CCOG Newsletter

This Thursday, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer. The month of March was devoted to prayer. We read a 21-day devotion about prayer. The prayer sermon series in March spilled into the month of April, providing 8 biblical examples of how to pray. We were able to have times of praying in the altar and specific corporate prayer. One thing that will change our hearts, our families, and our world is prayer. Let's put what we have learned into practice.

We are a part of a network of churches called FORCLT in and around the Charlotte area. This network is asking that area churches will take time on the National Day of Prayer, beginning at 12pm, to pray together as the Body of Christ. Each church will host their own meeting, but churches that have registered will be able to see the map filled with locations of other registered churches.

I plan to be at CCOG that day, so you are invited to come to the church to pray. Also, there will be a Zoom call available for those who are not able to join in person. If you believe that God wants to do a work in your life, in our church, and in our nation, join us in person or virtually on the National Day of Prayer.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4999554472?pwd=NnU2NVZBc2puZVNuVHhlSmpwY09GUT09

Passcode: 602315

There is a significant difference between Bible reading and Bible meditation.

Reading the Bible can involve merely seeing—or even saying out loud—the words on a page without pausing to ponder what they mean. Too often, the goal of Bible reading can become simply checking off a box, even seeing how quickly we can get our reading done in order to move on to something else. If we’re not careful, we can approach Bible reading the way we go through a fast-food restaurant. We’re focused on getting in and out, and our expectations for food quality are fairly low.

But meditation is different. Meditating on the Bible involves thinking deeply about what we’re reading and reflecting prayerfully on what it means. It’s more like sitting down for a fine meal. Your focus is on enjoying every bite because you know this food will not just strengthen you; it will satisfy you.

God calls us not to just read his Word but to meditate on it day and night, as we read in Psalm 1:1–3. (We see a similar picture in Joshua 1:8.)

So, where do you start? My first encouragement is for you to identify a daily Bible reading plan. Instead of just opening the Bible to different places on different days, I strongly encourage you to find an intentional way to walk through all of God’s Word. Multitudes of options exist that are used by other followers of Jesus, or you can create one on your own.

I would also encourage you to get a good Study Bible that uses an accurate translation of Scripture. A Study Bible contains notes for different verses that help you understand the context and meaning of what you’re reading. It’s wise for us to receive counsel from brothers and sisters in Christ who have studied the history, culture, and original languages of the Bible far more in-depth than we have.

Regardless of which Bible translation or reading plan you might use, set aside a regular time in your day, or multiple times in your day (morning and evening, as Psalm 1:2 talks about), to meditate on God’s Word. How do you meditate? By listening and looking.

Pray

Lord God, teach me to meditate on and delight in your Word day and night, as I trust you to sow it deeply into my heart and mind. Amen.