Page 72 - First Steps 2023

So ask God to give you a heart for hearing from him through the
Bible. Ask that God spark your interest, that what you read be relevant,
and that the words come alive for you.
A Psalmist wrote this: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm
34:8). That’s someone who’s experiencing God at a deep, visceral, level.
If you come to the Bible seeking God, you’ll hear him speaking to you
on every page—but only if you come expectantly and desiring relationship.

If you come to just gather facts, then facts are all you’ll find. If you’re look-
ing for rules, then that’s what you’ll see.
But if you’re coming to catch a glimpse of God, to deepen your friend-
ship with your Creator, you’ll have a soul-soothing, challenging, two-edged
sword sort of encounter that will change your life.

• Second, commit to reading the Bible
You don’t soak anything up from the Bible by osmosis—you have to
be in it.
Read it when you’re fresh and attentive. When you’re ready to listen
and learn. When you’re eager for relationship.
If you received a letter from someone you love who lived far away
(Yes, people do still write letters…) you’d sit and read it carefully, perhaps
several times. You’d savor the words. Why? Because it came from some-

one you loved, someone you want to be with.
That’s the attitude to have when you open the Bible.
And know this: What feels relevant in the Bible depends on what’s
going on in your life and where you are in your relationship with God.
That’s why it’s good to read the Bible in an organized way, and you can
use two helpful resources.
The first is the Three Circle reading plan that helps you see the over-
arching story of the Bible and taste all that it has to offer.
The other is the Life Issues/Life Verses Guide that zeroes you in on
passages that address specific issues you’re experiencing.
As you get more familiar with the Bible, you’ll know more about how
to find what you’re seeking. For now, rely on these cheat sheets.

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