Three benefits of daily Bible reading include a mind reset, the Spirit illuminating truth, and a recall for spiritual support.
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ seeking to walk in personal discipleship, I highly encourage this practice. Read and meditate on the Bible daily. Preferably, first thing in the morning. And maintain a journal to record reflective thoughts. Sounds primitive, I know. No flash or dazzle. Bells or whistles. Just slightly advanced beyond caveman drawings. But stick with it consistently for these three remarkable benefits.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. It resets your mind.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Our minds fill daily with junk. A hodgepodge of negative and sinful thoughts. They romp and play in frivolous mind games, tempt and deceive, and ultimately manifest in negative, sinful talk and behavior. And the worst thing to tell yourself is you’re NOT going to think about them. It’s an automatic guarantee that you will. But the Bible is God’s living and active word. And reading it first thing in the morning resets your mind. Not like a spiritual sanitizer that cleanses sinful thoughts. That requires confessing sin and asking God’s forgiveness. But when you fill your mind with God’s word it replaces other thoughts.
Junk thoughts will return, of course, because sin is relentless. And why daily Bible reading is so important. Because the more God’s word is active in your mind, the more it counteracts and resists the sinful thoughts that drag you down. It’s not magical ot an absolute failsafe. But it has a positive, godly impact over time. Think of it as a spiritual guardrail and not a guarantee.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. The Spirit illuminates truth.
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. (ESV, John 16:13-14)
When you read and meditate on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, will disclose its truth. He enlightens your understanding, convicts you of sin, counsels you in decisions, and provides wisdom in godly actions. That doesn’t mean every daily reading includes eureka moments. Nor does it eliminate other spiritual growth pursuits like podcasts, online sermons, and group Bible study with other believers. But when you regularly read God’s word and open the eyes of your heart, God will speak to you in a clear, unmistakeable manner.
Keep in mind there is no such thing as your truth and someone else’s truth. Only the truth of God. But how he leads you to apply it may be different than how he leads someone else. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you don’t still need pastoral guidance or advice from other trusted believers. But that God’s word should be your first stop for seeking his will.
Three benefits of regular Bible reading. A recall for spiritual support.
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (ESV, Luke 12:11-12).
The more you put God’s word in your mind, the more he brings it to mind for your spiritual support and for his glory. I’ve engage in spiritual conversations with others and struggled for what to say, when suddenly a Bible verse, story. or encouraging words pop into my mind appropriate to the occasion.
The same thing has happened as I’ve wrestled with problems. As you consistently memorize, read, and meditate on God’s Word, God’s Spirit often prompts you to recall an appropriate verse, story, or teaching right when you need it.
Perhaps for yourself. Or for someone else.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective, his exclusive claim on eternal life, and the divine distinction between father and son.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (ESV, John 14:2-3)
Jesus delivered troubling news to the disciples during the Passover meal. One of them would betray him, he was leaving soon and they couldn’t follow him until later, and Peter would deny him three times before the morning rooster crowed. It was a lot to take in and you can imagine the concern and confusion they felt. Jesus offers reassurance by telling them to believe in him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pistĕuō, which also means trust. Simple to say but hard to do when you are emotionally upset. It reminds us today that we don’t have to figure things out when we’re frightened, confused and uncertain. But can trust God because he has everything under control. Then Jesus makes a statement that remains a cherished promise for Christ-followers today.
The promise of a forever home
Jesus was returning to his father’s many roomed house where he would prepare a place for the disciples and return to take them to it. The Greek word for “rooms” is monai, which literally means a place to stay. And it’s used again in V.23 for “home.”
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
And its use in V.23 suggests not just a place, but God’s presence. In other words, heaven is more than a perfect paradise of beauty and splendor that we call our forever home. It’s where we abide with God.
