Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.
I grew up with a love of reading. I loved when my English teachers assigned a book for us to read in class, and I was one of those students who didn’t mind actually doing the summer reading each year, although I wasn’t a fan of the book reports we had to write about them. I have read a lot of books in my life, some better than others, but none more important than the Bible.
The Bible is the best-selling book ever, selling an estimated 5-7 billion copies worldwide. That is just physical, hard copies you can hold in your hand. The YouVersion Bible app has over 2400 versions of the Bible in over 1600 different languages. It was written by numerous authors, spanning 1500 years. It was written by doctors, kings, shepherds, and fishermen, all writing from their unique perspectives. Different authors wrote at different periods and from different points of view, and the message is always the same: God created us, God loves us, and He sent His son to die for us so that we could find new life through faith in Him.
“You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Paul is talking to Timothy about here in these verses, scripture inspired by God and useful to teach us, guide us, and help us live a life that is pleasing and honorable to God, is the same scripture we read today! That is mind-blowing to me! These words written thousands of years ago are relevant for us living here in 2025 and will continue to teach us and guide us in the years to come.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is alive and powerful.”
Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
I don’t know about you, but knowing that I have this book at my fingertips whenever I need help gives me a sense of peace that nothing else can bring. God has given me what I need through His Word to live a life that is pleasing and honorable to Him, and I can go back to it again and again. I wonder what Paul would think if he could see how far and wide the scriptures he learned and taught so long ago have spread today.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
- SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
- OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
- APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
- PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
FALL AT VENTURE
KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! Check the Fall at Venture webpage for launch dates and events happening this fall at Venture.