Reading and writing. How many just cringed when they read "reading and writing"? I wrote it and I even cringed a bit. What is it about our culture that causes us to cringe at these two words? Please stick with me for a minute. I would venture to say that often our reaction to those words comes from a place of positivity or negativity depending on what kind of teacher we had in grade school. I personally had a positive experience with a good teacher, but the reason I cringed is because I vividly remember the hand cramps coming on as I practiced writing the alphabet. Some may run to those words with childlike glee, but some may run away as fast as they can. The point I'm trying to make is that reading and writing are the building blocks of learning. They are what we learn first in school. From there, blocks can be added to one day be an engineer, an artist, a teacher, a scientist, and so on. What makes us think the way we learn the Word of God is any different? The only real difference is, with the Word of God comes the perfect Teacher.
I want to challenge you to do something this week. I want you to read and write one of the Psalms. If you have done it before, why not do it again? Here at J12 we call it Rn'R (Read and Rewrite). If we don't read and rewrite the Word of God and get it into our spirit, then how do we ever expect to be given bigger mountains to climb for the Kingdom? Gregg likes to say, "God refuses to work alone." I think we need to think long and hard about the implication of that phrase, because if God refuses to work alone, might it be best to be as prepared as possible spiritually when God comes knocking on your door, ready for an adventure?
There is something about writing in today's hustle and bustle that forces, yes, forces us to slow down. When it comes to the Word of God, I think we could all use some slowing down; some more time. So, take a moment this week, read one of the Psalms, write it out, and have fun learning by digging in. Make it part of your daily walk. Gregg also likes to say, "Don't go 24 hours without a connection with God." That is a very solid statement. You just might be surprised what you find if you have not Rn'R'd in a while and you surely will be if you never have. And if you need a resource to help you get started, we have many in our store. If you are a teenager or an adult, try The Original BBC Manual. If you are a tween, try BBC for Tweens. Make it something your whole family does together and have fun in the Word.
Stephen Ibach
Creative Director | J12