This promise frames a believer’s worldview with the most powerful concept on earth. The hope of eternal life with Christ. Rather than a hopeless nothingness at the end of this life, believers anticipate a life that extends forever. Therefore, all of life’s circumstances and experiences, both good and bad, are measured within an unending time frame. And it lowers their level of importance and ultimate impact on us because our eternal wellbeing is secure.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus making an exclusive claim on eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV, John 14:6)
Critics of Christianity call it intolerant because of its exclusive claim. With so many religions in the world how can it be right and the rest wrong? And the answer is Christians don’t make the claim. Jesus did. He begins with “I am” the Greek word Egō eimi, which is his self-identification as God. The same way God identified himself to Moses when he spoke to him from the burning bush.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
You can accept or reject Jesus’ claim. But you shouldn’t ignore it. He is the way. Not a trail blazer who shows us the path to follow. But the one we submit to in confession and repentance as we seek his forgiveness for our sins. He is the truth. The supreme revelation of the father and whose words and actions completely represent the father’s words and actions. And the life. God’s Son who defeated death through his resurrection and possesses eternal life in himself.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals the divine distinction between father and son.
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (ESV, John 14:1)
Philip was either not present, not listening, or forgot what Jesus said in John 10:30: I and the father are one. He still doesn’t understand Jesus’ relationship with the father even though Jesus addressed it in earlier chapters. In Philip’s defense, theological teaching on the trinity was not present in Judaism. It was introduced when Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3:16-17.
So Jesus gently rebukes Philip and reviews what he said before. Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the father.” And then he follows with, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”
Jesus does not say he IS the father, but that he reveals the father. And yet, Jesus is in the father and the father in him. He makes a distinction between father and son, but affirms there is only one God. How do we explain it? By recognizing that God exists in three distinct persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who equally share one divine essence.
It is a truth that is difficult for us to comprehend, but that we believe on faith..
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:28-38 reveals the glory of God, a new commandment given by Jesus, and the good intentions of Peter.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the glory of God.
Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. (ESV, John 13:31-32)
After Judas leaves the Passover meal, Jesus addresses the other disciples. And starting in V.31, he begins the first part of his Farewell Discourse that extends to 14:31. It unfolds what is about to happen regarding his betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In other words, he prepares his disciples for what is ahead. Life without him.
The Glory of God
There’s a lot of glorifying going on in one sentence. As both fully human and fully God, Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” to affirm his humanity. But it is about to end with his willing sacrifice on a cross that reveals his divine glory. An act of complete obedience that glorifies the father. And then he’ll return to the father in his eternal glory. At the same time, Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the father’s love for humanity and how much he will sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. The Apostle Paul further supports this idea.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV, Philippians 2:8-11)
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals a new commandment given by Jesus.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV, John 13:34-35)
Time is short and Jesus repeats something similar to what he told the Jews in 7:33-34. They would seek him, but where he was going they could not come. Notice that in 7:34 Jesus told the Jews they would seek him, but not find him. But in 13:33, he leaves out the “not find him.” Why? Because then as now, true believers will always find Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Next Jesus declares a new commandment. To love one another so people know they are his disciples. And it remains today the expression that makes Christ-followers visibly distinct. However, this love is not the emotional feeling that characterizes western culture. The Greek word used for “love” in this passage is agapē and is not primarily an emotion, attraction, or feeling. But instead, represents a self-giving, sacrificial commitment that seeks the good of another according to God’s truth. It is not based on human affections but follows the example of Christ’s love. The one Jesus himself demonstrated toward the disciples. However, it’s not a new commandment like God had never said anything like it before.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (ESV, Leviticus 19:18)
In other words, Christian love now goes beyond love for neighbor as yourself, but is love patterned after Christ himself.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the good intentions of Peter.
Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (ESV, John 13:36-37)
Peter presses Jesus further about where he is going and Jesus amends his earlier statement. Peter can’t follow him now, but will follow him later. It is the promise that we also share. Believers in Jesus who are faithful disciples will also follow him into heaven when life on earth ends.
