Hearing the Word

In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul prays for his readers in Philippi and subsequently for all who would read this letter down through the ages.  That includes you and me.  Paul reminds them and us that the same God who had begun the work of transforming them into the image of Christ would carry that work on to completion.  In other words, it is God’s mission and stated purpose to transform our hearts and minds to be like Jesus.   Paul goes on to say “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:9-11)  The more knowledge and insight we gain into the character and holiness of God the more we will love Him and others and be filled with the fruit of righteousness.   But how do we gain this knowledge and insight?  We gain it through the reading, studying, applying, and memorizing of His word.   In an effort to know the God of the Bible better we are going to read the Bible together this year.   We will be utilizing the tools provided by the You Version online Bible.  This is an awesome resource that can be accessed on you computer or through an APP on your Blackberry, Iphone, Ipod Touch, or Android phone.  Once you have gone to the You Version site you can click on the tab for reading plans.  I will be using the “One Year Bible” plan.  I will also provide a printed monthly reading list.   My prayer is that 2011 will be a year in which our hearts and minds are transformed by the power of God at work within us.