The Bible Is for You [The Deep Dish - Ep. 26]

You may feel like you're starting from a You may feel like you're starting from a deficit. That's not true. You're just deficit. That's not true. You're just deficit. That's not true. You're just starting and that's okay. That's a great starting and that's okay. That's a great starting and that's okay. That's a great place to be. Like I have such fond place to be. Like I have such fond place to be. Like I have such fond memories of the first times that I read memories of the first times that I read memories of the first times that I read scripture for myself and started to feel scripture for myself and started to feel scripture for myself and started to feel some dots connecting. some dots connecting. some dots connecting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that is such a beautiful experience. Hi friends, welcome to the Deep Dish, a Hi friends, welcome to the Deep Dish, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition where podcast from the Gospel Coalition where podcast from the Gospel Coalition where we love having deep conversations about we love having deep conversations about we love having deep conversations about deep truth. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm deep truth. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm deep truth. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm here with my co-host and good friend here with my co-host and good friend here with my co-host and good friend Courtney Doctor. And today we are so Courtney Doctor. And today we are so Courtney Doctor. And today we are so excited because we have Rachel Meyers excited because we have Rachel Meyers excited because we have Rachel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams. They are the and Amanda Bible Williams. They are the and Amanda Bible Williams. They are the leaders of She Reads Truth. Is that the leaders of She Reads Truth. Is that the leaders of She Reads Truth. Is that the right way to say it? the the therapy. They make it happen. And they have a new They make it happen. And they have a new book which I just was telling them my book which I just was telling them my book which I just was telling them my deep excitement about just a moment ago deep excitement about just a moment ago deep excitement about just a moment ago with my mouth hanging open like oh I'm with my mouth hanging open like oh I'm with my mouth hanging open like oh I'm so glad you guys wrote this. Um it's so glad you guys wrote this. Um it's so glad you guys wrote this. Um it's called the Bible is for you. It's a called the Bible is for you. It's a called the Bible is for you. It's a devotional journal through every book of devotional journal through every book of devotional journal through every book of the Bible and this is a resource like I the Bible and this is a resource like I the Bible and this is a resource like I want. So I'm I'm very very excited about want. So I'm I'm very very excited about want. So I'm I'm very very excited about it. So thanks guys for being here with it. So thanks guys for being here with it. So thanks guys for being here with us.

us. us. >> Thank you so much for having us. It's so >> Thank you so much for having us. It's so >> Thank you so much for having us. It's so fun. fun. fun. >> And it's a first time. I love a first >> And it's a first time. I love a first >> And it's a first time. I love a first time. This is so exciting. time. This is so exciting. time. This is so exciting. >> I know. I know. And it's also fun to >> I know. I know. And it's also fun to >> I know. I know. And it's also fun to have two other like real life friends have two other like real life friends have two other like real life friends and ministry partners and join us. Like and ministry partners and join us. Like and ministry partners and join us. Like this is like, oh, we could form a little this is like, oh, we could form a little this is like, oh, we could form a little club of, you know, people who love like club of, you know, people who love like club of, you know, people who love like doing ministry together. Um, okay, doing ministry together. Um, okay, doing ministry together. Um, okay, Melissa, you already said that Rachel Melissa, you already said that Rachel Melissa, you already said that Rachel and Amanda co-founded this online and Amanda co-founded this online and Amanda co-founded this online community called She Reads Truth, which community called She Reads Truth, which community called She Reads Truth, which I'm sure all of our listeners are I'm sure all of our listeners are I'm sure all of our listeners are familiar with, but they have this familiar with, but they have this familiar with, but they have this passion for compelling women to actually passion for compelling women to actually passion for compelling women to actually read your Bible, read your Bible. And read your Bible, read your Bible. And read your Bible, read your Bible. And so, you offer lots of different daily so, you offer lots of different daily so, you offer lots of different daily reading plans, these beautiful I think reading plans, these beautiful I think reading plans, these beautiful I think that that's one thing that's really that that's one thing that's really that that's one thing that's really distinctive about your ministry is the distinctive about your ministry is the distinctive about your ministry is the aesthetic beauty of it. Um, these aesthetic beauty of it. Um, these aesthetic beauty of it. Um, these beautiful devotions and you also have beautiful devotions and you also have beautiful devotions and you also have platforms to help us connect. um with platforms to help us connect. um with platforms to help us connect. um with what we're learning from God's word. So what we're learning from God's word. So what we're learning from God's word. So you don't just throw us out there and you don't just throw us out there and you don't just throw us out there and leave us on our own, but you actually leave us on our own, but you actually leave us on our own, but you actually help us study it. And so today, the help us study it. And so today, the help us study it. And so today, the reason the four of us are gathered to reason the four of us are gathered to reason the four of us are gathered to talk about this is we want to talk about talk about this is we want to talk about talk about this is we want to talk about Bible engagement, which by that we mean Bible engagement, which by that we mean Bible engagement, which by that we mean reading your Bible, knowing your Bible, reading your Bible, knowing your Bible, reading your Bible, knowing your Bible, studying your Bible, but ultimately studying your Bible, but ultimately studying your Bible, but ultimately loving your Bible.

loving your Bible. loving your Bible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Loving God's word. So Rachel and Amanda, >> Loving God's word. So Rachel and Amanda, >> Loving God's word. So Rachel and Amanda, at what point in your life did you at what point in your life did you at what point in your life did you really did you start to love God's word? really did you start to love God's word? really did you start to love God's word? I'll go first. Um, and and Amanda and I I'll go first. Um, and and Amanda and I I'll go first. Um, and and Amanda and I both like we grew up as little girls in both like we grew up as little girls in both like we grew up as little girls in the church with the ruffle socks and the church with the ruffle socks and the church with the ruffle socks and like the like good memories of like like the like good memories of like like the like good memories of like taking naps in the pews like taking naps in the pews like taking naps in the pews like >> um but and and that's a I think a common >> um but and and that's a I think a common >> um but and and that's a I think a common experience for many. Um, but I like your experience for many. Um, but I like your experience for many. Um, but I like your question which isn't like did you grow question which isn't like did you grow question which isn't like did you grow up in the pew, but like when did you up in the pew, but like when did you up in the pew, but like when did you start to like love love love God's word? start to like love love love God's word? start to like love love love God's word? And I did. I attended a Christian school And I did. I attended a Christian school And I did. I attended a Christian school first grade through 12th grade and then first grade through 12th grade and then first grade through 12th grade and then also a Christian college. And so for also a Christian college. And so for also a Christian college. And so for most of my formative life, most of my formative life, most of my formative life, >> um my GPA was attached to Bible >> um my GPA was attached to Bible >> um my GPA was attached to Bible memorization, like theology, memorization, like theology, memorization, like theology, understanding, like all of these things. understanding, like all of these things. understanding, like all of these things. So that's like an added layer for me of So that's like an added layer for me of So that's like an added layer for me of like that grammar level learning like that grammar level learning like that grammar level learning >> was like we're learning the Bible and >> was like we're learning the Bible and >> was like we're learning the Bible and we're so I have that beautiful we're so I have that beautiful we're so I have that beautiful foundation that like is probably one of foundation that like is probably one of foundation that like is probably one of the most priceless things to me. Um, but the most priceless things to me. Um, but the most priceless things to me. Um, but I would say I um probably around middle I would say I um probably around middle I would say I um probably around middle school, you know, started to pick up school, you know, started to pick up school, you know, started to pick up that like that understanding of like, that like that understanding of like, that like that understanding of like, oh, I need to decide what I believe oh, I need to decide what I believe oh, I need to decide what I believe about this for myself. And then it was about this for myself. And then it was about this for myself. And then it was when I got married. Um, and I got when I got married. Um, and I got when I got married. Um, and I got married at 20, so I was younger, but it married at 20, so I was younger, but it married at 20, so I was younger, but it was when I got married and I got my my was when I got married and I got my my was when I got married and I got my my first copy of, and I still have it, my first copy of, and I still have it, my first copy of, and I still have it, my Reformation Study Bible.

Reformation Study Bible. Reformation Study Bible. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And um, it's so dear to me, and I just >> And um, it's so dear to me, and I just >> And um, it's so dear to me, and I just started reading through it. And then of started reading through it. And then of started reading through it. And then of course and I think probably a lot of course and I think probably a lot of course and I think probably a lot of people have this common experience as people have this common experience as people have this common experience as well like that first hard hard life well like that first hard hard life well like that first hard hard life experience hits. And for some people experience hits. And for some people experience hits. And for some people that's very young. Uh for me it was that's very young. Uh for me it was that's very young. Uh for me it was around 26 um when we and I've shared around 26 um when we and I've shared around 26 um when we and I've shared this story publicly a lot of times when this story publicly a lot of times when this story publicly a lot of times when we lost our daughter. She was still we lost our daughter. She was still we lost our daughter. She was still born. And that was the moment for me born. And that was the moment for me born. And that was the moment for me when it went from I know what it says to when it went from I know what it says to when it went from I know what it says to I I know what I believe about what it I I know what I believe about what it I I know what I believe about what it says to like how does this inform how I says to like how does this inform how I says to like how does this inform how I live, respond to crisis? Do I cling to live, respond to crisis? Do I cling to live, respond to crisis? Do I cling to Christ or do I just give up and walk Christ or do I just give up and walk Christ or do I just give up and walk away? And so that was the moment for me away? And so that was the moment for me away? And so that was the moment for me in I guess that was 2008. Um, and it was in I guess that was 2008. Um, and it was in I guess that was 2008. Um, and it was honestly one of the things that like honestly one of the things that like honestly one of the things that like really cemented in in my whole being really cemented in in my whole being really cemented in in my whole being this love for scripture. And Amanda and this love for scripture. And Amanda and this love for scripture. And Amanda and I wrote about this in our very first I wrote about this in our very first I wrote about this in our very first trade book. The subtitle was holding trade book. The subtitle was holding trade book. The subtitle was holding tight to permanent in a world that's tight to permanent in a world that's tight to permanent in a world that's passing away. And it was just like this passing away. And it was just like this passing away. And it was just like this moment of realizing everything around me moment of realizing everything around me moment of realizing everything around me is going to go away. Even my family, is going to go away. Even my family, is going to go away. Even my family, even the things that look to be true even the things that look to be true even the things that look to be true forever. And it was that moment for me forever. And it was that moment for me forever. And it was that moment for me of just like but this isn't going of just like but this isn't going of just like but this isn't going anywhere. It promises. It's not going anywhere. It promises. It's not going anywhere. It promises. It's not going anywhere. Christ and his promises anywhere. Christ and his promises anywhere. Christ and his promises remain.

