Bible Question: I am struggling with my devotionals. I've grown up in a christian home, christian school, and also continuing my education at a christian university. I have been kept in a christian "bubble" which is not necessarily a bad thing. It is just that most devotionals topics have lost their effectiveness. I feel bad but when you have been exposed to christianity as long as I have; the feeling just kind of happens. I am really tired of always talking to God but never hearing Him. My question is simply that I need a devotional topic that will get me into doing research, which will help me dive into God's Word. Does anyone have any good topics? (I love topics that challenge me to think and study) |
Bible Answer: Dear aWanderingPilgrim, Welcome to the forum! What a wonderful question! I would suggest, however, that the problem is not lacking a topic. The problem well may be simply not realizing that the Scriptures themselves are a very specific and particular communication from God to you personally. The more you love Him, the more you love His Word. Don't start with a topic, start with the Word itself. Suggestion: Take one of the shorter books, let's say Ephesians. Read it through in one sitting every day for a month. On the first day, mark the various Persons of the Trinity and their pronouns. Use a different color for each. On the fourth day, begin to mark the other words and phrases that appear there regularly. Keep watching for patterns. Watch for the topics that Paul brings out. Become an expert on Ephesians. Tackle another book the next month. Since the Word of God is His speaking to you (Hebrews 1:1-2), you'll be hearing Him. Devour what He says, and it will become a consuming fire (Jeremiah 20:9) that cannot be quenched. What a wonderful thing it is that our Lord has seen fit to stir in you a dissatisfaction with the diet of the typical Christian (Psalm 42:1)! As the old hymnist put it, "I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the worlds delight. Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight! I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to thee." This is, indeed, a work of God in you! In Him, Doc |