Beautiful Photograph Tells Another Picture

Photo by Peter Hardt ©2007

Beautiful scene, was the first comment. Yes? And?
Well, it would be a nice place to visit. The lake and the mountain in the back . . .
And?
The photo sort of gives me a peaceful feeling. I like the calm sky and the reflections in the lake.
So, if you were there?
I’d be surrounded by beauty. I’d see the depth of the distances better. I’d feel the coolness and the quietness.

We were both looking at a photo of Mt. Rainier that my son Peter had sent. I, too, thought the photograph was a masterpiece and proudly displayed it on my desk. But, showing it to my friend I realized how a quick glance does not do it justice. And that came to mind today as I clicked on the Internet for a quick, little Bible reading.

Reading the Bible is like snatching up my son’s photograph and giving it a cursory glance. One quick look and we’re ready to put it down.

Sometimes, when you and I read God’s Word we scan through in search of a particular word or term. When we find it we’re done. We jot down a note mentally or on paper. That’s it.

Taking more time with that page of the Bible we might be able to soak in the surroundings, bring details into focus, reveal the background. We could see things that we missed the first time.

How did the mist arising from the lake affect the photographer’s picture? How close from the lake was the photographer? Were there any other people there at that time? Were they all hushed with the beauty, or chatting before getting back on the tour bus? Is there more to discover, more to learn?

The Bible is a unique book. Picking it up is like holding history in your hands — people’s conversations, people’s lives — God’s communication of goodness and law, love and salvation. There are some details that we can relate to, other information that takes us quite by surprise.

God Himself, our Creator and the Author of the Book invites us to enter into a relationship with Him. Like a tour guide He points out a personal message to us, if we respond to Him.

Consider the beautiful picture of God’s awesome plan for our little planet Earth and its inhabitants — a stunning revelation of truth about Now and Hereafter. Take another look at the Bible!

(Photo by Peter Hardt ©2007. Writing by Elaine Hardt ©2007)

Disagreement at the Bible Study?

What’s it like when YOU go to Bible study?
o Calm and predictable, but the teacher does make it interesting most of the time.
o Very calm and very predictable. Nearly boring, but I know that I ought to go.
o Irritating. Makes my blood pressure go up, but, oh well.
o Fascinating. Discussions are lively. It gives us something to apply to our lives.

What can I do?
Go prepared. Try the COMB approach and “then” and “now.”
C= Context. Read ahead of and after the verses in the study. What is being talked about?
O= Other verses. What other Scripture sheds light on the concept.
M= Meaning. Look up the meaning of key words. Is the word repeated frequently in this book?
B= Background. What has happened to bring on these events? Picture yourself in the scene.
Then: How did this teaching apply to the people in those days?
Now: How does this teaching apply to us in our time?

What if a disagreement arises?
If you’re the teacher, be thankful. It’s an opportunity to go past a routine reading of the verse. It’s an opportunity to display patience with each other. It’s a challenge for each of us to dig deeper.
If you’re one of the members of the group, be thankful. You can demonstrate a good attitude while developing your communication skills. You can show initiative in study before the next meeting.

Size it up.
It’s too bad when the teacher or the class feels it must press on to complete a certain number of pages. This may rob us from some honest questions and helpful discussion.
Is this important enough? Does anyone else in the group feel it’s worth the extra time and effort?
Can it be better covered a few weeks from now? Consult the calendar. Let’s all do some homework.
Is there anyone who we could invite to share knowledge or first-hand experience?
How can I share with the others?
1. Clarify what the disagreement is. Can you put it into writing?
2. What version of the Bible are you using?
3. What version of the Bible are the others in the group using?
4. What other verses use the same word or the same concept?
5. Read the chapter before and the chapter after: note the context.
6. Have you checked Strong’s Concordance? Or other concordance?
7. Who is the “authority” you are quoting? What are his/her qualifications?
8. Are there other books that you recommend to us?
9. Make written notes to hand out to the others.
10. Be a good listener when others are speaking. Ask good questions, too.

What if we all cannot agree?
• Be thankful for God’s goodness and mercy, since we are all less than 100% brilliant.
• Be quick to encourage each other.
• Take into consideration how much you have been growing, spiritually.
• Decide if further study and discussion might be helpful at this time.

How important is it?
Keep in mind that there are important, life-affecting, eternal truths that we must receive as we embrace our Savior. Other issues are probably interesting, but could be mainly historical, or helpful for children, or useful for teaching new believers.
Be a Berean. Read what they did in Acts 17:11.
Read and study of the Bible with another believer. Both of you can be blessed.
“As iron sharpens iron,
a friend sharpens a friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

In closing . . .
A sermon is not enough. A TV program can’t do it for you. The stories from childhood Sunday School can not give you an adult perspective.
Bible study is not a time-filler, a routine meeting. For the believer it is not optional.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV)

Welcome the Lord and His Word into your life. We need God’s presence, His empowering, and His grace to learn to do what pleases Him.
❤
By Elaine Hardt ©2007

ABCs of Prayer

Adoring our Lord
Bowing before His throne
Confessing doubt and weakness and sin
Dancing and singing, delighting in Him
Encompassing a needy world with love
Forgiving others, forgiving myself as He forgives me
Grateful for hope in the face of adversity
Having sweet fellowship with Jesus
Interceding in the Spirit
Joyful in salvation
Kept from deception, confident in Christ
Lavishing His blessings on others
Mindful of eternity
Needing nothing else
Overcoming evil in obedience to God’s Word
Praising His name
Quieting my anxious thoughts in the light of His love
Resting in my Father’s arms, receiving His peace
Speaking by faith His Words of deliverance and healing
Thankful for His grace
Understanding little, trusting much
Victorious in His armor, empowered by the Spirit
Weeping over the lost
X excited about what God has already done
Yielding my life, saying Yes to His leading
Zealous to give Him all glory!
by Elaine Hardt ©1995

Attitude Adjustment

What’s your passion, what do you do well?
Do you dream that you can?
An attitude can be improved
By a careful, thought-out plan;

Without His Word we do not know God,
We could follow false dreams;
He has a good plan for each of us,
Quite challenging it seems.

You can’t receive when your fist is clenched,
Give up both anger and fear;
Satan seeks to block your destiny,
Don’t believe every voice you hear.

Can you trust God? He’s giving you
A certain number of days;
Empowered by His Holy Spirit
Obey Him, give Him praise.

Perhaps what you dream is not for now,
Don’t let pride get in your way;
Life is too short! Avoid confusion!
God calls —now is the time to pray.

By Elaine Hardt ©2007