remain. remain. >> Oh, makes me think. I think it's >> Oh, makes me think. I think it's >> Oh, makes me think. I think it's Deuteronomy 32:27 where Moses is ending, Deuteronomy 32:27 where Moses is ending, Deuteronomy 32:27 where Moses is ending, you know, his time with the Israelites. you know, his time with the Israelites. you know, his time with the Israelites. And he says, then he's written And he says, then he's written And he says, then he's written everything down and he says, "These are everything down and he says, "These are everything down and he says, "These are no mere words for you or no idol words no mere words for you or no idol words no mere words for you or no idol words for you. They are your life." And it's for you. They are your life." And it's for you. They are your life." And it's like, it's so true. It's so true. like, it's so true. It's so true. like, it's so true. It's so true. Amanda, what about you? Just this love Amanda, what about you? Just this love Amanda, what about you? Just this love of God's word. I love that Rachel went of God's word. I love that Rachel went of God's word. I love that Rachel went first because I was kind of tracking as first because I was kind of tracking as first because I was kind of tracking as she's talking. I'm like thinking about she's talking. I'm like thinking about she's talking. I'm like thinking about my own journey which you know very my own journey which you know very my own journey which you know very similar because we have that common similar because we have that common similar because we have that common start of being growing up in the church. start of being growing up in the church. start of being growing up in the church. Um and I think that I fell in love with Um and I think that I fell in love with Um and I think that I fell in love with Jesus before I fell in love with Jesus before I fell in love with Jesus before I fell in love with scripture. Um in fact I know that I did. scripture. Um in fact I know that I did. scripture. Um in fact I know that I did. And so for me in my younger years and in And so for me in my younger years and in And so for me in my younger years and in in high school, college, um in college, in high school, college, um in college, in high school, college, um in college, I was really in love with theology, I was really in love with theology, I was really in love with theology, which was kind of problematic because which was kind of problematic because which was kind of problematic because that's different than being in love with that's different than being in love with that's different than being in love with scripture or in love with Jesus. And so scripture or in love with Jesus. And so scripture or in love with Jesus. And so for me, I think that the real kind of my for me, I think that the real kind of my for me, I think that the real kind of my intentional like relationship intentional like relationship intentional like relationship um with scripture um with scripture um with scripture started to I like the word cement that started to I like the word cement that started to I like the word cement that you used Rachel. cement for me between you used Rachel. cement for me between you used Rachel. cement for me between like like like college and marriage like kind of in college and marriage like kind of in college and marriage like kind of in that window which for me was about 5 that window which for me was about 5 that window which for me was about 5 years um time and that is when you know

years um time and that is when you know years um time and that is when you know some other some friends of mine um I some other some friends of mine um I some other some friends of mine um I just love that season of life like I just love that season of life like I just love that season of life like I have such fond memories of that season have such fond memories of that season have such fond memories of that season and we would gather um together and to d and we would gather um together and to d and we would gather um together and to d do like self-directed Bible studies. We do like self-directed Bible studies. We do like self-directed Bible studies. We would just pick a resource and a book would just pick a resource and a book would just pick a resource and a book that we wanted to read through in the that we wanted to read through in the that we wanted to read through in the Bible and our group of like 10 or 12 Bible and our group of like 10 or 12 Bible and our group of like 10 or 12 just really good like in real life just really good like in real life just really good like in real life friends. We would just get together. We friends. We would just get together. We friends. We would just get together. We all went to different churches. Um but all went to different churches. Um but all went to different churches. Um but that's something that we did and it that's something that we did and it that's something that we did and it really formed in a lot of those really formed in a lot of those really formed in a lot of those friendships. But I think that is where I friendships. But I think that is where I friendships. But I think that is where I first felt like I could kind of start to first felt like I could kind of start to first felt like I could kind of start to swim in the pages of scripture on my swim in the pages of scripture on my swim in the pages of scripture on my own. you know, like I was like, "Okay, own. you know, like I was like, "Okay, own. you know, like I was like, "Okay, I've had or or maybe like if I'm I'm I've had or or maybe like if I'm I'm I've had or or maybe like if I'm I'm going to go with this analogy. Let's going to go with this analogy. Let's going to go with this analogy. Let's just see. I've never done this before, just see. I've never done this before, just see. I've never done this before, but let's think about it." Like I think but let's think about it." Like I think but let's think about it." Like I think until then I was always only in God's until then I was always only in God's until then I was always only in God's word or primarily with somebody else word or primarily with somebody else word or primarily with somebody else right there with me, right? Like you right there with me, right? Like you right there with me, right? Like you think of like a parent holding a child think of like a parent holding a child think of like a parent holding a child and in the pool. And then I feel like in and in the pool. And then I feel like in and in the pool. And then I feel like in um in like college and I'm like got my um in like college and I'm like got my um in like college and I'm like got my floaties on, I'm like, "Oh, well, I can floaties on, I'm like, "Oh, well, I can floaties on, I'm like, "Oh, well, I can maybe do this on my own." And but it was maybe do this on my own." And but it was maybe do this on my own." And but it was in that kind of early 20s space that I in that kind of early 20s space that I in that kind of early 20s space that I started kind of exploring on my own. And started kind of exploring on my own. And started kind of exploring on my own. And then honestly then honestly then honestly >> doing laughs.

>> doing laughs. >> doing laughs. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then >> And then >> And then >> the diving board for me was she reads >> the diving board for me was she reads >> the diving board for me was she reads truth. Like because I had that affection truth. Like because I had that affection truth. Like because I had that affection for God's word. I think that's part of for God's word. I think that's part of for God's word. I think that's part of what he used um to, you know, in me to what he used um to, you know, in me to what he used um to, you know, in me to sort of knit my heart together with this sort of knit my heart together with this sort of knit my heart together with this mission of women in the word of God mission of women in the word of God mission of women in the word of God every day. But then, you know, there's every day. But then, you know, there's every day. But then, you know, there's this moment where Rachel and I are this moment where Rachel and I are this moment where Rachel and I are looking at each other going, "Okay, looking at each other going, "Okay, looking at each other going, "Okay, we're doing this." we're doing this." we're doing this." And and we dove in at that moment and we And and we dove in at that moment and we And and we dove in at that moment and we have been swimming laps ever since, you have been swimming laps ever since, you have been swimming laps ever since, you know, like we live in the pool and it's know, like we live in the pool and it's know, like we live in the pool and it's um I don't know if that works. um I don't know if that works. um I don't know if that works. >> I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure. >> I'm not sure. >> I was thinking of a food analogy. I was >> I was thinking of a food analogy. I was >> I was thinking of a food analogy. I was like, you know, it's kind of like you like, you know, it's kind of like you like, you know, it's kind of like you start on milk, you know that Yeah. and start on milk, you know that Yeah. and start on milk, you know that Yeah. and then you move to meat. But then when you then you move to meat. But then when you then you move to meat. But then when you start preparing it for others, you start preparing it for others, you start preparing it for others, you really start understanding flavor. Like really start understanding flavor. Like really start understanding flavor. Like when you were saying that I love that, when you were saying that I love that, when you were saying that I love that, >> you know, >> you know, >> you know, >> you know, I would know, oh, I like that >> you know, I would know, oh, I like that >> you know, I would know, oh, I like that food. But it wasn't until I started food. But it wasn't until I started food. But it wasn't until I started cooking that I understood what in that cooking that I understood what in that cooking that I understood what in that food I liked.

food I liked. food I liked. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And and so it's like so different when >> And and so it's like so different when >> And and so it's like so different when you start preparing it for others. you start preparing it for others. you start preparing it for others. That's when you really start learning. That's when you really start learning. That's when you really start learning. >> Some food is delicious and some is just >> Some food is delicious and some is just >> Some food is delicious and some is just good for you. And you got to eat them good for you. And you got to eat them good for you. And you got to eat them both. both. both. >> Right. That's right. Okay. I'm into >> Right. That's right. Okay. I'm into >> Right. That's right. Okay. I'm into this. I am too. I am too. But I really this. I am too. I am too. But I really this. I am too. I am too. But I really do think that it she reads truth is what do think that it she reads truth is what do think that it she reads truth is what the Lord used to I I the Bible feels the Lord used to I I the Bible feels the Lord used to I I the Bible feels like one of the great loves of my life. like one of the great loves of my life. like one of the great loves of my life. And um and I think that is that that And um and I think that is that that And um and I think that is that that level like that experience um came level like that experience um came level like that experience um came through this experience that Rachel and through this experience that Rachel and through this experience that Rachel and I've had together of stewarding this I've had together of stewarding this I've had together of stewarding this this mission. this mission. this mission. >> That's so beautiful. I love that that >> That's so beautiful. I love that that >> That's so beautiful. I love that that love affair. I I had a I was Marco love affair. I I had a I was Marco love affair. I I had a I was Marco Poling with a friend yesterday about Poling with a friend yesterday about Poling with a friend yesterday about something I was actually really sad something I was actually really sad something I was actually really sad about and how scripture had just met me about and how scripture had just met me about and how scripture had just met me and and it was just this daily light and and it was just this daily light and and it was just this daily light little devotional that's all scripture little devotional that's all scripture little devotional that's all scripture and I said it was just the tenderness of and I said it was just the tenderness of and I said it was just the tenderness of the Lord. He knew what passage I needed the Lord. He knew what passage I needed the Lord. He knew what passage I needed for that day and it was it was just for that day and it was it was just for that day and it was it was just kindness and you know I was tearing up kindness and you know I was tearing up kindness and you know I was tearing up as I was telling her about it and I was as I was telling her about it and I was as I was telling her about it and I was like scripture does that in a way and I like scripture does that in a way and I like scripture does that in a way and I think it's based on what both of you are think it's based on what both of you are think it's based on what both of you are saying because it's foundational. It's saying because it's foundational. It's saying because it's foundational. It's an anchor reminding you of this God we an anchor reminding you of this God we an anchor reminding you of this God we serve but it is this serve but it is this serve but it is this >> this way he loves us and reminds us I'm >> this way he loves us and reminds us I'm >> this way he loves us and reminds us I'm I'm with you in in all these things.

