Today’s reading is Luke 1:1-2:52.

“After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers” (Luke 2:46-47).

I’ve often wanted to jump to the last half of this statement. I want people to be amazed at my understanding and answers. But notice where Jesus began. He began with listening and asking questions. That is where I need to begin. The only way I can have great answers and great understanding is by first learning to ask good questions and then listening to others good answers.

I need to do the same in my own personal study. I need to learn how to ask good questions about this book I’m reading. Then I need to listen to the Word for the answers God is giving.

Further, I need to do the same when I study with others. Instead of thinking, “I’m the preacher, listen to my amazing understanding and answers,” I need to provoke more communication and discussion by learning how to ask good questions and then listen to what other learners have also gained.

Today, I need to learn to do what Jesus did, Listen, Ask, Answer, and Learn.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Hebrews 13:1-25; James 1:1-27.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:19-21).

I have a tendency to equate “save” with “forgive.” While being forgiven is part of being saved, the two are not completely synonymous. Being saved means being made whole, being healed, being fixed. That is what I want. I don’t simply want to be forgiven. I want to be made well. I want the sickness of my sins removed. I want the control of sin removed. I want my defects discarded. I want to be fixed. I want to be saved.

Sadly, I have learned I do not have that power. I cannot save myself. No amount of my good works will do it. No amount of my decision making will do it. I’ve tried that path but I have already let myself become sin’s slave. What am I to do? James says the word of God is able to save me.

Today, if I want to be saved, I need to be in God’s word. I need to be quick to hear it. That is, not only letting its words enter my ears but also allowing them to impact my life. I need to be slow to speak, that is, slow to say the way I think things should be and slow to speak against what I hear. I need to be slow to anger. I may not like everything God’s word says. If I give myself to anger against it, I will not attain the righteousness of God.

I don’t read the word today because God has given me homework. I read it because the word is able to save me and I want saving.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Acts 17:1-18:28.

I’m impressed with Apollos today. He was eloquent. He was mighty in the Scriptures. He mostly knew what he was talking about. He taught most things accurately. That is all good stuff. However, what I’m most impressed with is when someone came to him and pointed out his error about baptism in Jesus’ name, he didn’t get defensive. He didn’t dig his heels in the ground. He didn’t start getting manipulative and trying to get back at the people. He apparently listened and changed.

Wow!

I need to be more like that. I need to hear what others are saying to me, even when we disagree. They might just be right. But even if they aren’t, I need to listen with the right attitude. When I find out I’m wrong, I need to change and keep on working for the Lord.

I’m going to work on this today.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What struck you in today’s reading?