Our son became interested in cooking while attending university, and he’s been experimenting ever since. Now guests often say his fare is better than what many restaurants offer.
Father’s Day last Sunday was no exception. We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner off the grill: perfectly-seasoned, tender steaks; thick, golden, onion slices sprinkled with bleu cheese and slivered almonds; and polenta squares topped with lightly-sauced mushrooms.
The big surprise came skewered: Brussel sprouts alternated with radishes. I’d never eaten the latter cooked, but these were amazing—nothing like their raw flavor.
Our daughter-in-law creates memorable desserts. One time she constructed a rainbow cake—six layers of jewel-toned deliciousness under a cloud of butter cream frosting. All from scratch of course.
Now what if E. and H. invited new guests unfamiliar with the stellar meals these two can produce. And what if E. shared that the menu would include onions with bleu cheese and cooked radishes.
These unaware invitees might say, “Uh, no thanks, our schedule is really tight, plus we have other plans.” Later to themselves they’d likely comment, “E. and H. actually eat that stuff?! It sounds awful!”
But they’d miss out on a memorable meal.
God offers us gourmet cuisine too, but of a different variety.
“Open wide your mouth and I will fill it,” he says. “I would feed you with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you” (Psalm 81:10, 16).
God offers fine food for our souls, found first of all in the Bible. Some people believe the Book is out-of-touch and irrelevant, containing whole sections of unintelligible gibberish.
These folks are like those invited dinner guests, turning down a marvelous opportunity because the offerings sound unappealing. If they’d only come and try the dishes new to them, they’d be more than pleasantly surprised.
God’s soul food also includes wonderful surprises: useful wisdom, uplifting encouragement, fortifying support, and sweet comfort. We miss so much if we let a busy schedule and other interests interfere with the feeding of our souls.
A well-read Bible is a sign of a well-fed soul.
–Unknown
Note the numerous and tiny comments he wrote in the margins.
To make time, we may have to give up something—like those long minutes on social media or watching TV. During my years as a teacher, making time meant getting up earlier than everyone else in the house. And the ten years I commuted a half-hour each way, the alarm sounded at 4:30 a.m.
But it was not a hardship; I just went to bed earlier. The feast each morning was well worth it. (For an example of one feast, you can read from an earlier post, “Down the Aisle of Your Years.” Scroll down to just below the James 1:17 image.)
Another problem: The Bible looks like a huge buffet to some. They wonder where to start. Add all those puzzling cultural and historical references, and it’s tempting to give up before turning the first page and taking the first bite. What we may need are a few utensils.
Just like a shrimp fork or steak knife make it easier to eat those foods, certain tools help us consume God’s Word. Many are available online. For example, www.biblestudytools.com or www.studylight.org offer word definitions, cultural and historical background, commentaries, and more.
Bible study guides also help us dig into the sustenance the Bible has to offer. A few recommendations include:
- NavPress LifeChange series, with each study focused on a book or two of the Bible. Luke is a good place to begin, with its many stories and teachings of Jesus.
- LifeWay Press also produces worthwhile Bible studies, including an overview by Angie Smith, titled Seamless. Others I’ve enjoyed include: Believing God by Beth Moore and Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. You can’t go wrong with studies by these women.
- Another LifeWay Press classic? Experiencing God by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. Millions of people have already benefited from this study.
- Harper Christian Resources offers 40 Days through the Bible from Lysa Terkehurst and her team. They provide an overview by theme, including: identity, freedom, and fulfillment.
What if, when E. and H. invited dinner guests and shared what’s on the menu, I was there to add, “Oh, you’ve GOT to come. I’ve eaten at their house numerous times, and it’s always delicious!” Might they be more likely to come? Perhaps.
In the same vein, consider this post my affirmation of what God has to offer in His Word. I’m here to say, “You’ve GOT to read it, study it, digest it. I’ve dined at God’s table of truth countless times over the decades and have never been disappointed!”
What Bible study materials or methods have you found nourishing to your soul? Please share in the comment section below!
Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com (2); Nancy Ruegg; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 
This is a “delicious” post, Nancy. 🙂 There truly is nothing better than beginning each day possible with my open Bible. I’m continually amazed at new truths that God impresses upon me from verses I have read for decades. His word is always a refreshing feast for me. I love to use Bible study books published by The Bible Speaks Today series, or Christian Focus Publications. Dale Ralph Davis is my favorite Bible study author ever. I scoop up his new books as soon as they are published. Thank you for this encouragement to feed on scripture! And I would love to also sit at your table to feast on that delicious food prepared by your son and daughter-in-law. Sounds awesome!
Thank you so much, Patty, for sharing the resources you appreciate. I’m writing them down for future reference! I too am amazed that God brings new truth from familiar passages of scripture. It’s one of the sweet delights of Bible study!
