Back in February I wrote a post called ‘What’s your fill today?’ One of the videos towards the end of the post was encouraging believers to intentionally engage with the Word of God at least 4 times a week. A ‘Centre for Bible Engagement’ research found the key discovery that the life of someone who engages with scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage with the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers. You can read more from the research here –  https://www.centerforbibleengagement.org/research.

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With this in mind throughout this year I have been intentionally ensuring that my daily Bible reading stays on track and have complemented this by listening to scripture as well. I have been so greatly blessed by the ministry of the Daily Audio Bible (DAB) as I have listened to Brian Hardin (founder) read through the Bible and share some provocative, insightful, challenging commentary, day by day.

What I like about Brian is that he keeps focused on the word and in the last 10 years that I have been listened to DAB, only twice have I heard him comment on world events. Both of those rare events of diversion (following the usual reading) were this year, of which one was regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic (17^th March 2020 edition) and the other following the death of George Floyd (2^nd June 2020 edition) – you can hit the links and listen to these balanced contemplations from a Christian perspective.

This post isn’t a plug for DAB, but as I listened to Fridays (31st August 2020) readings and commentary on Romans 14, I just felt led to share it.

As we all do from time to time, I often have wondered why there are fractions within the body of Christ and have been guilty myself of holding a fixed view on how I sometimes think things should be – according to all my limited knowledge as a Christian.

Seriously though, I have found that the more I read and grow in my faith, the more I see what a Pharisee I have and still can be – if care is not taken. One of my sobering ‘go to’ scriptures is:

¹² Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]. (1 Cor 10:12 Amp)

Yesterday’s reading from Romans and the commentary really resonated with me, as I hope it does you. It really helped me to ponder on the dangers of criticism and the damage it can do/has done to the body of Christ. However, if we come together in prayer, take our authority, pray against division and practice living in unity, we can see the Kingdom of God be realised here on earth.

You can hear the reading below:

God bless you all,

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (New Living Translation)