by Pastor Simon
They (the Bereans) received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11 - KJV.
You have to come to God's Word with a teachable spirit, a mind ready to receive and a heart with all its windows open to the Light. You can do this - all you need to do is acknowledge that God's Word is sure to possess a Way better than your way, a Will better than your will and a Wisdom better than your wisdom.
During morning devotions I was reading with my wife Paul's letter to the Galatians in William Barclay's translation. The flow of the text was washing over us, enlightening us and building us up. The words and sentences were provided inequivocal meaning, you just couldn't say there was any lack of clarity about what was being said or the message it was bringing across. I rate William Barclay's translation of the New Testament as one of the best going. Why then is it so little known and read? I can't help but think that it is because he makes the meaning too plain. Too many Christians want to be able to wriggle out of or argue with the meaning and Barclay doesn't give much opportunity for that!
Forget making a head argument out of what the Word presents. Allow the Word to be ministered to your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. Actively hear the Word as the Spirit ministers it in all His life-giving power. In faith you have to seek out the plain truth of the Word allowing it entrance to your heart. Coming to God's Word with all openness to it is pre-request for receiving life, liberty and glory from God's Word.
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