Thank you for this encouragement to stay in the Word. I find when I am consistent with meeting God each day, I have so much more peace in my heart. Sometimes I just read the Bible. Often I also read a devotional (or several). Other times I might do Bible studies or workbooks, like you mentioned. I have also used a journal from Cultivate What Matters. Each journal has a theme. Then each day there will be a Bible verse that pertains to the theme. You write down the Verse, and also write down your own thoughts or prayer on that verse. And
Oh yes–we DO experience more peace as we meet with God each day. I’ve journaled through my favorite scriptures in the Bible–at least one entry for each book of the Bible, but was not aware of these journals from Cultivate What Matters. Sounds like a valuable tool. Thank you for sharing, Bridget!
Sister Nancy I love how you “hooked” us in with the meals and then progressed to the REAL meal! Several months ago I started utilizing the Logos Software by Faithlife and oh how I wish I knew about this when I was even a bit younger! I’ve never been afraid of technology but oh what awesome MEALS I have had lately with so many resources! Thanks for the message. I am always looking forward to God’s bountiful buffet!! 👍💗🕊📖😇
There ARE some awesome tools available online. Our church subscribes to RightNow Media which offers thousands of videos of Bible studies, sermons, conference speakers, and much more. The array of resources these days is mind-boggling! Thank you for sharing about Logos Software, Roland!
Good words across this entire platter. Analogies that leave you with a hunger to know and grow!!! What a great insightful post Nancy!
I love waking up and being excited to fill my heart with His word and continuing that craving for Him all day!! What a glorious banquet we will one day experience in Heaven!!
You are so right, Alicia: The delight of morning is augmented by the anticipation of meeting with God over his Word. Another good point you make: everything we’ve learned here on earth will amount to practically nothing when we see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). More augmented anticipation!
such a great lesson and love that colorful dessert!
Thank you, Jean! That cake IS a sight to behold, isn’t it?
Hi Nancy, wow, just when I had my protein shake and some rice, I read about that scrumptious meal. Wow, I would buy the food and we could eat a meal with my neighbors. Your right about getting fed for our spirits. I spent a lot of time studying and at times I’d take 3 weeks to 6 weeks and do an intensive time of that. I loved to read good books from E.M Bounds, CS Lewis
and others. The hardest read for me was Watchmen Nee. I especially liked reading through several translations. The fun one was not a literal translation but the Amplified was easier to read. I have more time now and not doing as well with the studying. Thank you again, for your faithfulness. I have always had a hard time with the daily part. Sam
C. S. Lewis is my husband’s favorite author. My dad used to love reading translations side-by-side. Of course, he didn’t have a computer, to take advantage of such websites as http://www.biblehub.org which offers a line-up of different translations for each verse, all on one screen. I too like the Amplified, with its explanatory bits and synonyms. Very helpful!
Recently I accidentally stumbled onto Bob Wolgemuth’s wife Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s ‘Revive our Hearts’ radio program. This week she has been sharing her insights into the book of Habakkuk. (While I said ‘accidentally’, I believe it was no accident. It was God in charge of my radio dial!) I’m sure you remember Bob Wolgemuth from living in Wheaton and attending Taylor. At any rate her program is a great Bible study resource.
I used to listen to Revive Our Hearts on Moody Radio. Thank you for your recommendation of her program. I DO remember Bob from Taylor–didn’t know him in Wheaton though.
Nancy, what a feast for the eyes! But more importantly is the feast that God offers through His living Word. May I taste His goodness every day!
Amen, Pam–his goodness is available to us every day, especially through his Word!
Nancy – I never thought of them as “study materials” until you asked, but in the last couple of years I read the books of the “Immerse: Bible” series. You probably know it, where the books of the Bible are rearranged (even combined) to their perceived original format, the verse numbers removed, and the language made more contemporary. It felt very much like reading a novel and in that sense, it was a more comfortable, flowing reading of the Word. Worked well for me.
I was NOT aware of that resource, Dave. Sounds like it would make the Bible much more accessible, especially to those not as familiar with scripture as those of us who grew up in Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, Good News Clubs, youth groups, church camps, etc! I am SO thankful for the biblical foundation provided by all that input during my childhood and youth–not to mention the input of my parents and grandparents!
Thank you, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Gary! Praising God here once again for his inspiration.
Recently I bought a Tony Evans Study Bible after a dear friend battling cancer courageously shared what a great impact his pod casts were on her as she walked through chemo AND the loss of her husband …I’ve really been enjoying it! Also, my husband shared an online tool called “the Enduring Word” which has been a great help! I too, love using studies that help me grow!! ❤️
I’ve been referring to http://www.theenduringword.com myself since your husband mentioned it. And thank you for the recommendation of a study Bible–there are so many out there! If I live long enough to need another Bible, I’ll keep this one in mind! : )