Walking in the Light.

We live in a world that though surrounded by light is in spiritual darkness.  Recently I came across an interesting statistic released by the Barna group regarding American Christians and Bible reading.  The study showed that 61% of Americans, who claim that their religious beliefs play a great role in their life, have read their Bible through.  http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/one-in-five-americans-have-read-the-bible-cover-to-cover-and-thats-not-just-christians

This was startling to me because based upon the society I see each day I thought the number would be much lower.  My thought is that if Americans are reading the Bible as these studies show they are, (and I understand number can certainly be skewed) then why is our country so Biblically illiterate in our lifestyles? 

The fault does not lie in the door way of our government, schools or places of higher learning it lies in the doorway of our churches and Christian homes.  Americans Christians have become enamored with the status quo.  We want to be accepted so much and do not want to be different from the society that we live in.  But we are to be "Salt and Light" in our generation.    1Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"

I understand this is not popular in society today even among Christians but ask yourself this question, "What Biblical sacrifice have I made for Christ lately?"  Lets face it we as a generation are using the Bible to make excuses for sin in our lives and though we are reading the Bible we are not obeying the Bible, we are not, "...walking in the light as He is in the Light...". 

So the issue is not reading the Bible, it is believing the Bible.  If we are spending time musing and meditating upon Gods word then it will change our lives.  It is different from any biography or text book we may read, it is the Word of God.  (Heb. 4:12)  May we determine to not simply have a head knowledge of the Word of God but a heart knowledge (Prov. 4:23) that will change us from the inside out.

More than Insurance

Why do we have insurance?  There are several different types that we have, health, life, auto, home...the list continues but you understand my point.  We have insurance to protect against catastrophic loss.  We pay premiums, monthly, yearly or quarterly just in case something disastrous happens. 

For the Christian life some look at salvation, church attendance and the Lord the same way, a protection against a catastrophic loss.  When trouble arises, they run to church or run to the Lord and that is not a bad thing yet God wants to be so much more in our lives than a insurance plan.  He wants us to know Him.  Proverbs 8:17 "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."  God desires for us to walk with Him and rest in His presence, Mark 6:31 "And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."  There is a peaceful rest we can find in a daily walk and communication with the Lord Jesus.  Not just when trouble arises, but during the peaceful times. 

Each morning we should spend time in Gods Word, in prayer and meditating upon what the scriptures say and how they are applicable to our lives today.  We are living in "perilous" times and now is not the time to go uncovered...spend time with the Lord each day, enjoy His presence, His protection and His provision in the times of plenty or in times of loss. 

Take time to asses your relationship with the Lord today and see how close you are to Him.  Remember He desire to be close to you...daily...and the closer you get to Him the closer He will come to you.  "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." James 4:8