I'm with you in in all these things. I'm with you in in all these things. Well, I think we all share that and we Well, I think we all share that and we Well, I think we all share that and we think, "Oh, yeah, we love." And, you think, "Oh, yeah, we love." And, you think, "Oh, yeah, we love." And, you know, we could probably all list off the know, we could probably all list off the know, we could probably all list off the stories in the Old Testament we love and stories in the Old Testament we love and stories in the Old Testament we love and the passages that have ministered to us the passages that have ministered to us the passages that have ministered to us through the years. But, you know, a lot through the years. But, you know, a lot through the years. But, you know, a lot of women come to scripture and they open of women come to scripture and they open of women come to scripture and they open it up and they are like, "What are you it up and they are like, "What are you it up and they are like, "What are you people talking about?" Yeah. people talking about?" Yeah. people talking about?" Yeah. >> I mean, who is that guy and why is he >> I mean, who is that guy and why is he >> I mean, who is that guy and why is he hitting a rock and why is does this hitting a rock and why is does this hitting a rock and why is does this matter and have anything to do with my matter and have anything to do with my matter and have anything to do with my life? and they shut it and they're like, life? and they shut it and they're like, life? and they shut it and they're like, "I I don't get it. I don't get it." "I I don't get it. I don't get it." "I I don't get it. I don't get it." Like, what would you say to a woman? I Like, what would you say to a woman? I Like, what would you say to a woman? I mean, you cuz a lot of people have never mean, you cuz a lot of people have never mean, you cuz a lot of people have never been to church, they don't they they been to church, they don't they they been to church, they don't they they feel completely intimidated to open up feel completely intimidated to open up feel completely intimidated to open up the Bible. Um the things we like will the Bible. Um the things we like will the Bible. Um the things we like will rattle off so quickly and you know, oh rattle off so quickly and you know, oh rattle off so quickly and you know, oh yeah, Moses when he did this and then yeah, Moses when he did this and then yeah, Moses when he did this and then Joseph, you know, we they're like, I Joseph, you know, we they're like, I Joseph, you know, we they're like, I don't know what you're talking about don't know what you're talking about don't know what you're talking about with code of many colors. I don't know with code of many colors. I don't know with code of many colors. I don't know who these people are. What would you say who these people are. What would you say who these people are. What would you say to a woman who might come and feel so to a woman who might come and feel so to a woman who might come and feel so discouraged even when she opens and discouraged even when she opens and discouraged even when she opens and she's like, "What's happening?"

she's like, "What's happening?" she's like, "What's happening?" >> I don't know if this is the right >> I don't know if this is the right >> I don't know if this is the right answer, but the first thing that comes answer, but the first thing that comes answer, but the first thing that comes to mind, Melissa, is the Ethiopian unic. to mind, Melissa, is the Ethiopian unic. to mind, Melissa, is the Ethiopian unic. Like I think about Philillip like seeing Like I think about Philillip like seeing Like I think about Philillip like seeing him, the spirit leading Philip along to him, the spirit leading Philip along to him, the spirit leading Philip along to him and just kind of asking like cuz him and just kind of asking like cuz him and just kind of asking like cuz he's reading the scroll of Isaiah like, he's reading the scroll of Isaiah like, he's reading the scroll of Isaiah like, "Do you understand what you're reading?" "Do you understand what you're reading?" "Do you understand what you're reading?" He's like, "How can I understand if no He's like, "How can I understand if no He's like, "How can I understand if no one explains it to me?" And so my one explains it to me?" And so my one explains it to me?" And so my immediate thought is like, oh, if you immediate thought is like, oh, if you immediate thought is like, oh, if you feel overwhelmed, first of all, you're feel overwhelmed, first of all, you're feel overwhelmed, first of all, you're not alone. You're actually probably in not alone. You're actually probably in not alone. You're actually probably in the majority, especially if you're like the majority, especially if you're like the majority, especially if you're like new to scripture. Yeah. new to scripture. Yeah. new to scripture. Yeah. Go ask somebody who isn't like, oh my Go ask somebody who isn't like, oh my Go ask somebody who isn't like, oh my word. Like the joy of somebody like I word. Like the joy of somebody like I word. Like the joy of somebody like I mean I have, you know, some of my kids mean I have, you know, some of my kids mean I have, you know, some of my kids friends will reach out to me like, "Mrs. friends will reach out to me like, "Mrs. friends will reach out to me like, "Mrs. Myers, will you have coffee with me?" Myers, will you have coffee with me?" Myers, will you have coffee with me?" Like, absolutely. I would love the honor Like, absolutely. I would love the honor Like, absolutely. I would love the honor of getting to unpack what's confusing to of getting to unpack what's confusing to of getting to unpack what's confusing to you. Um, so my encouragement would be to you. Um, so my encouragement would be to you. Um, so my encouragement would be to not do it alone like right off the bat. not do it alone like right off the bat. not do it alone like right off the bat. Like I mean with the swimming analogy, Like I mean with the swimming analogy, Like I mean with the swimming analogy, don't just jump in and feel like you don't just jump in and feel like you don't just jump in and feel like you have to figure teach yourself how how have to figure teach yourself how how have to figure teach yourself how how >> if only there was an online community >> if only there was an online community >> if only there was an online community that could help you do that. Wow.

that could help you do that. Wow. that could help you do that. Wow. >> We have have I know a girl who um >> We have have I know a girl who um >> We have have I know a girl who um >> she reads truth. >> she reads truth. >> she reads truth. >> Have we got a website for you? >> Have we got a website for you? >> Have we got a website for you? >> We read the Bible in community. And it's >> We read the Bible in community. And it's >> We read the Bible in community. And it's perfect for the girl who's been reading perfect for the girl who's been reading perfect for the girl who's been reading scripture all her life. And it's perfect scripture all her life. And it's perfect scripture all her life. And it's perfect for the girl who wakes up today and for the girl who wakes up today and for the girl who wakes up today and says, "I want to read the Bible. I'm so says, "I want to read the Bible. I'm so says, "I want to read the Bible. I'm so intimidated. Where do I read? Can I read intimidated. Where do I read? Can I read intimidated. Where do I read? Can I read it with somebody who can help me?" it with somebody who can help me?" it with somebody who can help me?" That's what we made. We made that. She That's what we made. We made that. She That's what we made. We made that. She reads truth.com. reads truth.com. reads truth.com. >> I love that. Amanda, did you want to add >> I love that. Amanda, did you want to add >> I love that. Amanda, did you want to add anything to that? anything to that? anything to that? >> Yeah, I think I would just add that, you >> Yeah, I think I would just add that, you >> Yeah, I think I would just add that, you know, you're definitely not alone. I can know, you're definitely not alone. I can know, you're definitely not alone. I can vividly remember those feelings and vividly remember those feelings and vividly remember those feelings and sometimes still have some of those sometimes still have some of those sometimes still have some of those moments where I'm like, what is moments where I'm like, what is moments where I'm like, what is happening here? And happening here? And happening here? And I also want to encourage you that um I also want to encourage you that um I also want to encourage you that um just as you would with any other just as you would with any other just as you would with any other historical text like ancient text to historical text like ancient text to historical text like ancient text to remember that the reason that when you remember that the reason that when you remember that the reason that when you open it and you have a hard time doing a open it and you have a hard time doing a open it and you have a hard time doing a direct like correlation or direct you're direct like correlation or direct you're direct like correlation or direct you're like what this is happening they're in like what this is happening they're in like what this is happening they're in Egypt and then I'm in Nashville and Egypt and then I'm in Nashville and Egypt and then I'm in Nashville and there's two you know 3,000 years between there's two you know 3,000 years between there's two you know 3,000 years between us. what what what do I do is to us. what what what do I do is to us. what what what do I do is to remember that these are real people.

remember that these are real people. remember that these are real people. This is a real God and he is engaging This is a real God and he is engaging This is a real God and he is engaging with his people in real time and space with his people in real time and space with his people in real time and space and we have we have a record of it. Um and we have we have a record of it. Um and we have we have a record of it. Um and that is such a gift but you do have and that is such a gift but you do have and that is such a gift but you do have to kind of enter into the space in which to kind of enter into the space in which to kind of enter into the space in which it was written for it to start to make it was written for it to start to make it was written for it to start to make sense. That doesn't mean that you have sense. That doesn't mean that you have sense. That doesn't mean that you have to fully understand to fully understand to fully understand context in order for God to use context in order for God to use context in order for God to use scripture in your heart and your life. scripture in your heart and your life. scripture in your heart and your life. We all know that's not true because the We all know that's not true because the We all know that's not true because the Lord we can each testify um Rachel and I Lord we can each testify um Rachel and I Lord we can each testify um Rachel and I little girls, little girls, little girls, >> right? Like I can testify to you of like >> right? Like I can testify to you of like >> right? Like I can testify to you of like scripture, the Holy Spirit using God's scripture, the Holy Spirit using God's scripture, the Holy Spirit using God's word in my life and to transform me when word in my life and to transform me when word in my life and to transform me when I did not understand I did not understand I did not understand what I was reading, but it is living and what I was reading, but it is living and what I was reading, but it is living and active and the Holy Spirit is living and active and the Holy Spirit is living and active and the Holy Spirit is living and active. Um and and so I just would active. Um and and so I just would active. Um and and so I just would encourage I would encourage that that um encourage I would encourage that that um encourage I would encourage that that um you may feel like you're starting from a you may feel like you're starting from a you may feel like you're starting from a deficit. That's not true. you're just deficit. That's not true. you're just deficit. That's not true. you're just starting and that's okay. That's a great starting and that's okay. That's a great starting and that's okay. That's a great place to be.

place to be. place to be. >> I'm actually a little bit not I don't >> I'm actually a little bit not I don't >> I'm actually a little bit not I don't know if jealous is the right word, but know if jealous is the right word, but know if jealous is the right word, but like I have such fond memories of the like I have such fond memories of the like I have such fond memories of the first times that I read scripture for first times that I read scripture for first times that I read scripture for myself and started to feel some dots myself and started to feel some dots myself and started to feel some dots connecting. connecting. connecting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that is such a beautiful experience. >> And that is such a beautiful experience. >> And that is such a beautiful experience. Here's what I love that is true. Um when Here's what I love that is true. Um when Here's what I love that is true. Um when you want to learn something, you want to you want to learn something, you want to you want to learn something, you want to be you want to become good at it. You be you want to become good at it. You be you want to become good at it. You like you want to become a really good like you want to become a really good like you want to become a really good singer. you hire a vocal coach. I wanted singer. you hire a vocal coach. I wanted singer. you hire a vocal coach. I wanted to become a really good gardener. So, I to become a really good gardener. So, I to become a really good gardener. So, I hire I hired a garden coach. Like, I was hire I hired a garden coach. Like, I was hire I hired a garden coach. Like, I was like, "No shame. Like, please teach me. like, "No shame. Like, please teach me. like, "No shame. Like, please teach me. Like, come shoulder-to-shoulder plant Like, come shoulder-to-shoulder plant Like, come shoulder-to-shoulder plant with me." And that was true. Like, that with me." And that was true. Like, that with me." And that was true. Like, that was good to just go like I'm going to was good to just go like I'm going to was good to just go like I'm going to actually invite somebody who's better actually invite somebody who's better actually invite somebody who's better than me at this to do it with me, than me at this to do it with me, than me at this to do it with me, shoulderto-shoulder, and I'll learn from shoulderto-shoulder, and I'll learn from shoulderto-shoulder, and I'll learn from them. So, that's true. And also them. So, that's true. And also them. So, that's true. And also the number of like surprise things that the number of like surprise things that the number of like surprise things that I have succeeded with in my garden just I have succeeded with in my garden just I have succeeded with in my garden just by putting my hands to the soil and just by putting my hands to the soil and just by putting my hands to the soil and just like discovering for myself. Like both like discovering for myself. Like both like discovering for myself. Like both of those things are true. like go to the of those things are true. like go to the of those things are true. like go to the person who knows more than you and ask person who knows more than you and ask person who knows more than you and ask them to do it with you and go at it. And them to do it with you and go at it. And them to do it with you and go at it. And like the spirit like the like the word like the spirit like the like the word like the spirit like the like the word of God is living and active and you have of God is living and active and you have of God is living and active and you have the Holy Spirit at the ready to the Holy Spirit at the ready to the Holy Spirit at the ready to enlighten and illuminate those words for enlighten and illuminate those words for enlighten and illuminate those words for you to change your life. Well, and you to change your life. Well, and you to change your life. Well, and Amanda, what you were talking about this Amanda, what you were talking about this Amanda, what you were talking about this the way we view the Bible, you know, the the way we view the Bible, you know, the the way we view the Bible, you know, the word we could use for it is the word we could use for it is the word we could use for it is the hermeneutic that we come to the Bible hermeneutic that we come to the Bible hermeneutic that we come to the Bible with the way like what's our with the way like what's our with the way like what's our interpretive grid? What are we what are interpretive grid? What are we what are interpretive grid? What are we what are we thinking about the Bible? and you

