We need to read Scripture daily; not just while in a church service. There are many ways to do this. Some people follow a daily reading plan that takes them through the Bible in a year; others take two years. Many do topical studies or word studies. There are also myriad daily devotionals available. Just pick your topic and choose a hard copy book, digital, an app, website or one of the daily bloggers. With CD’s or MP3’s you can listen to someone read the Word. This is excellent for those who want to soak in the Word while doing other things like driving.

Why should we read Scripture daily? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you need to feed your spirit and your body. We can’t fall deeply in love with our Lord and Savior without developing a relationship and deepening our understanding of the Father’s love for us. The Bible tells us:

Deuteronomy 29^:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

The Lord God revealed His words to the Israelites through Moses, who received them from Him while in the glory atop Mount Sinai. Moses gave these writings to Aaron and his sons; the Levites. Read before the assembly of the tribes, these words instructed them so they would understand what God required of them. How could we miss the opportunity to search the things of the Lord which He inspired men over the generations to write, put into a book for us to learn from? The Holy Bible has been a best-selling book for generations. Let’s take the time to read this love letter our Lord who made us gave so we can share with others; especially our children and grandchildren.

In my own daily devotion, I’m on Day 7 of Exploring The Prophetic by Shawn Bolz. The most important thing about the prophetic is knowing God’s love for us and seeing others in the light of that love. We may perceive the faults and addictions of others, but this is an invitation to press in to ask the Spirit to reveal how God sees them through His love before we speak to them.

^{1 Corinthians 13:2} And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Realizing how deep the Lord’s love is for yourself tears down spiritual pride. It is the building block for speaking into another’s life, for growing in relationship to the body of Christ.

Our Pastor is preaching on Oneness. Unity in the Body is the goal of Christ’s sacrifice for His Church. “They will know we are Christians by our love…”

Here is my book review for the week. Living Without Electricity Lessons from the Amish by Stephen Scott and Kenneth Pellman, introduction by Michael Degan.

This is an engaging book that fully explores and explains the Amish communities, their differences, the how and why of their lifestyle and how the distinct groups determine guidelines for their congregations. Each chapter has a vignette of the explained part of life told from an actual Amish family using the items described. I like the photos of things being used that help to understand the descriptions.

In Chapter 26, titled “Mennonite and Brethren Practices” the authors explain the difference and similarities between Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite/Brethren communities. Turns out some Mennonites are more conservative than Amish! A great primer for those who want the truth about the various differences and similarities across the communities, and what it would mean to go “off grid”. For those thinking about off-grid or homesteading life, this book also gives resources for finding the equipment. I enjoyed hearing about the items that make these lifestyles work. First published in 1990, it is just what we need for today.

Shalom to you all. May the Spirit illuminate God’s Word each day and may you carve time out of your schedule to truly meditate on that word so it becomes part of you. Amen!