The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Whenever we enter into a New Year, there is normally the looking back at the past, assessing the present and looking forward towards the future. Somewhere sandwiched in between are the promises we make to ourselves to make positive changes in our lives, such as giving up certain vices by making New Year’s resolutions. A New Year’s resolution, according to Wikipedia, is a tradition in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life. This column this month has sought to encourage you to adopt a worthwhile resolution of regular and consistent Bible study which will prove to be spiritually enhancing leading to a deeper walk with God so that you can face the New Year with hope!
Make room for daily Bible study
In order for the information received during Bible study to materialize and be beneficial, believers must make room in their lives for daily Bible study. Set aside time each day (at least 15-30 minutes is recommended) to study God’s Word. If you are not a morning person, then engage in Bible study during the evening. Whatever time of day you set aside, the key is consistency. This will require sacrifice, but the effort will be worth it.
Tim LaHaye in How to Study the Bible for Yourself offered this intuitive thought: “Dr. M. R. DeHaan, the late founder of the nationally aired program Radio Bible Class, once said, “To come to Christ costs nothing, to follow Christ costs something, but to serve Christ will cost you everything.” LaHaye posits, “…There is a cost involved in spiritual growth and maturity and that cost is the time it takes to learn God’s principles from His Word and the submission of your life to them. However, the rewards and results are well worth the sacrifice they require.”
As you study the Bible, God will show you the path He wants you to take and the light you should follow. Since the Bible contains timeless principles for daily living, and given that Christ himself regarded the Scriptures in its entirety to be God-given and indefectible authority (Matt. 5:17ff); believers must study it and allow it to guide them as they grow in their walk and devotion to God.
The time has come to bring a divine frame of reference to our cities, communities and churches, a group of uncompromising, dedicated, biblically educated, spiritually maturing men and women who have one overriding goal in life; that is to do all to the glory of God.
Beloved, do not neglect to: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, NIV). To be found approved you must study the inspired Word of God daily. It will help you develop a stronger relationship with God and experience the transforming life that only comes when you sit at the feet of Jesus, studying, meditating, obeying His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth.
Next Month: Black History Month: Joining the Fight for Social Justice
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.