we thinking about the Bible? and you we thinking about the Bible? and you were really hinting at it, but I were really hinting at it, but I were really hinting at it, but I remember in seminary a professor said to remember in seminary a professor said to remember in seminary a professor said to me, um, the Bible was not written to me, um, the Bible was not written to me, um, the Bible was not written to you. It was written for you, but not to you. It was written for you, but not to you. It was written for you, but not to you. And I was like, "Wait a minute." you. And I was like, "Wait a minute." you. And I was like, "Wait a minute." You know, put on the brakes here. I had You know, put on the brakes here. I had You know, put on the brakes here. I had been taught this was like God's love been taught this was like God's love been taught this was like God's love letter directly to me. And I was to read letter directly to me. And I was to read letter directly to me. And I was to read it as if this was God speaking directly it as if this was God speaking directly it as if this was God speaking directly to Courtney. And what he was saying was, to Courtney. And what he was saying was, to Courtney. And what he was saying was, you know, Moses was Moses don't know you know, Moses was Moses don't know you know, Moses was Moses don't know you. Like Moses did not write this to you. Like Moses did not write this to you. Like Moses did not write this to Courtney. Paul did not write this to Courtney. Paul did not write this to Courtney. Paul did not write this to Courtney. And so there's this original Courtney. And so there's this original Courtney. And so there's this original audience aspect, but he said, "But the audience aspect, but he said, "But the audience aspect, but he said, "But the Bible is absolutely written for you." Bible is absolutely written for you." Bible is absolutely written for you." But that also means if it wasn't written But that also means if it wasn't written But that also means if it wasn't written to me, it's actually ultimately right, to me, it's actually ultimately right, to me, it's actually ultimately right, not about me. not about me. not about me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so if somebody's listening and >> And so if somebody's listening and >> And so if somebody's listening and they're like, "Okay, they're talking they're like, "Okay, they're talking they're like, "Okay, they're talking about how I approach the Bible matters, about how I approach the Bible matters, about how I approach the Bible matters, right? And understanding like what it right? And understanding like what it right? And understanding like what it is, how what would you say like what is is, how what would you say like what is is, how what would you say like what is the Bible ultimately about?" because the Bible ultimately about?" because the Bible ultimately about?" because that's going to be a primary question that's going to be a primary question that's going to be a primary question for how we come to the Bible. for how we come to the Bible. for how we come to the Bible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what's what's the Bible about? >> So, what's what's the Bible about? >> So, what's what's the Bible about? >> You know, it can feel rude. Like the >> You know, it can feel rude. Like the >> You know, it can feel rude. Like the answer can be like it's not about you.

answer can be like it's not about you. answer can be like it's not about you. >> But it's it's not rude. It's freeing >> But it's it's not rude. It's freeing >> But it's it's not rude. It's freeing because the Bible's is about God. because the Bible's is about God. because the Bible's is about God. Rachel, I interrupted you. What were you Rachel, I interrupted you. What were you Rachel, I interrupted you. What were you going to say? going to say? going to say? >> No, I just like the answer like the >> No, I just like the answer like the >> No, I just like the answer like the Bible is a story of the gospel. It is a Bible is a story of the gospel. It is a Bible is a story of the gospel. It is a story of like our man's like creation is story of like our man's like creation is story of like our man's like creation is man's need and like the the redemption man's need and like the the redemption man's need and like the the redemption of creation garden to garden. The Bible of creation garden to garden. The Bible of creation garden to garden. The Bible is about what God has done to is about what God has done to is about what God has done to create and rescue a people for himself create and rescue a people for himself create and rescue a people for himself for his glory. for his glory. for his glory. >> Yeah. I don't know what the Westminster >> Yeah. I don't know what the Westminster >> Yeah. I don't know what the Westminster Confession of Faith says. I've learned a Confession of Faith says. I've learned a Confession of Faith says. I've learned a lot of those, but I don't remember that lot of those, but I don't remember that lot of those, but I don't remember that one off the top of my head. But that one off the top of my head. But that one off the top of my head. But that like that's what the Bible's about. like that's what the Bible's about. like that's what the Bible's about. That's what I would tell a girl across That's what I would tell a girl across That's what I would tell a girl across the table from me. the table from me. the table from me. >> I love that. or I would probably say >> I love that. or I would probably say >> I love that. or I would probably say from garden to glory instead of from from garden to glory instead of from from garden to glory instead of from garden to garden. But it's like garden to garden. But it's like garden to garden. But it's like understanding what it's about that it is understanding what it's about that it is understanding what it's about that it is a progressive revelation. It's a story a progressive revelation. It's a story a progressive revelation. It's a story of how God is redeeming all things. And of how God is redeeming all things. And of how God is redeeming all things. And so I think like even the title of your so I think like even the title of your so I think like even the title of your latest resource that the Bible is for latest resource that the Bible is for latest resource that the Bible is for you. you. you. >> Um but again understanding that it's not >> Um but again understanding that it's not >> Um but again understanding that it's not about me or written directly to me, but about me or written directly to me, but about me or written directly to me, but it's absolutely for.

it's absolutely for. it's absolutely for. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> Yeah. Well, what Rachel just said, >> Yeah. Well, what Rachel just said, >> Yeah. Well, what Rachel just said, that's actually it's really personal. Um that's actually it's really personal. Um that's actually it's really personal. Um because you know when you describe it because you know when you describe it because you know when you describe it that way, you can you can still say, that way, you can you can still say, that way, you can you can still say, well, okay, what but where am I in that? well, okay, what but where am I in that? well, okay, what but where am I in that? But the thing is is that is also that is But the thing is is that is also that is But the thing is is that is also that is for you. And so in that story of garden for you. And so in that story of garden for you. And so in that story of garden to garden, garden to glory garden is a, to garden, garden to glory garden is a, to garden, garden to glory garden is a, you know, the God who, if I'm, if, if you know, the God who, if I'm, if, if you know, the God who, if I'm, if, if I'm looking you in the eye directly and I'm looking you in the eye directly and I'm looking you in the eye directly and I'm saying, Courtourtney, this is the I'm saying, Courtourtney, this is the I'm saying, Courtourtney, this is the God who created you and created you to God who created you and created you to God who created you and created you to live in free and fully loved in his live in free and fully loved in his live in free and fully loved in his presence. And the Bible is the story of presence. And the Bible is the story of presence. And the Bible is the story of how to to use Sandra Richtor's like how to to use Sandra Richtor's like how to to use Sandra Richtor's like that's his intent, right? for you to that's his intent, right? for you to that's his intent, right? for you to have a people living in. She puts it have a people living in. She puts it have a people living in. She puts it really simply and I love this that it's really simply and I love this that it's really simply and I love this that it's God God's intent to have God's people God God's intent to have God's people God God's intent to have God's people dwelling in God's place in God's dwelling in God's place in God's dwelling in God's place in God's presence and that so we have that in presence and that so we have that in presence and that so we have that in creation in the beginning and then the creation in the beginning and then the creation in the beginning and then the Bible is the story of how that that Bible is the story of how that that Bible is the story of how that that presence or that relationship was broken presence or that relationship was broken presence or that relationship was broken but then God pursues his people through but then God pursues his people through but then God pursues his people through the entire arc of scripture with his the entire arc of scripture with his the entire arc of scripture with his presence presence presence um back to all the way to Revelation um back to all the way to Revelation um back to all the way to Revelation where in the new creation in the new where in the new creation in the new where in the new creation in the new heavens and the new earth we will be heavens and the new earth we will be heavens and the new earth we will be back in God's place in his presence as

back in God's place in his presence as back in God's place in his presence as his people forever. And so it in that his people forever. And so it in that his people forever. And so it in that story is related to every single moment story is related to every single moment story is related to every single moment of your life right here and now. of your life right here and now. of your life right here and now. >> Yep. And then all that that means we >> Yep. And then all that that means we >> Yep. And then all that that means we could we need a an infinity long podcast could we need a an infinity long podcast could we need a an infinity long podcast to talk about because we're still to talk about because we're still to talk about because we're still learning, right? It just keeps going. learning, right? It just keeps going. learning, right? It just keeps going. >> Yeah. And I always like to think too, I >> Yeah. And I always like to think too, I >> Yeah. And I always like to think too, I like to say to the to people because like to say to the to people because like to say to the to people because sometimes, you know, they come to the sometimes, you know, they come to the sometimes, you know, they come to the Bible and they don't it's just another Bible and they don't it's just another Bible and they don't it's just another opinion. I I I also like to say, you opinion. I I I also like to say, you opinion. I I I also like to say, you know, it's about God's work, but it's know, it's about God's work, but it's know, it's about God's work, but it's revealed truth, not someone's not men's revealed truth, not someone's not men's revealed truth, not someone's not men's opinion through the ages. And I think opinion through the ages. And I think opinion through the ages. And I think this is I like to think about it this this is I like to think about it this this is I like to think about it this way because it's so different because way because it's so different because way because it's so different because you know you're a dot. You're a dot. you know you're a dot. You're a dot. you know you're a dot. You're a dot. You're a dot. We all have opinions about You're a dot. We all have opinions about You're a dot. We all have opinions about what this world's about. But we're what this world's about. But we're what this world's about. But we're actually saying when we get into actually saying when we get into actually saying when we get into scripture is that the infinite God of scripture is that the infinite God of scripture is that the infinite God of all the universe chose through his all the universe chose through his all the universe chose through his spirit to reveal truth through these spirit to reveal truth through these spirit to reveal truth through these stories, through narratives, through you stories, through narratives, through you stories, through narratives, through you know people who were chosen by the Holy know people who were chosen by the Holy know people who were chosen by the Holy Spirit to record it. So, it's actually Spirit to record it. So, it's actually Spirit to record it. So, it's actually different than any other book out there.

