I must admit that I bit off a little more than I could chew in the summer. My usual habit of reading a Bible passage, reading a commentary on the passage and then posting a few reflections was replaced by something more ambitious. When I woke I tried to get to a passage and write a draft of a Bible study for the college staff at Lake Geneva Youth Camp (LGYC). However, it seemed that there was always a change to the schedule. I had to cover some appointment with the doctor; the children had to be at a sport camp; my wife needed time to write. I actually ended up reading the Bible less than usual, even when I had ambitions to do more thorough and personal study.
However, my semester time has more routine. I am back to work and I have had to drive in to the city. My wife and I were up at 4 and in work by 6:30 to avoid the traffic. I read the introduction to Colossians from a commentary and then read the book through one and a half times. I am preparing for speaking at Family Camp at LGYC, but I am also taking the first step back into regular devotions.
All studies of spiritual growth and formation show that those who are growing spiritually have one factor in common – they read their Bible daily. I feel better today. It is not because I have read the Bible and that proves that I am a good boy. It is because reading the Bible is time spent with the reason that I am alive. My wife is great. I love her. My children are precious to me. However, the person of primary importance is Jesus. Reading my Bible each day centers the day around him. I am hearing from him and he has my attention.
Debates on the authorship of Colossians and where exactly Colossae is located are interesting, but perhaps the most important thing I learned today was the theme verses. It is particularly essential in the light of a new semester:
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6,7)
I hope that those of you who share a Christian faith will look to Jesus to establish you this Fall. May we practice spiritual disciplines, not so we achieve holiness for its own sake. May we achieve more holiness because we fix our eyes upon Jesus and walk toward him. May we be conformed to his likeness. May we be like him. In this way we bring him glory and we live the lives we were designed to live. I want that kind of life.
Plymothian 
Amen! Love you and am so proud of who you have become in the Lord. That He has first place in your life! X
I have read the devotional for today.
Agreed. Scheduling regular time for Bible reading can be a tricky thing to balance, but ultimately it’s really rewarding when you get into the swing of things.
Good things to be reminded of. God first, spouse second, children, school…
Enjoyed this, I have definitely been in the same boat before. Encouraging reminder to spend time daily in the Word.
It is always good to remember that those who grow spiritually do so because they are spend time in the Word of God daily. It can be a challenge at times but it is always necessary and so very worth it.
Col. 2:6-7 has led me into a time of reflecting upon my roots and foundation in Christ.Our roots and foundation in Christ are held secure in his hands. These verses encourage me to abide in Christ by remaining rooted in the Word. My prayer is that Christ will establish my foundation as a future educator during my time here at Moody.
I read through this post today as we begin as a class to read through devotionals daily.
I can relate to this post, I have often discovered that as soon as I fall out of my daily, mundane routine my Bible reading normally always falls away as well. Thank you for your honesty in this post and for awakening us from our slumber and calling us to holiness and asking for the Spirit to transform us into the likeness of the Son.
God indeed convicts us as much as He loves us. He wants me to bring my focus back to Christ every moment of my life. I agree that reading the Bible must be centered in our lives as He wants us to know more about Him and be more like Him. Yet, I fall again and again…even today.
Looking forward to reading your blog this semester, Mr. Worrall!
It’s good to be reminded of the vital need for time in God’s Word.
One of the blessings of retirement, for me at least, is to have time in the morning with the Lord. I fully agree that it is hard to grow in our love for the Lord and our walk with Him if we are not daily in the Word. I see His personal care for me more and more in these past months.
So glad to see your comment here, Joann.
I want that kind of life too. So often we are distracted by the business of life, but becoming more like Christ is our ultimate goal in life. Thank you for that reminder!
Good reminder as we start off the new semester!
I found the same to be true for my summer as I had intended to memorize huge portions of Romans. I was spending less time than usual in the Word, perhaps, but somehow the difference was that I was more aware of how God was keeping me in His Word each day. Sometimes I forget and lean on myself, even for spiritual disciplines like Bible reading. Similarly, I was also reading Colossians. I’m looking forward to reading what you are learning.
Excited to read through Colossians!
May God be first in all of our lives, and truly our greatest desire.