Then Peter, the impulsive disciple, expresses his good intentions like many of us today. Confident we will stand by Jesus no matter what. Peter insists he will lay down his life for Jesus. To which Jesus predicts Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows in the morning. Of course, we know how this plays out. And it reminds us that good intentions are not enough. Faith involves both perseverance and courage as we face fears, testing, and trials. But find guidance in God’s Word, strength through prayer, and confidence in the hope of eternal life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility, a spiritual meaning in the godly act, and a godly example for disciples to follow.
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility.
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.(ESV, John 13:1,4-5)
As Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples he knew his crucifixion was near and time with his disciples limited. How might he best make a lasting impression with a defining moment that would impact their ministry when he was gone? His decision was a teaching moment through an act of love as V.1 reminds us:
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The Greek word for “end” is telo, which means complete, end, fullest extent, and the point aimed at as a limit. In other words, Jesus loved his disciples to the fullest measure and to the very end of his earthly life. So he removed his outer garments, tied a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and washed their feet one by one. All them, including Judas who was about to betray him.
The common task of foot washing
People in that day wore sandals. So footwashing dusty feet was a common practice after entering someone’s home. But it was a menial task reserved for servants. For a rabbi like Jesus to willingly perform it was very uncommon. You can imagine the raised eybrows and exchanged, puzzled looks between the disciples at Jesus’ actions.
The Greek term for “laid aside” in John 13:4 is tithēmi and is the same term used in John 10:11. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” It described a physical act, but also carries a theological meaning. Jesus laid aside his deity to die for us. The Apostle Paul affirms this in his letter to the Philippians.
Who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV, Philippians 2:6-8)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a spiritual meaning in the godly act.
Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.(ESV, John 13:8,10)
Peter objects when Jesus prepares to wash his feet. For Jesus to perform the task of a slave was unthinkable to him. Maybe even shamed him a bit considering the times he and the other disciples argued about who among them was the greatest. But his understanding of Jesus’ actions was based on a physical level. Therefore, Jesus pointed out the spiritual meaning those actions represented.
He bluntly says that without the washing Peter would have no share with him. Jesus once again uses something from everyday life to communicate a profound, spiritual meaning. In this case, it was the necessity of spiritually washing away Peter’s sin through his sacrifice on the cross.
Without the spiritual cleansing provided by Jesus there is no forgiveness of sin, union with Christ, or eternal life. Peter likely didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but sensed its spiritual importance and became immediately enthusiasic in his acceptance. And even suggested additional cleaning beyond his feet.
The spiritual need for ongoing cleaning
Jesus continues with another another spiritual truth to the footwashing. Once Peter’s body is spiritually cleansed by Jesus he is granted eternal life. But he still continues to sin. And he is soiled by that sin like dust soils his sandal clad feet. Therefore, regular confession and forgiveness of sin becomes an ongoing practice of discipleship.
This is also true for Christ-followers today. We are saved when we believe in Jesus, confess our sins in repentance and follow him. But we still sin and it collects in our hearts in daily life. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. But the daily collection of sin must be washed off like the collection of dust on our feet through regular confession and forgiveness. Full washing represents salvation. Foot washing represents ongoing sanctification of the believer pursuing a holy life.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV, 1John 1:9)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a godly example for disciples to follow.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV, John 13:13-15)
There is beautiful simplicity in the spiritual message of the footwashing. There’s the deep, theological meaning of Jesus washing away our sins and granting us eternal life. And at the same time, an example of what genuine spiritual leadership involves. It moves beyond giving directions to demonstrating servanthood. Beyond telling to showing.
Did Jesus instruct and give commands? Yes. But in the end, in the final moments of his ministry with the disciples, the last lesson was on loving those he led and demonstrating that love through service. Ultimately by sacrificing his life. His lasting impression was an action that spoke louder than words.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 12:37-50 reveals why people reject Jesus, the power of social pressure, and Jesus as Savior and God’s Word as judge.
A study of John 12:37-50 reveals why people reject Jesus.
