Forward The following is an encouragement to church workers and members to be in the Word with practical suggestions. It was presented at a Pastoral Seminar to the national pastors and church workers of the Lutheran Church of Indonesia (Gereja Lutheran Indonesia); this is the English version of the material that was presented in Bahasa Indonesia. Since the members of the Lutheran Church of Indonesia do not have daily devotional books like Meditations, daily devotional readings for two years are suggested. The readings in chapter 5 can be used as a variety for family devotions and allow for everyone in the family to comment as to what the verses mean to them. Those who wish to use a devotional book in the morning and then use these devotional readings in the evening could also use these suggested readings. The suggested devotional readings also include monthly units that could be used separately, such as the life of Jesus, select Psalms, or great chapters of the Bible. These readings could also be used with confirmation students or members of the congregation. Many people have good intentions of reading through the Bible, but lose their momentum and stop. Included is a suggested reading schedule (chapter 6) that allows a person to read from key books of the Bible, book by book, a chapter a day for one year. Obviously, not all the books of the Bible are read, but we hope this might help a person get into God s Word and continue this habit of daily Bible reading. Since very few Indonesians have concordances, chapter 10 is included. Where does God talk about.? Some members appreciate having a starting place to find comfort and guidance from God s Word or locate various topics in their Bibles; this could be printed and given to members or visitors so they could keep a copy in the front of their Bibles. The author grants permission for you to copy and distribute any part of this presentation as long as there is no charge. May each of us be in the Word and do all we can to encourage others to also be in the Word. Pastor Pieter Reid 3
Outline page 1. Bible study: Mary at the feet of Jesus 5 2. How to understand the Bible 6 3. The blessings we receive when we are in the Word 9 4. Practical methods for daily devotions and daily Bible readings 12 5. Suggested devotional texts for a year 17 6. A reading plan for the first time through the Bible 30 7. What will I do to study God s Word? 48 (a personal plan for each person) 8. Suggestions for church workers using these reading plans 52 9. Devotional texts for church workers 56 10. Where does God talk about.? 57 11. Credits 67 12. Suggested reading 68 4
1. At the feet of Jesus Luke 10:38-42 Read the above verses and then discuss the following statements. 1. Jesus had a special place in His heart for Mary and Martha. John 11:5 2. Jesus has a special place in His heart for me. Isaiah 43:1; John 10:27,28; Isaiah 49:13-16 3. Martha wanted to do all she could for Jesus. 4. I want to do all I can for Jesus. 5. It is God-pleasing when I make supper and do chores. 1 Corinthians 10:31 6. Many church workers are just like Martha they are very busy doing things for the Lord but do not take the time to do what is most important. 7. What does Jesus say is most important? 8. The one thing I need is. 9. My priorities are just the way I want them. 10. My priorities are just the way God wants them. Matthew 22:37; 1 John 2:15; Matthew 10:37,38; Matthew 6:33 11. According to John 8:47, a mark of true Christian discipleship is. Colossians 3:16; Acts 17:11; Luke 11:28; 1 Peter 3:15; Mark 16:15 12. How much of my day do I spend at the feet of Jesus letting Him speak to me? Beginning today, how much time will I spend each day at the feet of Jesus? 5
2. HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE How does one understand the Bible? How does God Himself tell us we can understand it? Write the main point of following Bible verses, and then complete the summary statement: 1. 1 Corinthians 2:14 John 20:31 1. I am to 2. 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Peter 1:20,21 2. I am to 3. 2 Corinthians 4:6 Psalm 119:18 James 1:5; 4:2 3. I am to 4. 2 Timothy 3:15 John 15:4,5 John 5:39 4. I am to 5. John 17:17 Psalm 119:160 5. I am to 6. John 10:35 Psalm 119:130 Remember: Look at the passage in its context. Look at all the passages that speak about a certain topic. Use a Bible concordance or see Appendix 10, Where does God talk about? Use the clear passages to understand the more difficult passages. Take the words in their simple, literal sense unless God Himself tells you it is a parable or a vision, or unless it is clearly a figure of speech or an idiom. If you still can t understand the passage, call your pastor. 6. I am to 7. John 8:31, 32 Matthew 28:19, 20 1 Samuel 3:10 7. I am to 6
READING THE BIBLE WITH UNDERSTANDING How does one understand the Bible? How does God Himself tell us we can understand it? Write the main point of following Bible verses, and then complete the summary statement: 1. 1 Corinthians 2:14 True Christians believe the words of God the Spirit John 20:31 The Bible was written so we might believe 1. I am to BELIEVE THE WRITTEN WORDS OF THE BIBLE 2. 2 Timothy 3:16 All of the Bible is inspired by God 2 Peter 1:20,21 God the Holy Spirit gave the words of the Bible 2. I am to REMEMBER THAT ALL THE BIBLE IS GOD S WORD 3. 2 Corinthians 4:6 God is the one who enlightens us spiritually Psalm 119:18 We rely on God so we can see and understand His Word James 1:5; 4:2 God gives us spiritual wisdom 3. I am to BEGIN MY BIBLE READING BY PRAYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING 4. 