REFLECT

Early in 2 Timothy, Paul gives his son in the faith 3 metaphors without explanation:

1. A soldier, not willing to entangle himself in civilian affairs, but wanting to please his commander.
2. An athlete who knows he cannot win without following the rules.
3. And a farmer who works hard and deserves the first share of the crops produced.

He leaves it to Timothy to figure out what he is saying to him: "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." (2 Tim. 2:7)

There is a way to read Scripture without reflecting - as nothing more than an item to be checked off our to-do list. It's an approach that empties an otherwise good habit of its potential power. (This is a major drawback for all the "Read through the Bible in a Year" programs.) 

If we want to hear from the Lord when we open our Bibles, we must allow time to reflect.