When Thou saidst,
Seek ye My face;
my heart said unto Thee . . .
Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Psalm 27:8
One afternoon found Lowell and I on the phone with Warren B. Smith, author of “Another Jesus Calling”. During our lively conversation, there was one point he made about the Bible that I have not forgotten. He said this:
“The Word of God reads like the morning newspaper.”
Is this how we read the Bible? Do we go to it for guidance and direction while assessing our current situation? Or is it still just the archaic book that the world says it is? Can we find clear and concise wisdom that applies to every day of our lives?
It got me thinking.
There have been times in my life when I’ve found myself in a deep and mighty spiritual struggle. I can well remember such a struggle when I honestly did not know the next step I was to take. In tears, I fell to my knees and cried out with such a longing that words could not come. The most amazing thing happened! Scripture after Scripture came flooding into my mind that felt like water to a dying, thirsty man. It wasn’t even full verses and there were no references, so I am pretty sure I did not memorize those Scriptures that God brought to my mind.
It was incredible! And it taught me a huge lesson. In my moment of intense struggle and longing, it wasn’t the words of the most popular author or speaker that God brought to me . . . it was words of life straight from Him.
I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Psalm 116:1
This was a turning point for me. I opened up a fresh, new journal and began going to the Scriptures as if I were treasure hunting. I knew there was something in it specifically for me in my current situation. When I have approached my devotion time with this attitude, I have never . . . not once . . . been disappointed!
I know some people are big on using a devotional to read alongside their Bible. And some people think they must read four chapters a day. I’ve done both of those in my lifetime, but neither of them have ministered to my heart the way treasure-hunting has.
This world we live in has so many voices trying to get our attention, and they all come with a human view. When I take time out of my day to come before my God, I know I can let my guard down against all the outside voices. I don’t constantly have to be asking myself, “Does this line up with the Bible?”
It is just the King and I.
I am not saying I never read theological books written by Christian authors. In fact, I am still trying to get through Dave Hunt’s book, “What Love is This?”, on Calvinism – and enjoying it. I like reading books that challenge me in my Christian walk. But they are just that: books. Written by humans. I challenge you to do this with every single thing you read on this blog or books I write. I am just human. Take it all back to God’s Word and ask yourself, “Does this line up?”
If you find yourself feeling dry and the Scriptures are less than exciting, I challenge you to pray this every day: Ask God to give you an incredibly deep love for Him and His Word. Ask it sincerely. Ask it with all your heart. And don’t stop asking. I even pray this for my children, for they will need it to make it as a faithful Christian in the world they are living and growing up in.
And then do your part to look for the hidden treasures . . .
As I found myself finding Scripture gems, I needed a place to store them. So this is what prompted the journal. I call it My Promise Book. When I read my daily devotion, I sometimes come across a verse that speaks so directly to me at the moment . . . that it feels like God dropped a piece of manna in my outstretched hand. And so I write it down.
My favorites are many, but of all the Psalms, I think Psalm 130 is the one I will treasure the most. I kept writing down separate verses of it in my journal, but soon realized the whole psalm felt like a dewdrop from heaven. So the entire chapter now resides in my journal.
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord.
Psalm 130:1
What has been the result of drinking deeply of pure water every day?
Joy without reservation.
A deeper love for my Savior.
Knowing He leads me . . . and uses me.
And this . . .
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord:
my heart and my flesh crieth out for
the living God.”
Psalm 84:2
This is the prayer of my heart until I finally see Him. . .
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Dannielle Horst says
Thank you for this good reminder! Do you mind sharing how you organize your Promise Book? Do you separate the Old and New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs ect… ? I’ve been wanting to start a prayer / devotional journal, so thank you for your encouragement. ~Dannielle
Kendra says
It is not really organized. I mostly write down the verses as I read them and sometimes I will put the month and year in the upper corner. At the back, I have started to list specific prayer requests. For me, it is a blessing to read back through the verses in chronological order and realize what I was struggling with at the time I wrote each verse . . . and how far God has brought me since then!
MM says
You have written a post so close to my heart, I can’t even tell you how much this post resonates with how I feel about the Word of God! Oh how precious it is to me… and I SO agree with you that the words of man can NEVER take the place of the words from the Book that has survived the test of all time. What an incredible post, it has touched me deeply to read the words you wrote about your desire to know the Lord more deeply and in greater and more powerful ways through his WORD! I loved your sharing of how, in your time of deep distress, the words of scripture came to you, and not words of man. When I stand and behold the beauty of the Lord’s creation… words of scripture roll and flow through my heart. And too, when distress and darkness come to visit… it is the Word of Life that brings true peace and comfort. Thank you Kendra. This has been a beautiful day in so many ways, meeting you in person, and then reading your words tonight that have resonated deep in my heart, wow! Many hugs to you my friend 🙂
Kendra says
And hugs to you as well! I was indeed a special treat to meet you face to face and your daughter as well. Thank you for your encouragement to keep reading and digging into God’s Word……I truly appreciate it!
Gina says
Hi Kendra, I am stopping by from Marilyn’s blog. So very nice to meet you. Your blog is lovely and I am adding it to my blog list widget to visit again. I so agree about devotionals not even coming close to God’s Word.
Kendra says
Thank you for coming over, Gina!! You are welcome anytime. 🙂 I so enjoyed meeting Marilyn yesterday – she is a lovely Christian lady!
Stephanie says
My dear Kendra, what a joy to stop in for a visit! I am coming via Marilyn’s lovely blog 🙂 It was such a delight to read how the two of you met in Subway. Marilyn is indeed a beautiful Christian lady – one whom I greatly admire.
Your past was very refreshing and I truly appreciated what you shared. Ah, there is nothing more powerful than God’s Holy Word. Have a blessed weekend! Hugs! Stephanie – The Enchanting Rose
Kendra says
I’m so glad you stopped by! I enjoy meeting new people, whether here on the blog….or bumping into them at Subway. 🙂 You are welcome anytime!
Darla says
Amen! It’s the Word of God that is sharper than a two edged sword, not books ABOUT the word of God although they have their place.
Blessings, Darla
Kendra says
So true!
Abbi says
I so agree! Getting in God’s word daily has been a wonderful blessing as it comes back to you when you need it most. This call to simply dive into God’s word and always compare everything you hear or read anywhere else with what the scripture says is one that has been on my heart as well. One that I have been trying to share and encourage at my blog too. Oh that people would truly read and memorize God’s word – not just read a devotion book and think that they have gotten God’s word for their day.
Kendra says
Amen!
Susan says
Kendra! I left a comment on a more recent post of yours saying that I’d just come across your blog. I have to say – I didn’t know someone else existed that has such similar views! We have read Lighthouse Trails for years, read many of the authors you’ve recommended, don’t use devotional books. It’s a blessing to meet you =).
Kendra says
That is so awesome!! I am so glad you found us and would love your input anytime you wish. 🙂 God bless!