Inspired. . .

One of my girls asked me a question the other day that has me thinking. . . We were talking about growing in our walks with God, and she asked, "How do you read your bible?" At first, I started thinking practical tips for reading and understanding God's Word - but after thinking about it, I'm not so sure that's what she really meant. I think most of us know how to read our bibles. . . the problem is that we don't do it. I think maybe the more accurate question is this - "How do you stay inspired to read your bible consistently and meaningfully?" Now that, my friends, is a difficult question. I've heard so many different philosophies on this topic. Some people argue that discipline and consistency is key. It doesn't matter if you feel like reading your bible, if you do it enough, eventually you will enjoy it and get something out of it. Others have asserted that the only truly spiritual people they have known are those who arise before the sun every day to spend a lengthy amount of time in prayer and study.

Truly, I think those things are awesome. I just can't do 'em. Take today for example. I'm feeling pretty wiped. . . Yesterday we took the youth group to Noah's Ark. It was a long, fun, exhausting day. I got to bed around midnight, and my angel of a boy was pit-patting around at about 6 am. It may come as a surprise to you, but I was not up at 5 am reading and praying. I was sleeping. And though I have recovered to some extent by now, if you handed me my bible and told me I needed to read whether I felt like it or not I would probably say something sarcastic and walk away. Here is my reality: sometimes I awake in the morning early enough to make a pot of coffee, listen to some good worship and spend some seriously awesome time with Jesus in God's word. Some days I find a quiet moment during nap time to curl up with a blanket and my bible and refresh my soul for a bit. And if I'm going to be totally honest here, there are also days when I don't do it at all.

Before you write me off as a total failure as a Christian woman, let me just say this. I LOVE Jesus with all of my heart and all that I am. Every day I wake up longing to be filled with HIS presence, to walk with HIM, to honor HIM in all that I do. Sometimes that longing is met through extended time in His word. Sometimes its met sitting at my piano pouring out my heart in my music. Sometimes its met in a coffee shop with a dear friend who challenges and encourages me in my faith.

I certainly am no expert in this girls, but if you want my advice, here it is: love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. If you aren't reading your bible at all, then something is not quite right. Pray to God - ask Him to start a fire in your soul, a passion for knowing Him more!! When you feel that little nudge to get into the Word - no matter what time of day or where you are - take the time and do it! Invest in some powerful worship music, and when your heart is longing to feel close to your Savior but you can't muster the energy or drive to study the Word, just listen to the words of others and let them speak for you.

Whatever you do, don't make rules for yourself that you will never be able to follow. Give yourself the grace to follow Jesus however He is instructing you to today. Oh that we would be women who live every moment for Him - letting every day be a different but equally passionate expression of our gratefulness and love for what He has done for us!!

Now, girls, go read your bible.