While Ryan is away on vacation this July, we are having guest bloggers here at JustOneMore.info. This week’s guest is CrossPoint’s Minister to Students – Dave Snyder. Dave and his wife, Brooke, have one daughter, Eden, and have been at CrossPoint for just over 6 weeks. Dave enjoys reading, disc golf, and hanging with his sugar mama. You can find out more about Dave by following him on Twitter  - @DBoneSnyder.

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” – 1 Peter 2:2-3, ESV.

Today was a hot day.  Living near Birmingham, Alabama has exposed me to the reality that the summers are HOT.  Today, I had the privilege of attending a summer work out with one of the area high school football teams.  While I was standing on the practice field with my friend and coworker, Steve, I got hot.  Have you ever walked outside for just a few minutes and immediately felt the need for something to drink?  That was my day today.  Water never tasted better than after standing outside in the heat.

While I was driving back to my house, 1 Peter 2:2-3 came to mind.  I’ve learned more about God’s Word as a new father.  My 5/12 month old daughter continues to show and communicate to me the beautiful riches of the Gospel.  I started to think today about her.  She longs for much-needed nourishment daily.  Milk is not an option for her. It’s a necessity.  Without a healthy supply of milk, she will get weak.  She longs for milk in a way that makes it vital.  She craves it in a way that increases its importance.  I wonder if we crave the Word like a baby craving milk…would it radiate more worth to others?

We tend to ignore the riches of Scripture until convenient seasons.  When we are lonely, we may open it.  When we want to win a debate, we may study it.  When we want answers to our questions, we may invest time in it.  However, do we long and crave for it daily?  As His children, we need to long for His Word like a baby longs for needed nourishment.

It’s interesting to see that in the Greek understanding of “long” we get the word epipothēsate.  This word can mean, “to long, desire, or crave after.”  I like the idea of craving after the Word.  I like the idea that believers crave after His Word in a way that makes it go from being a head treasure to a heart treasure.  We tend to long and crave after things that don’t satisfy.  Isaiah 55 speaks a lot on that tendency.

Friend, it’s time to crave after what can eternally satisfy.  Is His Word good to you?  Have you tasted and seen that He is good? (Psalm 34:8).  Have you developed more taste buds for His Word? (1 Corinthians 3).  I pray you will start today with longing after what truly and eternally satisfies; His good Word.

I completed my plan to read through the Bible in 90 days on March 28th.

What did I learn?

I learned, once again, that the Bible is one continuous story.

Check out the continuous storyline from the first verse alone of Deuteronomy through 2 Kings of the New Living Translation:

These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River.

Deuteronomy 1:1

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant.

Joshua 1:1

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Which tribe should go first to attack the Canaanites?”

Judges 1:1

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land.

Ruth 1:1

There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph in the hill country of Ephraim.

1 Samuel 1:1

After the death of Saul, David returned from his victory over the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.

2 Samuel 1:1

King David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm.

1 Kings 1:1

After King Ahab’s death, the land of Moab rebelled against Israel.

2 Kings 1:1

The Bible is, indeed, one continuous thread of the redemption story.

I learned how much I need the Bible.

The first 30 days I consumed massive amounts of scripture.  The pace was exhilarating.

I slowed down my reading pace between days 30 – 45, only to return breakneck speed because I was missing what I was reading.  The more I read God’s Word the more of its power I experienced daily.

I learned reading through the Bible strengthens my preaching and teaching.

While preparing my message I would refer back to what I read in my quiet time from the morning.  Reading through the Bible enhances your preaching and teaching skills.  It gives you a great overview of what you are studying.

I learned the Old Testament is not as formidable as you think.

Many are fearful of reading the Old Testament.  We falsely believe it is not applicable to today or that it is not easy to understand.  I completed my reading of the Old Testament several days before I finished reading the New Testament.  Reading the Old Testament in large blocks only made it simpler to understand.

I learned I want to do it again.

My goal is to read through the Bible four times in 2010.  For those interested in reading through the Bible, you can follow this plan.  Read five chapters in each section of the Old Testament and two or three chapters from both sections of the New Testament.  As the quarter progresses, you will complete some sections sooner than others, and you will need to make adjustments as needed.

These are the six starting points:

1. Genesis
2. Joshua
3. Job
4. Isaiah
5. Matthew
6. Colossians

Plan to spend approximately 60 minutes in the Bible each day.  Try it.  You can do it, and you will learn much from the effort.

