/product/261255?path=99377
This list could go on and on. If you’ve done a study recently that was a blessing please tell me about it. I’m always on the look-out for new studies and books!
- Bible dictionary – Another helpful tool to understand words that aren’t familiar. (You’ll also find this on the precept site I mentioned earlier)
- A journal (notebook) and pen – I mentioned yesterday the need to write down what you’re learning, but let me reiterate the importance of logging what God says to you in His Word. You will not remember it nearly as well if you don’t record it. If God spoke to you, it’s worth remembering, so put it in your journal! You may opt to journal your thoughts on your laptop.
What would it be like if you set up your treadmill in the middle of Dunkin Donuts? Would it be easy to focus and stay disciplined? Tomorrow we’ll talk about the need to create a surrounding that is conducive to listening to God speak.
RefreshHer 