I think my horse may be chasing my cart. Meaning, I maybe should have started my 31 Days Writing Challenge with Bible quotes about…Bible quotes. Here I’ve been telling you what God’s Word has to say about patience, gentleness and ourselves without telling you about the Author Himself–God. Let’s consider what God’s Word has to say about God’s Word. Warning, I will be quoting from Father John Hardon again in this post. Oh, and there is another free printable at the bottom with a compilation of scriptures about God’s Word. Print it out and stick it in your Bible. And…there’s a giveaway at the end of this post!
Bible Quotes: God’s Word
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So why read the Bible?[note]Aggie Catholic Blog has a great list of 14 Reasons to Read the Bible[/note] Father John Hardon states, “Through the Bible we see that God wants is to adore Him, thank Him, beg for His mercy and ask Him for what we need.” Saint Jerome states, “When we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us. ”
This is so good to read today. When I’m feeling distant from God, it’s because I’ve stopped reading my Bible. If my prayer life is sluggish, it’s because I’ve stopped communicating with God in His Word. If my thoughts seem more anxious, it’s because I’ve stopped listening to the voice of God and started listening to the voice of the world.
We’ve touched on “Why read the Bible,” now let’s consider “How.” Let’s be honest, many times the reason we don’t sit down and read our Bible is because it’s “boring.” But so are many things we do daily, like showering, but we have to do it to keep ourselves healthy, clean, socially acceptable and well. Yes, I just said showering was boring. I’m sorry, but my showering never looks like the commercials. Usually I’m in a race against the clock before some child in the other bathroom uses all the hot water, or some child “NEEDS” me now! But enough about how I feel about showers, this post is about Bible quotes and we’re talking about “How.” The simple answer, we just do it, whether we feel like it or not.
The first thing we need to do is to prepare ourselves to read God’s Word; to communicate with God. It would be silly for me to set down in the middle of a bunch of noise, crack open my Bible and expect to intentionally visit with God amid interruptions and distractions. Wait…I know, lots of us are mothers and mothers of many and mothers of small ones, hear me out. Our time in the Word may be while sitting at the dinning room room table while children are doing school work, coloring or even watching a short video; we can still prepare ourselves mentally to be open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit while reading God’s Word.
If we need to be out and present for our children during our “quiet time” how about clearing the crumbs off the table? That’s always a good start for anything in life, especially Bible reading. If we’re sitting there staring at a table full of crumbs we may get distracted, frustrated or defeated. If we can sneak away, how about to a quiet corner? Our closet? The bathroom?
Now let’s get our minds focused on God. I have found a great way to do this is with music. Even if it doesn’t drown out the actual noise of the house, it does drown out the noise in my mind…or at least changes it. Listening to inspiring words, combined with beautiful music, shifts my mind to God. Read these lyrics from a song titled, Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord
Can you just image the Holy Spirit flooding the atmosphere of your home, your mind, with God’s glory? Can you imagine being overcome by God’s presence? Awesome!
Finally, pen and paper. We take notes when it comes to important things, like a great recipe, children’s book recommendation or honest mechanic. We write it down so we won’t forget. Let’s do the same with reading God’s Word. It’s important…He’s important…what He communicates to us is important…we’re important! Let’s write it down. Our memories may not be what they used to be…or they won’t be at some point. I don’t know about you, but I want to have a record of my conversations with God. Just like I love old letters from my grandparents or mother in love, I want those written interactions with my Father to remind me of our time together.
Finally, I just mentioned using music to turn our thoughts toward God…I have something for you! I love Kari Jobe’s music. One of my most favorite songs is Here; that song always brings my mind into the presence of God. And the song lyrics I linked to above, it’s from her new CD, Majestic: Revisited. Although I am much more an acoustic type of girl (which she has a CD for that, The Acoustic Session) I enjoy the music from her Majestic: Revisited CD; it’s actually the CD I’ve been listening to as I’ve been writing my 31 Days posts.