different than any other book out there. different than any other book out there. And yeah, it's thousands of years old. And yeah, it's thousands of years old. And yeah, it's thousands of years old. Isn't it amazing that it's still Isn't it amazing that it's still Isn't it amazing that it's still relevant? You know, I don't I don't read relevant? You know, I don't I don't read relevant? You know, I don't I don't read Edipus Rex quite the same way. Like, I'm Edipus Rex quite the same way. Like, I'm Edipus Rex quite the same way. Like, I'm like, what is going on with these? You like, what is going on with these? You like, what is going on with these? You know, it's it's know, it's it's know, it's it's >> I don't read Rex, >> I don't read Rex, >> I don't read Rex, >> actually. Yeah. Not since high school, >> actually. Yeah. Not since high school, >> actually. Yeah. Not since high school, but that's that's a good point. but that's that's a good point. but that's that's a good point. >> Leave it to Melissa. And so, you know, >> Leave it to Melissa. And so, you know, >> Leave it to Melissa. And so, you know, and so that's why we think of this as and so that's why we think of this as and so that's why we think of this as different than any other book, you know, different than any other book, you know, different than any other book, you know, that when when we get into it because that when when we get into it because that when when we get into it because it's been re it's truth revealed. Um, it's been re it's truth revealed. Um, it's been re it's truth revealed. Um, and and in a lot of ways, I don't know and and in a lot of ways, I don't know and and in a lot of ways, I don't know who it was who said it, it's revealing who it was who said it, it's revealing who it was who said it, it's revealing us. He says, you know, I went in us. He says, you know, I went in us. He says, you know, I went in scriptures and realized as I was reading scriptures and realized as I was reading scriptures and realized as I was reading it, it was reading me. And that's it, it was reading me. And that's it, it was reading me. And that's actually one of the ways we know it's actually one of the ways we know it's actually one of the ways we know it's true. And that's not circular. It's it's true. And that's not circular. It's it's true. And that's not circular. It's it's it's speaking. It's doing exactly what it's speaking. It's doing exactly what it's speaking. It's doing exactly what it says it does. It's living and active. it says it does. It's living and active. it says it does. It's living and active. >> Yeah. It's relationship. I mean, it's to >> Yeah. It's relationship. I mean, it's to >> Yeah. It's relationship. I mean, it's to me the Bible is proof that we have a God me the Bible is proof that we have a God me the Bible is proof that we have a God who wants to be known.

who wants to be known. who wants to be known. And that is that in itself is And that is that in itself is And that is that in itself is astounding. astounding. astounding. >> It is. Um, and then I mean in one sense >> It is. Um, and then I mean in one sense >> It is. Um, and then I mean in one sense you could say the Bible is the story of you could say the Bible is the story of you could say the Bible is the story of the links that God goes to to be known the links that God goes to to be known the links that God goes to to be known >> and by his people. It's so beautiful. >> and by his people. It's so beautiful. >> and by his people. It's so beautiful. >> And I think this actually leads to my >> And I think this actually leads to my >> And I think this actually leads to my next question because I think this next question because I think this next question because I think this should we're we're talking about the should we're we're talking about the should we're we're talking about the beauty of it. Some people, especially beauty of it. Some people, especially beauty of it. Some people, especially performance types, um can think, okay, I performance types, um can think, okay, I performance types, um can think, okay, I I need to be in the Bible so that I get I need to be in the Bible so that I get I need to be in the Bible so that I get approval from God. And you know, um or approval from God. And you know, um or approval from God. And you know, um or or they might they might say, "Hey, or they might they might say, "Hey, or they might they might say, "Hey, y'all a bunch of legalists over there. y'all a bunch of legalists over there. y'all a bunch of legalists over there. Why do you God loves me no matter what? Why do you God loves me no matter what? Why do you God loves me no matter what? He doesn't care if I read my Bible every He doesn't care if I read my Bible every He doesn't care if I read my Bible every day." You know, I think we can fall on day." You know, I think we can fall on day." You know, I think we can fall on both sides, you know, in both ditches both sides, you know, in both ditches both sides, you know, in both ditches sometimes. like I'm either worthy sometimes. like I'm either worthy sometimes. like I'm either worthy because, you know, I read it every day because, you know, I read it every day because, you know, I read it every day for an hour and I know every theological for an hour and I know every theological for an hour and I know every theological point or we can think it doesn't really point or we can think it doesn't really point or we can think it doesn't really matter that much. H how do you speak to matter that much. H how do you speak to matter that much. H how do you speak to women and where's the middle ground women and where's the middle ground women and where's the middle ground there? Like what what's a healthy there? Like what what's a healthy there? Like what what's a healthy understanding of our relationship with understanding of our relationship with understanding of our relationship with scripture? A lot of times we talk to scripture? A lot of times we talk to scripture? A lot of times we talk to women um just from the framework of you women um just from the framework of you women um just from the framework of you got to know what it says. You knowing got to know what it says. You knowing got to know what it says. You knowing your Bible like it is one whole thing to your Bible like it is one whole thing to your Bible like it is one whole thing to say like I love the Lord um and I see say like I love the Lord um and I see say like I love the Lord um and I see his word as you faithful true my his word as you faithful true my his word as you faithful true my authority and um and that's good and

authority and um and that's good and authority and um and that's good and done and um and but then just kind of done and um and but then just kind of done and um and but then just kind of digging into but do you know your Bible? digging into but do you know your Bible? digging into but do you know your Bible? Like do you know what it says? And I've Like do you know what it says? And I've Like do you know what it says? And I've been reading my Bible for decades and been reading my Bible for decades and been reading my Bible for decades and I'm still seeing and learning what it I'm still seeing and learning what it I'm still seeing and learning what it says. Like I I talk about like if you've says. Like I I talk about like if you've says. Like I I talk about like if you've been reading if you read your Bible been reading if you read your Bible been reading if you read your Bible every day this week and haven't yet been every day this week and haven't yet been every day this week and haven't yet been taught, corrected or trained in taught, corrected or trained in taught, corrected or trained in righteousness, it's possible that like righteousness, it's possible that like righteousness, it's possible that like go back like ask the spirit to help go back like ask the spirit to help go back like ask the spirit to help because what like that point like what because what like that point like what because what like that point like what Paul says is the point of Bible reading Paul says is the point of Bible reading Paul says is the point of Bible reading or one of the ways one of I'm going to or one of the ways one of I'm going to or one of the ways one of I'm going to rephrase that not the point of Bible rephrase that not the point of Bible rephrase that not the point of Bible reading but one of the most important reading but one of the most important reading but one of the most important efficacies of Bible reading would be to efficacies of Bible reading would be to efficacies of Bible reading would be to be changed to not just walk way, you be changed to not just walk way, you be changed to not just walk way, you know, encouraged, but to be changed, to know, encouraged, but to be changed, to know, encouraged, but to be changed, to know what it says and and then get to know what it says and and then get to know what it says and and then get to let that change you. let that change you. let that change you. >> Absolutely. I mean, you look at the >> Absolutely. I mean, you look at the >> Absolutely. I mean, you look at the Gospels, the Pharisees knew the law. Gospels, the Pharisees knew the law. Gospels, the Pharisees knew the law. They knew the Torah. They spent They knew the Torah. They spent They knew the Torah. They spent time in, you know, time in, you know, time in, you know, >> was like the chief knower of of the >> was like the chief knower of of the >> was like the chief knower of of the scripture.

scripture. scripture. >> Yeah. Like Paul's like, "Dude, I knew >> Yeah. Like Paul's like, "Dude, I knew >> Yeah. Like Paul's like, "Dude, I knew all the things." And but it is, you all the things." And but it is, you all the things." And but it is, you know, you think about um just Jesus know, you think about um just Jesus know, you think about um just Jesus teachings about the kingdom of God, how teachings about the kingdom of God, how teachings about the kingdom of God, how it just it's it's about the heart. It's it just it's it's about the heart. It's it just it's it's about the heart. It's a heart posture and how like you can a heart posture and how like you can a heart posture and how like you can actually you can do you can do so many actually you can do you can do so many actually you can do you can do so many things right and you um you know in in things right and you um you know in in things right and you um you know in in your marriage you can be faithful and your marriage you can be faithful and your marriage you can be faithful and not commit adultery, but have you ever not commit adultery, but have you ever not commit adultery, but have you ever had just like a fleeting thought about had just like a fleeting thought about had just like a fleeting thought about someone who wasn't your spouse? Well, someone who wasn't your spouse? Well, someone who wasn't your spouse? Well, that's actually still missing the mark, that's actually still missing the mark, that's actually still missing the mark, right? So, it that it is about our right? So, it that it is about our right? So, it that it is about our hearts. And so, that's one of the things hearts. And so, that's one of the things hearts. And so, that's one of the things I think that is so beautiful about Bible I think that is so beautiful about Bible I think that is so beautiful about Bible reading and the way that God uses his reading and the way that God uses his reading and the way that God uses his word in our hearts and in our lives is word in our hearts and in our lives is word in our hearts and in our lives is that it there are seasons. We know that that it there are seasons. We know that that it there are seasons. We know that life is full of seasons. And so when life is full of seasons. And so when life is full of seasons. And so when people hear us say, "We want to be women people hear us say, "We want to be women people hear us say, "We want to be women in the word of God every day." I'm sure in the word of God every day." I'm sure in the word of God every day." I'm sure sometimes that falls on ears where sometimes that falls on ears where sometimes that falls on ears where they're like they're like they're like like that like another thing for me to like that like another thing for me to like that like another thing for me to do every day. But the the posture there do every day. But the the posture there do every day. But the the posture there is like that's how often we need it. We is like that's how often we need it. We is like that's how often we need it. We need it all the time. We need it every need it all the time. We need it every need it all the time. We need it every day. But some days there is a verse that day. But some days there is a verse that day. But some days there is a verse that I'm just going to read and meditate on I'm just going to read and meditate on I'm just going to read and meditate on and cling to and the Lord is going to and cling to and the Lord is going to and cling to and the Lord is going to use that verse to convict me, to comfort use that verse to convict me, to comfort use that verse to convict me, to comfort me. What whatever it is that's going on me. What whatever it is that's going on me. What whatever it is that's going on in me, he knows and he can use he can in me, he knows and he can use he can in me, he knows and he can use he can use a verse of scripture in that way and

use a verse of scripture in that way and use a verse of scripture in that way and and in a powerful way. And also we read and in a powerful way. And also we read and in a powerful way. And also we read full we read through full all Paul's full we read through full all Paul's full we read through full all Paul's letters in one seed sitting, right? like letters in one seed sitting, right? like letters in one seed sitting, right? like I'm going to sit and I'm going to read I'm going to sit and I'm going to read I'm going to sit and I'm going to read all of Ephesians because it's going to all of Ephesians because it's going to all of Ephesians because it's going to take me 15 minutes and I'm going to see take me 15 minutes and I'm going to see take me 15 minutes and I'm going to see what's happening in this letter and that what's happening in this letter and that what's happening in this letter and that too um will will just till up what's in too um will will just till up what's in too um will will just till up what's in us. And so I just I think that like the us. And so I just I think that like the us. And so I just I think that like the le the temptation to legalism is so real le the temptation to legalism is so real le the temptation to legalism is so real just like it is with every other thing just like it is with every other thing just like it is with every other thing in our faith and in our life. Like we in our faith and in our life. Like we in our faith and in our life. Like we just want a formula and a list to check just want a formula and a list to check just want a formula and a list to check off. But as we know with anything else off. But as we know with anything else off. But as we know with anything else that's important to us in our lives, it that's important to us in our lives, it that's important to us in our lives, it is important to have discipline because is important to have discipline because is important to have discipline because that shows commitment and devotion and that shows commitment and devotion and that shows commitment and devotion and faithfulness. And also faithfulness. And also faithfulness. And also um it just requires us to keep coming um it just requires us to keep coming um it just requires us to keep coming back and to take the es and flows as it back and to take the es and flows as it back and to take the es and flows as it comes because that's what we do in every comes because that's what we do in every comes because that's what we do in every other important relationship in our other important relationship in our other important relationship in our life. Right.

