Is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture?
Yet how often am I guilty of turning God’s Word into another item on my to-do list?
Read two chapters in Samuel.
Check.
Next task please.
I might underline a verse. I might even think on a passage for a bit. But so much goes unprocessed.
Which is why I love SPEAK.
Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but a good acronym makes me smile and I have to say, this one’s my fave.
SPEAK is a way to take Bible reading off the to-do list and turn it into something so much more meaningful.
Here’s how it works.
S stands for Sin to Confess
As you read, did you come across a sin you could confess? Perhaps a struggle or a choice or an attitude you’ve been pushing under the rug?
P stands for Promise to Keep
As you read, did you come across one of God’s promises? Something you can hold grab onto and keep close throughout the day?
E stands for Example to Follow
Or sometimes, example NOT to follow. I run across a lot of these in the old testament! For example, never cut your hair when it’s the source of your strength. Samson wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box, if ya know what I’m sayin’.
A stands for Action to Take
Is there something you feel like God’s asking you to do as you read this particular passage? Perhaps it’s offering forgiveness or asking for forgiveness or serving the poor or loving on your neighbor or (insert any number of things here).
K stands for Knowledge to Gain
Did you learn something new about the character of God? The condition of humanity? Angels or spiritual warfare or the way Jesus interacted with the lost?
I might not find everyone of these items in the passage I’m reading, but you can bet I’ll at least find one.
It’s funny.
Whenever I get back into the habit of doing SPEAK, I realize once again just how living and active and applicable God’s Word is in my life.
Let’s Talk: What kinds of things do you do to make sure your Bible reading doesn’t turn into a checklist item?