Searched . . .

Truths light searches

my heart chambers

as thoroughly as I allow.

The living lamp flushing

deep crevasses as the

Words read me

as I read them . . .

a reciprocal phenomenon!

Revelation and light

lift my feet.

They quicken my step

to tread new paths.

Words are the lamp . . .

Lighting My Pathway.

Reflection

I remember a conversation I had with a friend, years ago, about reading scripture. We discussed the reading plans we were using, the meaningful habit we both were doing and the revelations we received. It was a healthy discussion and very insightful.

I don't know what prompted me to make the following statement but it was unrehearsed and was almost nonchalantly said. I said that "I have discovered that I don't read the Bible, it reads me!"

We both laughed at the time, then started to take a deeper look at what was said. The ensuing discussion was very revealing because it challenged the purpose and habit of our reading plans. Sometimes an objective look at what we habitually do is a very healthy exercise.

The wonderful outcome of this discussion, which took some weeks to complete, was that we became far more aware and awake to ourselves and these words on the page. When I say the words read me, it's like they search my motives and heart and the ways I react or respond to what I am reading at the time.

I start to relate to how these words make me feel because these words affect my heart. They cause me to dig deeper and ask questions of myself. For example, when God quickens a verse related to what you are presently reading, often it moves the reader to a new experience. I enjoy it when God invites me to a deeper experience with Him because I know there is always more to experience in Him.

Imagine reading a chapter of text which becomes very personal as you identify with the message. The words can convey an invitation to you which actually sets you on an investigatory path to discover more.

Something I have started doing this year is reading a different translation during my devotional times. I have chosen the Passion Translation, and am amazed by the accurate way Brian Simmons has so beautifully translated the original text. He has put it into relatable language and I find it causes me to search into deeper understanding, thus really drawing me into God's heart.

If there is one simple message for us all it's that God wants a one on one relationship with each of us individually.

Here's His invitation.

This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine — these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers.

1 Corinthians 2:9 TPT

Questions

# - What do you think about the statement "I don't read the Bible the words read me"? Give it some deeper thought.

# - I don't intend to be offensive but are you stuck in one translation of the Bible and can't read any other one, if so why?

# - How deeply do you allow the light of truth to search your innermost heart? Do you respond to the leading to the new path?

Some Verses

The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp, a shining light searching into the innermost chamber of our being.

Proverbs 20:27 TPT

Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear.

Psalms 119:105 TPT