life. Right. life. Right. >> Well, and it's so vast. I mean, the word >> Well, and it's so vast. I mean, the word >> Well, and it's so vast. I mean, the word of God is so vast. the fact that we of God is so vast. the fact that we of God is so vast. the fact that we think we can just come and grab, you think we can just come and grab, you think we can just come and grab, you know, that that the point of our daily know, that that the point of our daily know, that that the point of our daily Bible reading is to make our day go Bible reading is to make our day go Bible reading is to make our day go better, right? Occasionally it better, right? Occasionally it better, right? Occasionally it occasionally it actually does that, occasionally it actually does that, occasionally it actually does that, right? The comfort, the instruction, the right? The comfort, the instruction, the right? The comfort, the instruction, the teaching, the rebuke, the correction, teaching, the rebuke, the correction, teaching, the rebuke, the correction, the training and righteousness. Like the training and righteousness. Like the training and righteousness. Like those things happen, but the reality is those things happen, but the reality is those things happen, but the reality is it's a lifetime where we're just it's a lifetime where we're just it's a lifetime where we're just building this. We're letting the word of building this. We're letting the word of building this. We're letting the word of God dwell in us richly by spending time God dwell in us richly by spending time God dwell in us richly by spending time in it day after day after day. RC Sproul in it day after day after day. RC Sproul in it day after day after day. RC Sproul and I'll botch it, but he said um that I and I'll botch it, but he said um that I and I'll botch it, but he said um that I became a Christian immediately, became a Christian immediately, became a Christian immediately, like overnight. But I did not overnight like overnight. But I did not overnight like overnight. But I did not overnight learn all of the things that I needed to learn all of the things that I needed to learn all of the things that I needed to know about God. That was a a lifetime know about God. That was a a lifetime know about God. That was a a lifetime pursuit for him and for all of us. And pursuit for him and for all of us. And pursuit for him and for all of us. And so this idea of building each day, just so this idea of building each day, just so this idea of building each day, just tucking a little bit more away and maybe tucking a little bit more away and maybe tucking a little bit more away and maybe chewing on it and thinking, I have no chewing on it and thinking, I have no chewing on it and thinking, I have no idea what I just read. I actually had idea what I just read. I actually had idea what I just read. I actually had that experience this morning. And back that experience this morning. And back that experience this morning. And back to your point at the beginning, Rachel, to your point at the beginning, Rachel, to your point at the beginning, Rachel, I texted a friend who um is actually a a I texted a friend who um is actually a a I texted a friend who um is actually a a scholar in this particular area. And I scholar in this particular area. And I scholar in this particular area. And I said, "When you're back when you come said, "When you're back when you come said, "When you're back when you come back to our house in two weeks, there he back to our house in two weeks, there he back to our house in two weeks, there he and his wife are spending the night. I and his wife are spending the night. I and his wife are spending the night. I have a question about this one verse.

have a question about this one verse. have a question about this one verse. Like I really it really kind of rattled Like I really it really kind of rattled Like I really it really kind of rattled me and I'm like, I need to talk about me and I'm like, I need to talk about me and I'm like, I need to talk about it." And so like I'm looking forward to it." And so like I'm looking forward to it." And so like I'm looking forward to that. But it's that daily just building that. But it's that daily just building that. But it's that daily just building um building building building and the um building building building and the um building building building and the love of it actually comes which is what love of it actually comes which is what love of it actually comes which is what we kind of all are marveling that the we kind of all are marveling that the we kind of all are marveling that the Lord's done in our hearts and our minds. Lord's done in our hearts and our minds. Lord's done in our hearts and our minds. Rachel, Rachel, Rachel, >> it's another one of those I'm so glad >> it's another one of those I'm so glad >> it's another one of those I'm so glad many things are true here. It as it many things are true here. It as it many things are true here. It as it relates to this because like I think relates to this because like I think relates to this because like I think about I shared with you guys at the about I shared with you guys at the about I shared with you guys at the beginning like I grew up I had to beginning like I grew up I had to beginning like I grew up I had to memorize a chapter of scripture a month, memorize a chapter of scripture a month, memorize a chapter of scripture a month, right? And so and and that was like my right? And so and and that was like my right? And so and and that was like my goodness, goodness, goodness, >> hand motions. We did whatever it took, >> hand motions. We did whatever it took, >> hand motions. We did whatever it took, but those little soft brains were but those little soft brains were but those little soft brains were wrinkling with scripture and it was wrinkling with scripture and it was wrinkling with scripture and it was blessing, blessing, blessing, >> right? Um but that meant that at 26 when >> right? Um but that meant that at 26 when >> right? Um but that meant that at 26 when we got just horrible news that the we got just horrible news that the we got just horrible news that the daughter that we were carrying would daughter that we were carrying would daughter that we were carrying would probably not survive or not be born probably not survive or not be born probably not survive or not be born living, I didn't have to open my Bible living, I didn't have to open my Bible living, I didn't have to open my Bible for the first time. In fact, scripture for the first time. In fact, scripture for the first time. In fact, scripture carried us out of that hospital. It just carried us out of that hospital. It just carried us out of that hospital. It just came forth from our mouths to each other came forth from our mouths to each other came forth from our mouths to each other and we we didn't have a Bible open. It and we we didn't have a Bible open. It and we we didn't have a Bible open. It was just in us, right? And even like as was just in us, right? And even like as was just in us, right? And even like as we were like asleep at night like I we were like asleep at night like I we were like asleep at night like I remember I've shared this story before remember I've shared this story before remember I've shared this story before like one night dead asleep woke up to like one night dead asleep woke up to like one night dead asleep woke up to the sound of my own voice being too loud the sound of my own voice being too loud the sound of my own voice being too loud quoting from John like the thief comes quoting from John like the thief comes quoting from John like the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy but I have to kill, steal, and destroy but I have to kill, steal, and destroy but I have come that you have life and you'll have come that you have life and you'll have come that you have life and you'll have it in abundance. Like it was so deep in it in abundance. Like it was so deep in it in abundance. Like it was so deep in me and memorizing it as a little kid, as me and memorizing it as a little kid, as me and memorizing it as a little kid, as a high schooler, as a college student, a high schooler, as a college student, a high schooler, as a college student, those were important times. And the those were important times. And the those were important times. And the scripture impacted me um significantly

scripture impacted me um significantly scripture impacted me um significantly then. It's not like it was meaningless then. It's not like it was meaningless then. It's not like it was meaningless at that point, but now then knowing it at that point, but now then knowing it at that point, but now then knowing it and it just being in me, being a part of and it just being in me, being a part of and it just being in me, being a part of me, the spirit used the living and me, the spirit used the living and me, the spirit used the living and active word to minister to me when I active word to minister to me when I active word to minister to me when I didn't even have a Bible open in front didn't even have a Bible open in front didn't even have a Bible open in front of me. I hope any mother, grandmother, of me. I hope any mother, grandmother, of me. I hope any mother, grandmother, aunt, Sunday school teacher who's aunt, Sunday school teacher who's aunt, Sunday school teacher who's listening is just deeply both encouraged listening is just deeply both encouraged listening is just deeply both encouraged and convicted to keep doing this thing. and convicted to keep doing this thing. and convicted to keep doing this thing. Like poor it will not return void. It Like poor it will not return void. It Like poor it will not return void. It will not return void. And I think out of will not return void. And I think out of will not return void. And I think out of the four of us, I'm the one that doesn't the four of us, I'm the one that doesn't the four of us, I'm the one that doesn't have that testimony of of being raised have that testimony of of being raised have that testimony of of being raised knowing scripture. And so, you know, knowing scripture. And so, you know, knowing scripture. And so, you know, it's like there is there is hope for it's like there is there is hope for it's like there is there is hope for those, you know, of us who grew up those, you know, of us who grew up those, you know, of us who grew up without that being a part of our without that being a part of our without that being a part of our foundation. But, um, but man, what what foundation. But, um, but man, what what foundation. But, um, but man, what what a blessing. And the beauty is that is a blessing. And the beauty is that is a blessing. And the beauty is that is true. And Courtney, like you just said, true. And Courtney, like you just said, true. And Courtney, like you just said, you didn't grow up that way. And like you didn't grow up that way. And like you didn't grow up that way. And like scripture met you right where you are scripture met you right where you are scripture met you right where you are when it did. And like had I not had that when it did. And like had I not had that when it did. And like had I not had that foundation and had I still, you know, foundation and had I still, you know, foundation and had I still, you know, had that experience and that negative had that experience and that negative had that experience and that negative ultrasound and all of these things and ultrasound and all of these things and ultrasound and all of these things and had I opened scripture for the first had I opened scripture for the first had I opened scripture for the first time that very day, time that very day, time that very day, >> it would have ministered to me, >> it would have ministered to me, >> it would have ministered to me, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> That >> That >> That true. And I feel like it's important to true. And I feel like it's important to true. And I feel like it's important to say that part out loud so it's not like, say that part out loud so it's not like, say that part out loud so it's not like, well, if you missed the boat at age six, well, if you missed the boat at age six, well, if you missed the boat at age six, >> you've missed out. >> you've missed out. >> you've missed out. >> But your foundation there is I mean, >> But your foundation there is I mean, >> But your foundation there is I mean, that is the parable of the the sand and that is the parable of the the sand and that is the parable of the the sand and the rock foundation. I mean there is a the rock foundation. I mean there is a the rock foundation. I mean there is a foundation that has to be built over foundation that has to be built over foundation that has to be built over time that will withstand the storms and time that will withstand the storms and time that will withstand the storms and that that's truth. Now is the Lord that that's truth. Now is the Lord that that's truth. Now is the Lord limited? Absolutely not. But is it limited? Absolutely not. But is it limited? Absolutely not. But is it better better better >> to have that foundation built such an >> to have that foundation built such an >> to have that foundation built such an >> read the Bible on the plains so that >> read the Bible on the plains so that >> read the Bible on the plains so that it's with you in the valleys and it's it's with you in the valleys and it's it's with you in the valleys and it's with you on the mountain tops like read. with you on the mountain tops like read. with you on the mountain tops like read. It's deposits into and that's what I It's deposits into and that's what I It's deposits into and that's what I want to encourage those who are either want to encourage those who are either want to encourage those who are either you know right at the beginning of their you know right at the beginning of their you know right at the beginning of their Bible reading journey or maybe they've Bible reading journey or maybe they've Bible reading journey or maybe they've kind of you know it's kind of fallen off kind of you know it's kind of fallen off kind of you know it's kind of fallen off of their daily rhythm or regular rhythm of their daily rhythm or regular rhythm of their daily rhythm or regular rhythm and I would just say like it is it is and I would just say like it is it is and I would just say like it is it is always the right time always the right time always the right time >> to come back that's right >> to come back that's right >> to come back that's right >> to scripture and there's no shame in >> to scripture and there's no shame in >> to scripture and there's no shame in that. I mean there is it is and if you that. I mean there is it is and if you that. I mean there is it is and if you read and you're like huh I don't feel read and you're like huh I don't feel read and you're like huh I don't feel different after having read what I read different after having read what I read different after having read what I read today. Um that doesn't mean you did it today. Um that doesn't mean you did it today. Um that doesn't mean you did it wrong. That doesn't mean it's not wrong. That doesn't mean it's not wrong. That doesn't mean it's not working in you that God's not working in working in you that God's not working in working in you that God's not working in you. you are making deposits into this you. you are making deposits into this you. you are making deposits into this account, right, of that and and what you account, right, of that and and what you account, right, of that and and what you just said, Courtney, that he you he does