PDF of another 90-day Bible reading plan

The following was found on the inside cover of a Gideon Bible located in a hotel room:

THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

We read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

We should read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.  It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

I have been experimenting with my Bible reading plan this year.  In addition to reading the New Testament and Psalms twice in one year with my CrossPoint family, I started an experiment on Saturday, January 1, that has invigorated me to read God’s Word with greater passion.

The experiment: reading through the entire Bible in 90 days.

What makes my goal even more daunting is that if the Lord is willing, I want to read the Bible in 90 days once a quarter during 2010. I am amazed at what I am learning from the experience.

What does it take to read the Bible in 90 days?

1.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires a PLAN.

I began my reading plan in five different locations of the Bible:

Genesis – Pentateuch
Joshua – Historical books
Isaiah – Prophetic books
Matthew – Gospels
Galatians – Pauline letters

I read five chapters in each section of the Old Testament, and two chapters in both sections of the New Testament.

2.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires TIME.

Reading the Bible that quickly requires, on average one hour of reading each day.  Most days I conclude my reading in the morning.  On busier days, I read 30 minutes in the morning, followed by another 30 minutes at lunch or in the evening.

3.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires DISCIPLINE.

I have had to squeeze an additional hour into my day because of the reading plan.  That means I must be even more frugal with my time.  It also requires me to make note of where I end each day, so I know where to resume the next day.  It takes discipline, a lot of discipline to stay on top of such an aggressive reading plan.

What are the benefits of reading through the Bible in 90 days?

1.  Reading the Bible in 90 days INFORMS ME.

The Bible is, indeed, one continuous story.  It begins with God creating man.  Then it moves to man sinning against God, thus becoming an object of His wrath.  In the next scene God initiates redemption through the nation of Israel.  After the 400 years of silence during the Intertestamental Period, God accomplishes redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.  The remainder of the Bible is devoted to God giving birth to the church and preparing the church for His Son’s return.

2.  Reading the Bible in 90 days CONSUMES ME.

David said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).  I have found these words to ring true for me the first 36 days of 2010.  I am consumed with the Bible.  Or, should I say the Bible has consumed me.  The more I read the Word of God the less I am interested in the things of this world. I find the more of God’s Word I read, the more of God’s Word I take with me.

3.  Reading the Bible in 90 days CHALLENGES ME.

I dropped behind in my reading last week preparing for the Men’s Weekend.  I was quickly discouraged.  Would I have the tenacity to catch up?  Would I be willing to make the sacrifice to get back on track?  I almost gave in and ended the experiment.  I am so glad I did not throw in the towel.  I read for two hours last Sunday evening, and I found new energy, new enthusiasm in my reading.  I was reinvigorated with the effort.  Yes, it is a challenge to read that much of God’s Word each day, yet the payoff is well worth the effort.

4.  Reading the Bible in 90 days REFRESHES ME.

The more I read, the more I want to read.  Thank goodness I purchased a new Bible for this experiment.  I have been ripping through the pages, making notes, underlining key passages, recording insights.  There are times I am fatigued when I open God’s Word.  Regardless of where I am and what I read, reading the Bible refreshes me.

I have one friend who desires to track along with me when I kick off the experiment again on April 1.  Perhaps some of you would like to join me.  If so, I will be publishing more information in the weeks to come.

So how will this be different from last year?  That’s a question I routinely ask myself this time of year.

The last week of December is traditionally a week of renewal for me.  I use the time to reflect, re-evaluate and retrofit my goals and dreams.

I maintain about dozen common goals each year.  I provide six for you to consider for yourself.

Goal #1: Read through the entire Bible.

In 2010 I will read through God’s Word for my 24th consecutive time.  I read the bible in a different version each year.  This year I am reading through the New Living Translation.

In addition to reading through the New Testament and the Psalms twice with CrossPoint, I plan to read the Old Testament once every 90 days.  I know that sounds aggressively insane, yet the rewards will be uncompromisingly inestimable.

Click here for an informative website that will help you monitor your Bible reading.

I have discovered most people who consistently read and study God’s Word enjoy a much more meaningful relationship with the Lord.

(more…)

Provided is what I consider to be the top-ten questions in the Bible.

Number 10: But the Lord God called to the man (Adam) and said to him, “Where are you?”

Genesis 3:9

Number 9: 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:3-4

Number 8: And Elijah came near to all the people and he said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”

1 Kings 18:21

Number 7: They (martyrs in heaven) cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

Revelation 6:10

Number 6: Then they (crowd) said to him (Jesus), “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”

John 6:28

Number 5: 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him (Jesus), “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Matthew 11:2-3

Number 4: When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

Matthew 19:25

Number 3: Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?

