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Paul says we Christians are running a race. Here's what I'm looking at on my run toward Christ.

Friday, April 7, 2017

I Write to You

When you read the Bible do you ever insert your name?

If you don't, I'd encourage you to do that when it is suitable.  Not every promise is a promise for you specifically, but many are.  Not every word is directly to you, but some are.  When you find a passage that your name could be inserted in I'd encourage you to do that on occasion.

Or you could read a passage and insert a friends name to encourage them.  I've done this with several passages, especially the 23rd Psalm.  When your name is said your ears tend to perk up.  When your name is said you can't miss that it's a message to you.  This is a powerful exercise.

Yesterday I read 1 John 2:12-14 aloud in a Bible study and inserted the name of the guy next to me.  I could see in his eyes the affection for what John wrote 2,000 years ago.  I could see that God's Word was ministering to his soul in that moment.

Practice this by putting your name in this passage:

"I write to you, dear __________,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name.
I write to you, ____________,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, _____________,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, ________________,
because you have known the Father.
I write to you, ______________,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning,
because you _________ are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you _____________ have overcome the evil one." 1 John 2:12-14

In this letter John inserted the above poem to encourage his readers.  John said many tough things and wanted to make sure the letter encouraged and motivated his readers to live a life worthy of their calling.  There is a number of difficult instruction before and after this poem, but these two verses are there to bolster the reader in the midst of difficult instructions.

I encourage you to use your name in the Bible when appropriate, especially when it comes to passages that will encourage you and inspire you toward endurance and holiness.  Remember that God's Word is for you today.






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