Digesting the Bible Produces Revival
Living a life of adventurous purpose and truth in a postmodern world!
Key Verse: Isaiah 8:20
"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn."
Observations:
Isaiah’s warning is simple yet profound: without God’s Word, there is no light. At a time when people sought answers from every source but God, Isaiah pointed them back to the truth found in the law (Torah) and God's testimony. Today, this reminder is more relevant than ever as culture rapidly moves away from absolute truth.
The WHOLE Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient writings; it’s the guiding light for every generation. We find clarity and purpose when we filter our decisions, beliefs, and actions through God’s Word. Instead of finding clarity and purpose in what makes you “feel” good, find clarity and purpose and the source that helps you transform into good.
When I was insecure in my faith—and in life—I sought fulfillment in things that made me feel good because I feared that true transformation would mean the loss of who I was. Here’s how not pursuing truth (aka God) played out:
Dating Without True Transformation:
I focused on changing every person I dated except myself. I quietly “fell in love” with girls, convincing myself they would fix my void in my heart. The less time I spent with God, the easier it became to let the world dictate my morality. This pursuit of short-term pleasure, which always results in long-term hurt. When I returned to the truth of God’s Word, I saw through the seductive lure of the world and started to live for the first time. By the way, when I became the change I wanted to see in the people I dated, I found my wife.Valuing Being Liked Over Being Loved by God:
Whatever my friends did, I did. In college, this meant drinking and making stupid choices. This lifestyle not only led to one dead end after another, but it also delayed my purpose and drew me far from God. However, when I began to grasp how deeply He loves me and how much I should love Him, the dead ends disappeared, and my life turned into a journey full of purposeful adventures.Valuing Success Over Purpose:
I skipped most of my college classes to listen to CEOs talk about building businesses. I even took out a $25k loan to invest (it was 2.9%, so who wouldn’t?! 😂). While this wasn’t inherently bad, I prioritized success over spending time with God. The more distant my relationship with Him became, the more empty success felt. It was never enough. When I returned to prioritizing God over success—or even retirement—I retired from striving and started understanding success in a whole new light. I have a secret to tell you: my desire to be a business owner or influential hasn’t disappeared. Instead, this desire has been cultivated, matured, inspired, and grown in alignment with my character.Isaiah’s call to trust God’s Word is as urgent now as ever. My pursuit of fulfillment in relationships, popularity, and success apart from Him only left me empty and delayed my purpose. Returning to His Word brought clarity, transformation, and true purpose. The Bible isn’t just a guide; it’s the light that reshapes us and leads to lasting joy.
Never Finished Challenge:
This week, measure every message, advice, or worldview you encounter against Scripture. Ask yourself:
Does it align with God’s Word?
Am I allowing culture or feelings to define truth, or am I standing on the foundation of the Bible?
Commit to reading one chapter of the Bible daily and praying for wisdom to discern truth. If you’ve never read the whole Bible, consider starting with the Gospels or Psalms. Or click this link for ideas from the YouVersion Bible app. I highly recommend this app because it’s versatile—you can listen to Scripture audibly while working out, walking, or driving.
I’ll share a bit of my journey. I have three kids under the age of four, and life is busy. Yet, according to my YouVersion app (I have multiple logins), I’ve read through the whole Bible six times. In my other login, it’s about the same, and even more before the app existed. Why am I telling you this? To brag? No. Here’s the truth: I hated reading in high school so much that I didn’t finish any books. I cheated on all my book reports (not a proud moment). But when I got to college and could choose what I read, something changed. I asked God to help me become a reader, and He answered in a big way.
Now, every morning, I start by reading and journaling through a book of the Bible—one chapter at a time, one verse at a time. Then I turn on the audible Bible and listen while doing my mobility work and warming up for my run.
You might be thinking, “But James, I like to sit and digest the Word.” That’s great! Are you doing that? Here’s another question: If you wanted to learn from your dad, mom, or CEO, would you only ask them to stop talking to you and write you letters so you could sit and digest their words? Or would you value listening to them throughout the day? You likely watch movies, listen to sports radio, or consume other media that doesn’t help you grow. Why not replace some of that with God’s Word?
Adoration: What Does Today Say About God?
God is the source of all truth and light. He does not leave us to wander in darkness but provides His Word as a clear (and, yes, sometimes hard to understand) and unchanging guide. Today reminds us of God’s faithfulness in revealing Himself and His will to us through Scripture.
Thank You, Lord, for being the ultimate standard of truth in a world full of shifting shadows. Thank you, Jesus