The Watering Hole: January 2013

Welcome to my Watering Hole

Years ago, I heard a man say, “You will be the same in five years’ time as you are today, except for two things—the people you meet and the books you read.” When I look back over the past 32 years of following Jesus, I would have to say that I agree. If not for the people who have come into my life and the books I have read over the years, my life would have changed very little.

The first book that I read was the Bible. I picked it up, after making a decision to follow Jesus, and to this day I have been unable to put it down. The second book I read was called Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey. I think we all struggle to find ways to understand what God is trying to tell us. For me, one of the most effective ways is through what I read. Over time I have kept a journal of quotations that have had an impact on me. Often I reflect on something I recorded years ago and see that in some areas of my life I have grown and in others there is still much work to do. Sometimes I have been motivated, encouraged and inspired by what I read, sometimes frightened and overwhelmed, but never, never discouraged or without hope.

In my conversations with men, more often than not, other than the odd newspaper or magazine, many read very little if at all. My suggestions is, before you read on, take time out to pray, ask yourself and God what are the challenges at this time in your life and then read, expecting the Holy Spirit to bring alive what is relevant to you. Don’t read for reading’s sake. See it as a watering hole where your thirst for life’s answers can be quenched. As time goes by, I will add to the site. I want it to be living.

In conclusion, I have to say that there are many things I don’t know. One thing I do know is that God would want me to share with you what He has shared with me. I pray that He will bring alive these writings and burn them in your heart. I wish you well. Life is very demanding for many, and at times it seems that society is demanding more than we’re able to give. But don’t give up. To borrow the title of Wayne Bennett’s autobiography, Don’t Die with the Music in You. That would be a tragedy.

In His name,

Grahame

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Just after I became a Christian, a good friend said to me, “Now that you have been introduced to Jesus, get to know Him by praying to Him and reading His Word.” I never forgot that advice, yet I find that in today’s world, many Christian men have given up on reading the Bible. Why is Bible study so important?

Patrick Morley in his book titled, A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines, says on this subject that we should remember that Scripture has a purpose. The gospel of John was written by one of Jesus’ disciples–a close friend who knew our Lord personally. Toward the end of his book, the apostle John explained why his account was selective: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31) Patrick states that in 1994 a study revealed that 73% of Americans believed all the miracles in the Bible took place exactly as stated. But looking at the culture, belief hasn’t changed how people think or behave. John said he recorded those miracles for a purpose. He intended for his readers to understand and accept that Jesus is the Messiah–the Saviour–and know that He is God’s Son. Patrick Morley concludes by asking why that is important. He says it’s important because belief gives birth to life. Theologians say that Scriptures are given for our justification and sanctification. That basically means the Bible exists to bring us to faith (justification or salvation) and to help us become more and more like Christ as we grow in our faith (sanctification, or holiness).

I agree. I am kidding myself if I believe that I can grow to be more like Jesus and not study the Bible on a regular basis. The following passage carries a promise for any man who makes regular contact with God’s Word. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

If you have not been reading your Bible, why not plug into a Bible study group today? I hear that there is a good one starting up for men. Just contact Gateway Baptist Men’s Network for details.