Christians often rely on individuals such as Preachers, Bible teachers, or TV Evangelists to learn more about God, to get closer to him, or to help them grow spiritually. All these people are helpful. However, the best way to know God better is to personally spend time reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures. After all, the words of the Bible are God’s word for us. So, spending time in his Word means spending time with Jesus. Scripture says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” – Joshua 1:8. This verse suggests that a “Just-Jesus-and-Me” action should be our focus. Here is a way to get closer to God.

1)    Read.  Bible reading should be a regular part of a person’s life. God’s word becomes ingrained in life when we spend time in it. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips.”

2)    Meditate.  Reading is good, but thinking about the words and ideas that were read may be more important. “Meditate on it day and night.”

3)    Action.  Think about the words and thoughts, but action reveals the intent of the heart. “Be careful to do everything written in it.”

4)    Results.  In the end, results and accomplishment is essential. “Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

When should someone move closer to God? The present time is always the best time. Try these practical ways to make your involvement a “Just-Jesus-and-Me” experience:

1)    Time and Place.  Set aside a time and place where it is quiet and you will not be interrupted.

2)    Pray.  Ask God to speak to you as you read His word.

3)    Read.  Open the Bible and carefully read a portion of God’s word.

4)    Think.  Think about the words, concepts and implications as you read.

5)    Ask.  Question what you read like: What does it say? What does it mean? How do the words fit together or build on each other? What does it tell me about Jesus?

6)    Listen.  Close your eyes and quietly listen, expecting God to speak to you. What is he trying to teach you?

7)    Plan.  Identify action steps you will take regarding the concepts you learned.

8)    Pray.  Ask God to help you live out those concepts and the words of the scripture that you read.

As you work on your “Just-Jesus-and-Me” time, thank God for the bountiful blessings he has showered upon you.

Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.