Here’s my “official” review of the new CD as well as my love for Kari Jobe’s music in general…”
Family Christian offered me the opportunity to review Kari Jobe’s new CD, “Majestic: Revisited” for review and I literally squealed with delight! I discovered Kari Jobe’s music a couple of years ago when I was struggling with fear and anxiety. Her uplifting lyrics, beautiful voice and scriptural lyrics were just what I needed and were like a soothing balm to my weary and troubled soul. I have been a fan ever since. One of my favorite songs, and really they all are for different reasons, is “Here.” The song opens with these words, “Come and rest here, Come and lay your burdens down, Come and rest here, There is refuge for you now” No matter where I am or what I’m doing, hearing those lyrics, sung by her crystal clear voice, instantly bring my heart and mind to God. If you’re an acoustic fan, she has an acoustic CD, “The Acoustic Session.” If you’re more of a pop sounding fan, she has a CD for you, “Kari Jobe.” If you’re looking for a great worship CD, she has two! “Majestic and Majestic: Revisited” Kari also has a “Christmas Edition” CD. And my favorite song “Here” it’s on her CD “Where I Find You.”
Free Bible Quotes printable: Bible Quotes God’s Word
I usually read at the dining room table if I’m taking notes, or on my couch.
Me too, or my chair in my bedroom.
In my “spot” on our comfy couch in the living room.
Sounds lovely! Does the family know it as “your spot” too?
yes, I walk into the room and if someone is sitting there, they get up 🙂
So funny! My little niece won’t let anyone sit in her daddy’s chair 😉
I usually read my worn well-loved Bible in my comfy chair with ottoman in the living room overlooking the mountains early in the morning. When that doesn’t happen, I’ll read the Laudate readings of the day on my phone anywhere I can…
We live in the prairie so I’m sure the mountains would be a majestic sight to read my Bible by.
Thank you so much for this series! I have been working with my girls on Bible reading (how to find specific verses in the Bible) as well as how to use it for praying and getting to know what God wants for their lives. This series is perfect. We are going over the verses you are posting and discussing them and marking them. My oldest was confirmed yesterday. evening. I am going to print out he “pretty ones” for her and frame them so she can have them in her room!! Thanks again!
Oh Nancy this makes me so happy! All for His glory in His timing!
I love “I Am Not Alone”.
And I love the comparison to the taking care of the body. I make excuses for that too! Not today.
I listen to “I Am Not Alone” frequently.
What plugin are you using for your Tweet This? I have one but it’s a little clunky. I like the clean lines of the ones you’re using!
Click to Tweet by TodayMade 🙂
Love the idea of music! I use music as a way of calming me during other times of the day but to prepare for reading my bible. But I think it’s great! It does always reach my soul and make me want to commune with God more!
I usually follow The Celtic Daily Prayer Book but recently added the USCCB app to my phone which has daily mass readings and the go to the Blessed Is She devotional. I then go and read the Psalm in full that is in the daily reading.
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas for diving into the Word of God. Also for the giveaway!
Kari Jobe is a favorite in our home too. She was in concert at a local church about 5 minutes from our home on my Birthday. We did not get there but she is said to be coming back and my husband and I do not want to miss her this time around.
It sounds like you are so disciplined in your devotion! When did you start the practice, and how do you keep it up as a Mom of many? My desire is there, it’s just.so.hard. Thank you, Jenny!
I couldn’t live without my Bible…and yes some days music really helps (especially on the days when I have no words…)
I usually read my Bible on my couch or in bed and keep it next to my nightstand. I often find myself retreating to my bedroom when life gets tough and it’s helpful to know that while God is everywhere his Word is at the center of my peaceful escape. Love the post! So timely for me! Thank you!
I have a comfy chair in my bedroom that I retreat to sometimes as well.
I love this blog! I read the bible on the couch while listening to music while I send the kids out for playtime!
Thanks Jen! That’s great that you have established your Bible reading time.
Thank you again! Thanks for sharing your heart, prayers, and this lovely giveaway! <3
You are so welcome Amanda. All for His glory!
Ahh showering and bible reading are two necessities! Love the comparison Jenny!
Thanks Megan. I know you’re a Bible reader/journaler. Where and or when do you do it?
In a box with a fox? Usually at the kitchen table while the kids do home school or in my room on my “spot” everything is handy here in my cart next to my bed. Gotta love IKEA!