Proverbs 20:9

Number 2: Then he (Philippian jailer) brought them (Paul and Silas) out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:30

Number 1: He (Jesus) said to them (disciples), “But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 16:15

I would be curious to know what other questions from the Bible you would include on your list.

While Ryan is out on vacation, we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info.  This week’s guest blogger is Searching. Searching is a regular commenter here at JustOneMore and recently became a member at CrossPoint!

Have you ever considered how often the words of another have hurt you deeply?

Ever wondered what affect your words have had upon others in your life?

The words we use have incredible power to bless and to harm the people in our lives. In an article in Christianity Today on July 6, 2009, there is a fascinating article about the power of father’s to help their children avoid destructive lives with their verbal blessing. Words have tremendous power. I once had a psychologist tell me that studies have been done that claim there is a psychological aura that is present after a heated meeting took place in a conference room that could be felt by employees entering the room afterwards. Do we as brothers and sisters of Christ think about our words and the power they have?

The Bible has much to say about our tongues and the words that cross them.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

Prov. 15:1

He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.

Prov. 17:27

The Bible also tells us;

For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

Matt. 12:37

A very wise and godly man once gave me a piece of advice that changed my life. He said that before you speak ask yourself three little questions, is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind? He said that for a Christian the words we utter are very important.

Character and Integrity are the part of us that travels before and behind us wherever we go.

So ask yourself, is what I am about to say the truth? So often we repeat things or spout off in anger and say things we don’t know to be the truth or that does not reflect the Christ we serve. One cannot un-ring a bell, and “I’m sorry” does not repair a hurt from an untruth.

And, is what I am about to say necessary?  Does it serve a useful purpose or will it add to the conversation or situation? What is the real purpose in what we are about to say? Are we lifting up or beating down? We should be seeking to reflect the love and nature of Christ in all we say.

And finally, is what I am about to say kind? Isn’t kindness the least we can do as Christ-followers? Shouldn’t we seek to encourage and affirm wherever we can? Most often we teach people how to treat us by the way we treat them. The most telling way we treat others is through the words we speak. Are they harsh and repelling or kind and attracting?

Words are powerful and say more about us than about the topic we speak of. Let your words help, heal, encourage and reflect the love of Christ and may they bring glory to God! If you can answer “yes” to these three little questions, speak!

So, what do you think?

While Ryan is out on vacation, we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info.  This week’s guest blogger is Searching. Searching is a regular commenter here at JustOneMore and recently became a member at CrossPoint!

First, allow me to say what a tremendous honor it is for me that Ryan would ask this humble servant to fill in for him this week while he takes some much deserved time off. My prayer is that all that is written here brings glory to God and supports the leadership Ryan has established through this blog.

Do you ever stop long enough to look at the relationships that fill your life?

We begin life building a relationship with our parents and siblings. We add friends as we grow. As we go to school we have teachers, Sunday school teachers and coaches. We continue to grow and search for that one person to spend our lives with in marriage. Before long children arrive and many relationships form through those years.

Add in doctors, pastors, etc. as we travel through life. Some people pass through our lives briefly and touch our hearts. Others last for our entire lives. Our lives are indeed replete with relationships; in fact most of what we define as life is all about relationships.

The bible has much to say about relationships. It begins in the first chapter of Genesis and continues through the end of Revelation. The bible is all about relationships. And the most important relationship we are capable of is with the one who created us. It’s also the one relationship every human is born in need of and is unfulfilled until he develops it through salvation in Jesus Christ. And what most people do not realize is that every single aspect of their lives emanates from their understanding of God’s glory and relationship with Him through Christ.  The entire bible is also a story of God’s redemption of man through the sacrifice of His son.

After God creates the earth He creates man and woman and begins a loving relationship with them. When man sins, he is placed in the world outside of the garden and God begins the redemptive work that would lead to the cross, the grave and the resurrection. If we examine our lives closely we will find that everything about us begins and ends with God. We are created in His image.

There are three parts to us, body, soul and spirit. It is in our spirits that we fellowship and come to know God and yet we seem to develop the spiritual part of ourselves the least. Why do you suppose that is? Is it fear? Could it be that we lack the faith? Perhaps we just can’t see, touch, smell, hear or taste spiritual things and so they elude us. Ryan has said (I will repeat this often in my blogs) that the most important thing about every human being is their understanding of who God is and what kind of relationship they have with Him.