just said, Courtney, that he you he does just said, Courtney, that he you he does not it does not return void. And so we not it does not return void. And so we not it does not return void. And so we all I think can can speak to that of all I think can can speak to that of all I think can can speak to that of just how grateful we are for just how grateful we are for just how grateful we are for our own like grateful to our past selves our own like grateful to our past selves our own like grateful to our past selves for having for having for having >> read scripture when we didn't feel like >> read scripture when we didn't feel like >> read scripture when we didn't feel like it. it. it. >> It is never time that you regret >> It is never time that you regret >> It is never time that you regret spending. It just there are a lot of spending. It just there are a lot of spending. It just there are a lot of things you can regret spending time on. things you can regret spending time on. things you can regret spending time on. It's never that. Sometimes though, I It's never that. Sometimes though, I It's never that. Sometimes though, I think we do think of Bible reading a think we do think of Bible reading a think we do think of Bible reading a little bit like exercise and you know, little bit like exercise and you know, little bit like exercise and you know, like you lifted weights like once and like you lifted weights like once and like you lifted weights like once and you're like, "Why are my arms not toned you're like, "Why are my arms not toned you're like, "Why are my arms not toned yet?" yet?" yet?" >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Listen, Melissa, this is this is the Listen, Melissa, this is this is the Listen, Melissa, this is this is the thing that I because I and I feel it thing that I because I and I feel it thing that I because I and I feel it toward myself. I get frustrated with toward myself. I get frustrated with toward myself. I get frustrated with myself because I I it's like when it myself because I I it's like when it myself because I I it's like when it comes to matters of faith and and and comes to matters of faith and and and comes to matters of faith and and and Bible reading specifically too. I just Bible reading specifically too. I just Bible reading specifically too. I just it's sometimes I just suspend all logic it's sometimes I just suspend all logic it's sometimes I just suspend all logic and I'm like why is this not why is this and I'm like why is this not why is this and I'm like why is this not why is this not work? Like why is my not developing not work? Like why is my not developing not work? Like why is my not developing in this way? I'm like, "Well, in this way? I'm like, "Well, in this way? I'm like, "Well, how you know?" And then you start to how you know?" And then you start to how you know?" And then you start to just apply like basic logic and I'm just apply like basic logic and I'm just apply like basic logic and I'm like, "Okay, okay." Yeah.

like, "Okay, okay." Yeah. like, "Okay, okay." Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm back. I'm back back. >> Yeah. I'm back. I'm back back. >> Yeah. I'm back. I'm back back. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But it is hard. It's like any >> But it is hard. It's like any >> But it is hard. It's like any relationship. It's tough. I was thinking relationship. It's tough. I was thinking relationship. It's tough. I was thinking about how, you know, you come to Jesus about how, you know, you come to Jesus about how, you know, you come to Jesus and like you become a believer. Um, but and like you become a believer. Um, but and like you become a believer. Um, but was it was it Martin Luther, the quote was it was it Martin Luther, the quote was it was it Martin Luther, the quote that you said, Courtney, where it's like that you said, Courtney, where it's like that you said, Courtney, where it's like he had that big that experience and then he had that big that experience and then he had that big that experience and then but he didn't know everything he needed but he didn't know everything he needed but he didn't know everything he needed to know. to know. to know. >> Yeah. RC Sproul, but he was probably RC >> Yeah. RC Sproul, but he was probably RC >> Yeah. RC Sproul, but he was probably RC Sproul. Sproul. Sproul. >> Probably riffing off of you to write it >> Probably riffing off of you to write it >> Probably riffing off of you to write it down. Not exactly contemporaries. That's down. Not exactly contemporaries. That's down. Not exactly contemporaries. That's okay. Um, but that is it's like when you okay. Um, but that is it's like when you okay. Um, but that is it's like when you commit, you know, and I think about like commit, you know, and I think about like commit, you know, and I think about like when I married my husband, when I married my husband, when I married my husband, like my my love and commitment, that like my my love and commitment, that like my my love and commitment, that covenant is real. And also covenant is real. And also covenant is real. And also I am still learning 22 years later about I am still learning 22 years later about I am still learning 22 years later about I am still learning this man about this I am still learning this man about this I am still learning this man about this man that I married man that I married man that I married >> and how to be in like relationship with >> and how to be in like relationship with >> and how to be in like relationship with him and so it just it's Yeah. It's like him and so it just it's Yeah. It's like him and so it just it's Yeah. It's like it's different and also it's not fully it's different and also it's not fully it's different and also it's not fully different. different. different. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, I want to Okay. We've been >> Okay. Well, I want to Okay. We've been >> Okay. Well, I want to Okay. We've been talking about like how we individually talking about like how we individually talking about like how we individually so desperately need this and part of so desperately need this and part of so desperately need this and part of what you all founded with She Reads what you all founded with She Reads what you all founded with She Reads Truth is a community of people reading Truth is a community of people reading Truth is a community of people reading the word, but we want to talk about the the word, but we want to talk about the the word, but we want to talk about the local church. And so a lot of Bible local church. And so a lot of Bible local church. And so a lot of Bible studies that we do are done in the studies that we do are done in the studies that we do are done in the context of the local church in that context of the local church in that context of the local church in that particular community. And we we say yes, particular community. And we we say yes, particular community. And we we say yes, that's a great place to be doing that. that's a great place to be doing that. that's a great place to be doing that. But how does I love I love talking about But how does I love I love talking about But how does I love I love talking about this because for so long I thought even this because for so long I thought even this because for so long I thought even the Bible study that I was showing up to the Bible study that I was showing up to the Bible study that I was showing up to at my local church. I was doing my at my local church. I was doing my at my local church. I was doing my individual study each day for me and individual study each day for me and individual study each day for me and then I was showing up to Bible study to then I was showing up to Bible study to then I was showing up to Bible study to learn, right? That those were those were learn, right? That those were those were learn, right? That those were those were my categories. And it really like my categories. And it really like my categories. And it really like expanded my heart and my mind and gave expanded my heart and my mind and gave expanded my heart and my mind and gave me even more of a desire to be in God's me even more of a desire to be in God's me even more of a desire to be in God's word when I started understanding that word when I started understanding that word when I started understanding that oh there's a community aspect to this oh there's a community aspect to this oh there's a community aspect to this that has nothing to do with me and yet that has nothing to do with me and yet that has nothing to do with me and yet my time in the word matters to that my time in the word matters to that my time in the word matters to that community. So talk about the communal community. So talk about the communal community. So talk about the communal aspect of growing in God's word together aspect of growing in God's word together aspect of growing in God's word together and how how your knowledge of the Bible, and how how your knowledge of the Bible, and how how your knowledge of the Bible, your growing knowledge and your growing your growing knowledge and your growing your growing knowledge and your growing love of the word impacts those around love of the word impacts those around love of the word impacts those around you, your family, your friends, your you, your family, your friends, your you, your family, your friends, your community, neighbors.

community, neighbors. community, neighbors. >> I mean, it absolutely does. And we see >> I mean, it absolutely does. And we see >> I mean, it absolutely does. And we see we see evidence of that in scripture we see evidence of that in scripture we see evidence of that in scripture itself, right? I mean, Acts like will itself, right? I mean, Acts like will itself, right? I mean, Acts like will blow your mind as you're reading. And I blow your mind as you're reading. And I blow your mind as you're reading. And I think sometimes like I think about um think sometimes like I think about um think sometimes like I think about um that like acts community and I and I I that like acts community and I and I I that like acts community and I and I I think sometimes we can say yeah but that think sometimes we can say yeah but that think sometimes we can say yeah but that was then that was this thing that that was then that was this thing that that was then that was this thing that that God did and yes it was a big thing that God did and yes it was a big thing that God did and yes it was a big thing that God did and God did and God did and what he is still doing. And so we too I what he is still doing. And so we too I what he is still doing. And so we too I mean I I could not I I think a lot about mean I I could not I I think a lot about mean I I could not I I think a lot about the low points of life and how difficult the low points of life and how difficult the low points of life and how difficult it would be to get through them without it would be to get through them without it would be to get through them without the Lord and without scripture and the Lord and without scripture and the Lord and without scripture and without my people. Yeah. without my people. Yeah. without my people. Yeah. >> And those are not separate to me, you >> And those are not separate to me, you >> And those are not separate to me, you know, like I see God's kindness and know, like I see God's kindness and know, like I see God's kindness and God's provision and care for me through God's provision and care for me through God's provision and care for me through other people. Um but also you know apart other people. Um but also you know apart other people. Um but also you know apart from that particular application where from that particular application where from that particular application where you're like oh you're like in the valley you're like oh you're like in the valley you're like oh you're like in the valley just in everyday life and in learning I just in everyday life and in learning I just in everyday life and in learning I can I can learn yes but I can also when can I can learn yes but I can also when can I can learn yes but I can also when I learn alongside I learn alongside I learn alongside and with and from others in whom the and with and from others in whom the and with and from others in whom the Holy Spirit lives and is is active and