He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them. (ESV, John 12:40)
This statement is taken from Isaiah 6:10. A prophetic word spoken around 700 years earlier. And it’s hard for us to understand why the people rejected him other than it fulfilled prophecy. Clearly, the crowds were amazed by Jesus’ authoritative teaching and divine miracles. Not to mention he was sinless. But still, many did not believe in him and most of the Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill him. So he hid himself in order to carefully guard his public appearances until the right moment for his crucifixion arrived.
Today, many people claim nonbelief in Jesus based on intellectual reasoning. Their cognitive claim is the Bible is full of myths, legends, and contradictions that don’t fool intelligent people. However, both Isaiah and John identify the real problem as a hardened heart.
What is a hardened heart?
The Greek word for “hardened” is pōrŏō, which literally means to make hard like stone, petrify, render stupid, and make calloused. It originally referred to hard stone, thickened skin, and a callus over tissue.
In scripture it means spiritually desensitized, morally dull, and stubborn towards God. The conscience grows calloused, spiritual perception dull, and resistant to truth. Hearts grow hardened through persistent sin and unbelief. And then God judicially hardens them more in divine judgment. Furthermore, a hardened heart represents spiritual blindness as the Apostle Paul points out.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV, 1 Corinthain 2:14)
The difference between intellectual acknowledgment and belief is apple to oranges. The first takes place in your head and the second in your heart. The first is an admission. The second a commitment.
A study of John 12:37-50 reveals the power of social pressure.
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. (ESV, John 12:42-43)
Up to now in John’s Gospel, it appears Jesus was universally hated and rejected by the religious leaders. He challenged their hypocrasy, debated their theology, and invoked their jealousy. But here, John says many religious leaders did believe in him. Unfortunately, they did not openly declare their faith because of potential consequences. They might be put out of the synagogue.
The difference between the Jewish temple and synagogue?
In the Old Testament, God appointed the temple as the one central place of sacrificial worship for Israel. And during the Roman period it was located in Jerusalem. The temple hosted sacrifices, the priesthood, major feast observances, and visibly represented the Mosaic covenant. It was also home to the holy of holies where the High Priest entered alone once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices. Its importance in Judaism explains why the Jews frequently traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate religious feasts and important celebrations.
Synagogues likely developed during or after the Babylonian exile when many Jews lived far from Jerusalem. They helped preserve Jewish identity and were well established throughout the Roman empire. They were not divinely instituted like the temple and could not offer sacrifices, but became local gatherings for scripture reading, teaching, prayer, and functioned both religiously and socially. To be banned from it was both religious and social ostracism. John points this out in chapter nine when the religious leaders question the parents of the blind man that Jesus healed.
His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, was to be put out of the synagogue. (ESV, John 9:22)
Believers silenced by fear
The hatred of the religious leaders as a whole toward Jesus was so intense, even those in this priviledged position feared banishment from the synagogue for confessing their faith in Jesus. And it stopped them from publicly declaring their faith. It reminds us of the human need for belonging and acceptance. That social rejection is a powerful form of influence. And the compromises we’ll make to fit in.
A study of John 12:37-50 reveals Jesus as Savior and God’s Word as Judge.
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. (ESV, John 12:47-48)
Jesus closes out his public ministry with a final reminder. He did not come to judge the world but to save it. At first this looks like good news. Like the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 7:53–8:11. In his final word to her, Jesus expresses grace with a gentle warning.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (ESV, John 8:11)
Unlike the religious leaders who brought the woman to him, Jesus does not condemn her. But offers her grace. Amazing considering he was the only perfect human with the right to condemn her. However, he follows with “go and sin no more.” In other words, sin will eternally separate you from God. And he draws her attention to it because she can experience forgiveness and eternal life through him.
And here Jesus also presents an opportunity and warning. His mission is not one of condemnation but salvation. And the words he spoke to them were from the father. Words that invite listeners to believe in and follow him for eternal life. But those who reject him are condemned by those words.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
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