A Sit-Down Conversation with God

I think it's important to read the Bible (or any book for that matter) like I'm actually engaged in a conversation with the author.

Think of how you interact conversationally with someone. Your eyes are alert. You move around in your chair in positions showing comfort, excitment, agitation, etc. Depending on your perspective on the person's ideas or opinions, your head nods gently up and down. Or, it could emphatically shake right to left. You make sounds like "mmmhmmm" when you agree, and "huh uh" when you don't. Having a conversation is quite dynamic.

Whenever I open my Bible, I believe that I am having a conversation with God. Four conversational responses (or sounds) not only show my interest as a listener, but also serve to help me categorize what I hear God saying.

1. "Wow!" -- God says some stuff that is absolutely captivating. These things might be ideas, promises, facts, truths that you've never heard before.

2. "Aha!" -- God says some stuff that clarifies something that may have been confusing or previously misunderstood.

3. "Grrr!" -- God says some stuff that I don't like. Stuff that conflicts with my attitudes, values, priorities, behavior, and/or worldview. And, since He is always right, I'd better listen and begin the tough process of figuring it out and doing life-application.

4. "Hmm." -- God says some stuff that I need to further consider, i.e. hard truths never considered, negative attitudes rooted deeply in my DNA, positive traits about His character, etc. It's important to reflect on this kind of stuff because it is potentially life-changing.

Maybe this approach will help you engage the Bible as a sit-down conversation with God.

If you want to give it a try, just get a piece of paper and divide it into four sections. Label each section with one of the words/sounds above. Then grab your Bible, start reading/listening and write key phrases and thoughts in the appropriate section for you. Start with my text for Sunday: "The Parable of the Weeds," Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

Happy conversing!