If our relationship with God is strong, we have the strength, wisdom and perspective to deal with any adversity life can throw at us. If our relationship with God is weak we seem to be devastated by anything that comes along. Don’t misunderstand, even when we have our relationship with God secure and strong, adversity, trials and tribulations will still attack us, but the difference is the tools we have to handle them. It changes us from the inside and that changes our approach and our perspective on everything outside.

How does one develop and strengthen their relationship with God? First one must decide that it is the most important thing in their lives. Second, that decision will lead to an insatiable desire to study God’s word; seek out a place to be fed from the Word; get involved in what God is doing in the world through serving Him by serving His creation; and intentionally seeking His voice which comes to us through Holy Spirit.

We literally change the way we think as we get closer and closer to God. Read your bible through every year as CrossPoint is doing. The more time we spend reading the Word the more opportunity Holy Spirit has to teach us. Ask your leaders about books and other materials that will guide you. The one thing we have to understand is that one will only get out of a relationship what one puts into it first. We have our responsibility in this to seek (or search!) and God is always faithful to honor our effort.

So seek God, grow in your spirit, know God and love God.

So then, what do you think?

Soli Deo Gloria!

While Ryan is out on vacation , we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info. Today’s guest blogger is CrossPoint’s Minister to Preschoolers, Cathy Owen.

The bridge that connects Deuteronomy 6 to Matthew 28: 18-20 is a journey that must be embraced by parents and the church, all adults alike, so that we can equip the children in our homes and in our community now to a life full and rich, capable of doing the same for the next generation.

The preschoolers, children and students in our church deserve the instruction from both their parents and the church to equip them to experience every phase of life with Biblical and practical understanding.  The next generation of parents will inherit a legacy of faith to pass to their children as well.  Is that not what we want for our children?

Families have managed to “disconnect” from the strategy of the Shema and have become a nation of decline in morals, families shattering into pieces and a definite shift away from the Scriptures.   True family, as God intended, is the missing link. The church and family should be on a continual common path so that the children see the consistency of family and church and therefore, the unconditional love of God when they are ready for those faith marker events in their life.

The church’s desire is to equip the next generation…one home at a time.  Our plan is to teach, equip and train both our leadership and our parents to train their children to have the faith that endures and equips them to stay on the straight path toward God and the plans He has for their life. Get on board!  Visit our website to see what is provided.

The children’s ministry tab provides “Around the Table” discussion questions with each unit they study in Bible Study.  The preschool ministry provides “Take Home Pages” each week that help parents better discuss the lesson at home.  Any age-level Minister at CrossPoint would love to help families with available resources to be effective Christian role models at home.

Ultimately, parents must be a living example of Christ both inside and outside the home.  Your children are more likely to accept Christ if you do, more likely to respect people if you do, more likely to pray, read Scripture, and attend church by the model they first observe in you.  You teach them by example.  What example are you putting forth for the next generation?

While Ryan is out on vacation , we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info. Today’s guest blogger is CrossPoint’s Minister to Preschoolers, Cathy Owen.

As we see how the Bible helps us in daily struggles, the significance of the Bible let us not forget our study and memorization of the Shema. The study and memorization of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) has challenged us to recognize the parents’ responsibility to instill spiritual truths in the lives of their children.  The church’s responsibility is to equip and assist the parents in effectively training their children in the Christian faith.

Parents often see their best effort at spiritual training as bringing their children to church one or two hours per week.  This is only a small part of the solution.  The instruction should be evident in the common things in life—everyday living, the other 6 days of the week.  To produce faith that lasts, it takes more than two hours on Sunday.

How does a parent accomplish the mission of primary faith teacher?

• They must grow in their own understanding of the Bible and in their relationship with Christ by connecting to worship, Bible study and service.  Your commitment to the Bible will be the testimony to your child of its’ worth and importance.
• They must learn how to regularly practice age-appropriate family devotions and scripture memorization in their home. However, a parent can only lead their child out of the overflow of what they have received.
• They must discover how to capture teachable moments that open their child’s eyes to God’s presence. For example, using nature to connect your child to the power of God.
• They must learn to take advantage of spiritual “faith marker moments” in their lives, such as the birth of a child through family dedication, salvation and baptism, preparation for adolescence, how to talk with your child about remaining pure for your future mate, high school graduation, college and on into their life in Christ during adulthood.

How have you taken advantage of these spiritual “faith marker moments”?  Were you guided by an individual?  What role did your family play?  As I think about and read Matthew 28: 18-20, how do we as adults, those who are parents of young children or older children or adults without children, bridge these verses to the Shema in our own lives and in the lives of others?