2 Timothy 3:15 God s Word had an effect on Timothy since he was an infant John 15:4,5 Jesus and His Word is the only source of spiritual nourishment. If I am not in His Word, I can not do anything that pleases God. John 5:39 I am to intensely and diligently study God s Word 4. I am to READ THE BIBLE 5. John 17:17 God s Word is the Truth. Psalm 119:160 Everything God says is true 5. I am to REALIZE THAT GOD DOESN T MAKE MISTAKES OR CONTRADICT HIMSELF 6. John 10:35 The Bible is a unit that is without error Psalm 119:130 Even a person with a simple child-like faith can understand God s Word Remember: Look at the passage in its context. Look at all the passages that speak about a certain topic. Use a Bible concordance or see Appendix 10, Where does God talk about? Use the clear passages to understand the more difficult passages. Take the words in their simple, literal sense unless God Himself tells you it is a parable or a vision, or unless it is clearly a figure of speech or an idiom. 6. I am to LET THE BIBLE INTERPRET ITSELF 7. John 8:31,32 A true disciple of Jesus is in the Word Matthew 28:19,20 I want to know and share all of God s Word 1 Samuel 3:10 As God s servant, I will pay close attention to every word of God 7. I am to BE IN THE WORD AND SUBMIT MYSELF TOTALLY TO GOD S WORD 7
READING THE BIBLE WITH UNDERSTANDING How does one understand the Bible? Here are seven basic guidelines: 1. BELIEVE IT The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14) These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31) 2. VIEW IT AS IT IS IN FACT: GOD S WORD All Scripture is God-breathed. (2 Timothy 3:16) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20,21) 3. BEGIN BY PRAYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING God made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6) Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. (Psalm 119:18) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 1:5; 4:2) 4. READ IT From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15) Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. (John 15:4,5) Diligently study the Scriptures because by them you possess eternal life. (John 5:39) 5. REALIZE THAT GOD DOESN T MAKE MISTAKES OR CONTRADICT HIMSELF Your Word is truth. (John 17:17) All Your words are true. (Psalm 119:160) 6. LET THE BIBLE INTERPRET ITSELF Look at the passage in its context. Look at all the passages that speak about a certain topic. Use the clear passages to understand the more difficult passages. Take the words in their simple, literal sense unless God Himself tells you it is a parable or a vision, or unless it is clearly a figure of speech or an idiom. The Scripture cannot be broken. (John 10:35) Your words give understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) 7. SUBMIT YOURSELF TOTALLY TO GOD S WORD If you hold to my teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31,32) Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19,20) Speak, for Your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:10) 8
3. WHAT BLESSINGS ARE OURS WHEN WE ARE IN THE WORD? A Romans 10:17 B John 20:31 C John 17:17 D Luke 5:17-20 E James 1:5 F 1 Corinthians 1:3-5 G 1 Peter 2:2 H Psalm 119:11 I Psalm 19:11 J John 10:10 K Psalm 19:8 L Luke 24:25-27,32 M John 15:4-6 N 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 O Romans 15:4 9
3. WHAT BLESSINGS ARE OURS WHEN WE ARE IN THE WORD? A Romans 10:17 I am given saving faith B John 20:31 I believe that Jesus is my Savior and I am certain of eternal life C John 17:17 I am made holy and enabled to live a life of sacred service for the Lord D Luke 5:17-20 My sins are all forgiven E James 1:5 I am generously given wisdom F 1 Corinthians 1:3-5 I am enriched spiritually G 1 Peter 2:2 I grow spiritually H Psalm 119:11 I am able to keep from sinning I Psalm 19:11 I am warned when I am falling away from God J John 10:10 I have a full and meaningful life K Psalm 19:8 I have joy in my heart L Luke 24:25-27, 32 My heart will be on fire to serve the Lord M John 15:4-6 I will live for Jesus and bear fruit for Him N 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 I am compelled by Christ s love to witness to others O Romans 15:4 I have a certain hope 10
WHICH OF THESE BLESSINGS DO YOU WANT? I want to be certain of eternal life I want to be made holy I want to be enabled to live a life of sacred service for the Lord I want to have the certainty all my sins are forgiven I want to receive wisdom from God I want to be enriched spiritually I want to grow spiritually I want to keep from sinning I want to be warned when I am falling away from God I want to have a full and meaningful life I want to have joy in my heart I want to be on fire to serve my Savior I want to live for Jesus and bear fruit for Him I want to be motivated compelled by Christ s love to witness to others I want to have a certain hope WHAT WILL I DO SO I CAN HAVE THESE BLESSINGS? 11
4. Practical methods for daily devotions and daily Bible readings A. How do I get started having home devotions or Bible readings? And how can I continue this worthwhile habit? Most Christians know it s important to be in Jesus and in His Word and many of them have tried to have daily devotions or daily Bible readings. But something happens and the daily devotions or daily Bible readings no longer take place every day. Here are some suggestions especially for those who haven t done daily home devotions or daily Bible readings. These suggestions are also for those who have tried to get into the habit of daily devotions but only did it for a short period of time. Set a good time Choose a good location Keep it simple Make a promise to God Be specific. Example: Once a day right after breakfast Share this specific promise with your spouse. Share this promise with other Christians. Ask them for their prayers and encouragement. Use the same devotional or Bible reading schedule as a friend. Ask them for their prayers and encouragement. Ask them to share with you key verses they read and what it means to them. Ask them to question you about what you have read and learned. Consider using a daily journal Keeping a record helps a person stick to a routine A journal or diary is a source of encouragement. A record of the reading develops a sense of progress and accomplishment. A journal or diary is a place to record comments on God s Word and how it applies to your life. Remember When I am in the Word, God is in me. When I am in the Word, numerous spiritual blessings are given to me. When I am in the Word, I am better able to live for Jesus and for others. For this to happen, I must strive to daily be in the Word. 12
