Seed for July 20

Ps 119:9
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
(NIV)

How can a man cleanse his ways? By paying attention to God's Word. That will be pretty hard to do, if one fails to read and study the Word. The Bible instructs us to study to show ourselves approved to God (not to men), not being ashamed but rightly dividing the Word. Some how we have been taught only the preacher should study the Bible and tell us what it says. Hmmm. That is a dangerous way to live. Everyone needs to know what the Word of God says, so that it can speak into our lives personally. The verses of God should just turn over in your mind daily and constantly. In that manner the living Word of God is speaking to you. That will not happen unless you study it for yourself. Most don't know how to read the Bible, so let me make this suggestion. Start with St. John (history of the life of Jesus), then read Acts (birth of the Church) . Then being to read and study the letters written to the saved saints until you get to the end of the New Testament. Little by little read Psalms and Proverbs, and begin to devour the Old Testament. As you read for yourself, the Lord will begin to speak personally into your own life. The Word will become a living Word to you, speaking to you in the situations of your life. That is how God speaks. Be blessed.