Bible Reading: James 4:1-10
Are you looking for a different way to study the Bible? Why not try writing your own paraphrase of the passage you want to study? Simply read the passage carefully several times then rewrite it in your own words. If possible, insert yourself into the passage using personal pronouns like "I," "me," and "my." Here's a sample personalized paraphrase based on today's Bible reading, James 4:1-10.
"What causes me to quarrel and fight?
My internal battles with my desires. My wanting what I can't have. When I don't get it, I quarrel or fight. I don't get what I want because I don't ask God for it, and when I do ask, my motives are wrong or selfish.
Don't I realize that craving the same desires as the world is the same as fighting against God? If I side with the world, I'm against God. Don't I believe that God's Spirit within me wants me and my loyalty for Himself? He'll give me more grace if I'm humble and submissive to him.
I must submit myself to God. I must resist the devil and the devil will run away from me. He'll want nothing to do with me. I will draw near to god and He will draw near to me.
I'll no longer have split loyalties. I'll cleanse myself and set myself apart for God. I will grieve over my lack of obedience and submission to God. I will mourn the time that could have been used by God to use me to do His work but is lost because I failed to obey and submit to Him. I will humble myself – now – and submit – now – to God. In His timing, He will lift me up and exalt me."
Go ahead! try this "Personal Paraphrase" study for yourself!
"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please guide and teach me as I study Your word. In Jesus' name. Amen.