B. Keep it simple Examples of Personal or Family Home Devotions Remember - it doesn t matter what method you use -- as long as the method helps you to be in the Word and make this a daily habit 1. Bible reading Lord s Prayer The Blessing 2. Prayer to Holy Spirit for spiritual enlightenment and wisdom Meditation on special verse Apostles Creed 3. Special verses from a chapter of Proverbs (or a different book of the Bible) Individual prayers 4. Bible reading Prayer relating to the reading 5. Devotional text from printed list Lord s Prayer 6. Devotional reading Hymn or Bible song Lord s Prayer 7. Read from the commentary series The People s Bible Discuss insights The Blessing 13
Example of Personal or Family Home Devotion Remember, not all of these suggestions need to be used. It s OK to keep it simple. It doesn t matter what method you use, as long as the method helps you to be in the Word on a daily basis and make this a daily habit. 1. Prayer to Holy Spirit for spiritual enlightenment and wisdom Dear Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to better appreciate all that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have done for me. Help me to understand Your Word and Your will for my life. Fill me with the love of God, help me live a Christian life to Your glory, and use me to tell others that through Jesus they too can have the certainty of salvation and eternal life. Amen. Or this can be a shorter prayer, such as: Dear Holy Spirit, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your Word (Psalm 119:18). Amen. 2. Bible reading Read from devotional book, a chapter of the Bible, select verses from today s chapter of the Bible, verses already listed for today s devotion, or a section from The People s Bible. Possibly read the main verses a second time. Include everyone in your family who is old enough to participate. Take turns having one person from your family, including your children, read a special verse or verses from the Bible reading for the day. Have the person leading the devotion read through the reading for the day ahead of time and select the verse or verses he wishes to use in the devotion. Suggested Bible chapters to read and suggested devotional verses are listed later. 3. Share what the verse means to you. How do these verses apply to your life? What will you do this week in response to this section of God s Word? What will you do today? Or you can ask: What is in these verses? What does that mean for me right now? Insert your name into the Bible verse. God so loved me that He gave His one and only Son, that if I believe in Him, I will not perish but I will have eternal life. 4. Join in the Apostles Creed or the Lord s Prayer 5. Sing a hymn or use a Bible song the children are learning 14
6. Have your own personal prayer Consider selecting one of the following or use each prayer on a set day. A prayer for Sunday School teachers week 1 Sunday A prayer related to the reading week 1 Monday A prayer for someone else week 1 Tuesday A prayer for a person who is not yet a believer week 1 Wednesday A prayer of thanksgiving week 1 Thursday A prayer of praise to God week 1 Friday A prayer for boldness in living my Christian life week 1 Saturday A prayer for our church workers week 2 Sunday A prayer for boldness in telling others about Jesus week 2 Monday A prayer for God s help and guidance week 2 Tuesday A prayer to improve in my Christian living week 2 Wednesday A prayer for congregational leaders week 2 Thursday A prayer for spiritual blessings week 2 Friday A prayer for other Christians week 2 Saturday 7. Close with the benediction or the first portion of the benediction. As part of the priesthood of believers and with the certainty that God is watching over us and will use all things for our good, parents can bless their children and children can bless their parents. Put your hand on their head and give them God s blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen. 15
Home Devotion OPENING PRAYER TO HOLY SPIRIT FOR SPIRITUAL WISDOM Dear Holy Spirit, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your Word (Psalm 119:18). Amen. Dear Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to better appreciate all that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have done for me. Help me to understand Your Word and Your will for my life. Amen. BIBLE READING: AND SHARE WHAT THE VERSE MEANS TO YOU LORD S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours now and forever. Amen. APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Week 1 Sunday A prayer for Sunday School teachers Monday A prayer related to the reading Tuesday A prayer for someone else Wednesday A prayer for a person who is not yet a believer Thursday A prayer of thanksgiving Friday A prayer of praise to God Saturday A prayer for boldness in living my Christian life SPECIAL PRAYER THE BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen. Week 2 Sunday A prayer for our church workers Monday A prayer for boldness in telling others about Jesus Tuesday A prayer for God s help and guidance Wednesday A prayer to improve in my Christian living Thursday A prayer for congregational leaders Friday A prayer for spiritual blessings Saturday A prayer for other Christians 16