I’m Mary, a new mentor with Fusion. One of the reasons I wanted to become a mentor with Fusion has to do with my struggle with controlling my sin-filled desires. Although I’m decades older than you I still struggle. But I have found Hope, Grace and Love in my decades of struggling that a young’un like yourself may not have discovered yet. Jesus is the Guardian and Shepherd of my (and your) soul (1 Pet 2:25). How cool is that?! He guards my little old soul. Can’t you just picture Him holding it in His hands? Oh how I love Jesus!
Scripture in the Every Day
I’ve been asked to write about “Scripture in the Every Day” and you might be surprised in the direction I take this topic.
My daily scripture reading comes from many sources. Primarily, it comes from TCC’s Talking Points/Walking Points (TP/WP) and/or what a spiritual leader has recently mentioned to me. For example, when I attend service each week I take notes on my TP/WP. I write down Scripture the pastor has mentioned that I want to look further into (Acts 17:11). During the next week each morning I open the TP/WP and do the suggested assignment for that day. Usually it takes 5-7 minutes to complete. Easy-peasy, right?!
However, it almost always leads me into further study of God’s word. The Holy Spirit uses TP/WP to springboard me into scripture. Reading one verse may lead to reading the whole chapter, which may then lead to reading the chapters before and after. When I’m reading, sometimes I use cross referenced verses that lead me into a deeper knowledge of that verse. This format allows me to control the amount of time I stay in God’s word; from 5 to 7 minutes, through to an hour or more in study. Many of you may not be familiar with TCC’s TP/WP. Please let me show you why you should be!
Consumerism vs. Submitted Guidance
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith . . . Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” – Hebrews 13:7, 17
I share these verses because the spiritual leaders God has placed me under impact the way I interact with Scripture every day.
For years, I attended church weekly wondering if I would “get anything” out of the service. I was a consumer. In many ways I still am. Always expecting/feeling like the pastor needed to convince me of whatever he was preaching on that Sunday. Almost like I was attending church for entertainment, to feel good about myself. The pastor needed to “wow” me with his explanation of Scripture or excite me into serving God or others. I did not even consider listening to the pastor’s sermon looking forward to obeying his instruction. I did not see my pastors as personally responsible for my soul. But if God’s word is true (and we know it is) that is exactly what I should consider when my pastor is requesting something from me.
Finally, years ago, I read Hebrews 13:7 and 17 and believed it. I determined that God places me under the authority of certain leaders for a reason. When a pastor/teacher asks me to read some Scripture, I do. Our pastors–Doug, Dan, Aaron, Lanier and Stephen–have all had extensive training in preaching and administering God’s Word. They are accountable for us. That is no small thing! I want to be obedient to God’s Word. I trust God.
This week, Pastor Doug asked us to read 1 Timothy 1 & 2 in preparation for next week’s sermon. Reading those 2 chapters takes less than 5 minutes to do. Daniel Havener led the teaching during Fusion Worship on Sunday night. He suggested that we read the book of Habakkuk. I plan to do both this week.
What does this have to do with how I interact with Scripture? Well, on my own, I may start reading the bible in Genesis and just read a chapter or two a day until I finished with Revelation. But let’s be honest, many of us would drop off at Leviticus.
Or I may just open up to any page and read a passage hoping to get something out of it (again consumer mentality).
I need guidance in my daily scripture reading, at least a spark to get me started. Help from someone smarter.
For me that someone smarter has been Dr. Dan Clement. During the last six years I have grown in my knowledge of scripture under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Dan Clement (our Associate Pastor) and his wife Tricia. When I have a question about what I’ve read I send a quick email to Dr. Dan who typically responds within 24 hours with a detailed response. I also meet with Tricia monthly. She’s been my mentor since 2011.
We discuss my struggles, questions and concerns. I have built a strong relationship with Dan and Tricia. I am so very grateful God has placed me under Dr. Dan’s spiritual authority and the mentorship of his wife Tricia.
Thank you for asking how I interact daily with scripture. I count on other believers to assist me. God has placed really smart people in my life, in my church, and I’m very thankful to be a member of Fusion and Triangle Community Church.