Holy Spirit lives and is is active and Holy Spirit lives and is is active and they are have they have their own they are have they have their own they are have they have their own relationship with God and with scripture relationship with God and with scripture relationship with God and with scripture and we get to all lean on that like we and we get to all lean on that like we and we get to all lean on that like we get to all be transformed get to all be transformed get to all be transformed from the inside out ourselves but also from the inside out ourselves but also from the inside out ourselves but also as a community of believers and as a community of believers and as a community of believers and something I think we also don't usually something I think we also don't usually something I think we also don't usually like gets missed when we read scripture like gets missed when we read scripture like gets missed when we read scripture especially like we think about in the especially like we think about in the especially like we think about in the New Testament and in the the letters and New Testament and in the the letters and New Testament and in the the letters and like Paul's letters like Paul's letters like Paul's letters the general letters where we think that the general letters where we think that the general letters where we think that most of the instruction is for us as most of the instruction is for us as most of the instruction is for us as individuals. Most of the instruction is individuals. Most of the instruction is individuals. Most of the instruction is for the community. for the community. for the community. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um and we just take it and make it >> Um and we just take it and make it >> Um and we just take it and make it individualistic, but it's really not individualistic, but it's really not individualistic, but it's really not it's not written that way. Um and and so it's not written that way. Um and and so it's not written that way. Um and and so I just I don't think we lean on what I just I don't think we lean on what I just I don't think we lean on what this I love the premise of this question this I love the premise of this question this I love the premise of this question because um I think it's something that because um I think it's something that because um I think it's something that we often miss and you kind of connect we often miss and you kind of connect we often miss and you kind of connect that to our conversation at the that to our conversation at the that to our conversation at the beginning of this episode that of course beginning of this episode that of course beginning of this episode that of course you have people opening scripture and you have people opening scripture and you have people opening scripture and thinking this is so much how do I do thinking this is so much how do I do thinking this is so much how do I do this? How do I navigate this? But that this? How do I navigate this? But that this? How do I navigate this? But that was never the design. The design was was never the design. The design was was never the design. The design was never that we navigated alone.

never that we navigated alone. never that we navigated alone. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Yeah, that's good. >> I mean, one of the most like precious >> I mean, one of the most like precious >> I mean, one of the most like precious times of my week is sitting in the pew times of my week is sitting in the pew times of my week is sitting in the pew with my family, like with my kids next with my family, like with my kids next with my family, like with my kids next to me. And I understand that's not to me. And I understand that's not to me. And I understand that's not exactly the premise of your question exactly the premise of your question exactly the premise of your question because you were, you know, asking more because you were, you know, asking more because you were, you know, asking more about like community and Bible study, about like community and Bible study, about like community and Bible study, that kind of thing. But like there's that kind of thing. But like there's that kind of thing. But like there's something about that like um home something about that like um home something about that like um home community for me especially of getting community for me especially of getting community for me especially of getting to my kids sitting under instruction to my kids sitting under instruction to my kids sitting under instruction under biblical instruction 5 days a week under biblical instruction 5 days a week under biblical instruction 5 days a week at school. Um, and I the same at school. Um, and I the same at school. Um, and I the same personally, my husband the same personally, my husband the same personally, my husband the same personally, but it is our time to come personally, but it is our time to come personally, but it is our time to come together as a family and receive the together as a family and receive the together as a family and receive the same instruction and to drive home and same instruction and to drive home and same instruction and to drive home and go into our weeks having that common go into our weeks having that common go into our weeks having that common instruction together. Like that's so instruction together. Like that's so instruction together. Like that's so meaningful to me. And I we're recording meaningful to me. And I we're recording meaningful to me. And I we're recording this before it releases, but this Sunday this before it releases, but this Sunday this before it releases, but this Sunday is I mean I've been building to this all is I mean I've been building to this all is I mean I've been building to this all of the last year. I like make my son sit of the last year. I like make my son sit of the last year. I like make my son sit next to me in church because I'm just next to me in church because I'm just next to me in church because I'm just like there will come a time next year at like there will come a time next year at like there will come a time next year at this time where you won't be next to me this time where you won't be next to me this time where you won't be next to me and this Sunday is the last Sunday that and this Sunday is the last Sunday that and this Sunday is the last Sunday that he'll be next to me before he moves he'll be next to me before he moves he'll be next to me before he moves away. And it's just like I I'm just away. And it's just like I I'm just away. And it's just like I I'm just already picturing the white knuckles of already picturing the white knuckles of already picturing the white knuckles of like like like >> thinking about not having that like the >> thinking about not having that like the >> thinking about not having that like the four of us under that shared four of us under that shared four of us under that shared instruction. I'll also add and this is instruction. I'll also add and this is instruction. I'll also add and this is unrelated but related to your question.

unrelated but related to your question. unrelated but related to your question. Amanda and I have this benefit weekly of Amanda and I have this benefit weekly of Amanda and I have this benefit weekly of reading our Bibles and having an reading our Bibles and having an reading our Bibles and having an intentional discussion with somebody, intentional discussion with somebody, intentional discussion with somebody, even if it's just each other, but even if it's just each other, but even if it's just each other, but usually a guest, like as we host our usually a guest, like as we host our usually a guest, like as we host our podcast. And so, we get this benefit podcast. And so, we get this benefit podcast. And so, we get this benefit like I don't know how to read the Bible like I don't know how to read the Bible like I don't know how to read the Bible and not talk about it. and not talk about it. and not talk about it. >> Yeah. Like my my my mo is like read the >> Yeah. Like my my my mo is like read the >> Yeah. Like my my my mo is like read the scriptures, like pour over them, make scriptures, like pour over them, make scriptures, like pour over them, make notes, have that personal study time, notes, have that personal study time, notes, have that personal study time, and like just like wait with and like just like wait with and like just like wait with anticipation for the moment where like a anticipation for the moment where like a anticipation for the moment where like a guest comes on or Amanda and I are guest comes on or Amanda and I are guest comes on or Amanda and I are together and we get to like go, "Did you together and we get to like go, "Did you together and we get to like go, "Did you see that?" Yes. because you then see see that?" Yes. because you then see see that?" Yes. because you then see what she saw and she sees what you saw what she saw and she sees what you saw what she saw and she sees what you saw and you're having these gospel and you're having these gospel and you're having these gospel conversations and even like your family conversations and even like your family conversations and even like your family sitting together. It gives you the sitting together. It gives you the sitting together. It gives you the shared language to talk about that week shared language to talk about that week shared language to talk about that week of what you know how the preacher of what you know how the preacher of what you know how the preacher presented that particular text and it's presented that particular text and it's presented that particular text and it's just it's so beautiful and we say at the just it's so beautiful and we say at the just it's so beautiful and we say at the end of every episode or nearly every end of every episode or nearly every end of every episode or nearly every episode some version of do not outsource episode some version of do not outsource episode some version of do not outsource your Bible reading to us. Like now you your Bible reading to us. Like now you your Bible reading to us. Like now you go read your Bibles and pretend you're go read your Bibles and pretend you're go read your Bibles and pretend you're having a mini podcast. Like g grab some having a mini podcast. Like g grab some having a mini podcast. Like g grab some friends and like talk about it. Like friends and like talk about it. Like friends and like talk about it. Like that response time is done so well in that response time is done so well in that response time is done so well in community. It's such a good opportunity.

community. It's such a good opportunity. community. It's such a good opportunity. And like you think about Amanda, you And like you think about Amanda, you And like you think about Amanda, you like were talking about Acts. People like were talking about Acts. People like were talking about Acts. People weren't just like alone like reading weren't just like alone like reading weren't just like alone like reading scrolls and then like closing them up scrolls and then like closing them up scrolls and then like closing them up and like going about their day. They and like going about their day. They and like going about their day. They were reading. They were learning. They were reading. They were learning. They were reading. They were learning. They were discussing. They were even were discussing. They were even were discussing. They were even contending in community. contending in community. contending in community. >> That's right. And I think too for a long >> That's right. And I think too for a long >> That's right. And I think too for a long time I thought of my Bible my Bible time I thought of my Bible my Bible time I thought of my Bible my Bible reading as me time. reading as me time. reading as me time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I've actually changed that now to >> And I've actually changed that now to >> And I've actually changed that now to say this is actually how I'm best say this is actually how I'm best say this is actually how I'm best serving the my neighbor um how I'm serving the my neighbor um how I'm serving the my neighbor um how I'm serving my community how I'm serving the serving my community how I'm serving the serving my community how I'm serving the world because being transformed is the world because being transformed is the world because being transformed is the best thing I can do. best thing I can do. best thing I can do. >> Yes. you know, because it's going to >> Yes. you know, because it's going to >> Yes. you know, because it's going to take it's going to change me in every take it's going to change me in every take it's going to change me in every interaction with with people around me. interaction with with people around me. interaction with with people around me. And who knows, maybe that passage you And who knows, maybe that passage you And who knows, maybe that passage you read this morning that you're like, read this morning that you're like, read this morning that you're like, "What was that about?" Maybe I'm going "What was that about?" Maybe I'm going "What was that about?" Maybe I'm going to have a conversation with Courtney in to have a conversation with Courtney in to have a conversation with Courtney in two hours. And that exact verse is what two hours. And that exact verse is what two hours. And that exact verse is what I the Lord gave me so I could encourage I the Lord gave me so I could encourage I the Lord gave me so I could encourage her. I don't so many times.

her. I don't so many times. her. I don't so many times. >> I love that. It's happened so many >> I love that. It's happened so many >> I love that. It's happened so many times. times. times. >> Yeah. We don't think about it communally >> Yeah. We don't think about it communally >> Yeah. We don't think about it communally enough. Like, I'm not eating just for enough. Like, I'm not eating just for enough. Like, I'm not eating just for me. I'm eating so I'm equipped to serve me. I'm eating so I'm equipped to serve me. I'm eating so I'm equipped to serve others. Yeah. Isaiah said in Isaiah 50, others. Yeah. Isaiah said in Isaiah 50, others. Yeah. Isaiah said in Isaiah 50, it's one of my favorite passages. Verse it's one of my favorite passages. Verse it's one of my favorite passages. Verse four, he said, "The Lord God has given four, he said, "The Lord God has given four, he said, "The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught." me the tongue of those who are taught." me the tongue of those who are taught." Or the NIV says, "An instructed tongue." Or the NIV says, "An instructed tongue." Or the NIV says, "An instructed tongue." And he says, "So that I may know how to And he says, "So that I may know how to And he says, "So that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word." So like sustain the weary with a word." So like sustain the weary with a word." So like he and then he goes on, he's like, he and then he goes on, he's like, he and then he goes on, he's like, "Morning by morning, he awakens me. He "Morning by morning, he awakens me. He "Morning by morning, he awakens me. He awakens my ear to hear as those who are awakens my ear to hear as those who are awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught." The Lord God has opened my ear. taught." The Lord God has opened my ear. taught." The Lord God has opened my ear. And I was not rebellious. I turned not And I was not rebellious. I turned not And I was not rebellious. I turned not backwards. And I think about that all backwards. And I think about that all backwards. And I think about that all the time when my alarm goes off. I'm the time when my alarm goes off. I'm the time when my alarm goes off. I'm like, I don't want to be rebellious. I like, I don't want to be rebellious. I like, I don't want to be rebellious. I don't want to turn backward because I don't want to turn backward because I don't want to turn backward because I actually want an instructed tongue actually want an instructed tongue actually want an instructed tongue because I need to be able to preach the because I need to be able to preach the because I need to be able to preach the gospel back to my own soul and I need to gospel back to my own soul and I need to gospel back to my own soul and I need to be able to share it with the the weary be able to share it with the the weary be able to share it with the the weary who are around me. And sometimes I'm the who are around me. And sometimes I'm the who are around me. And sometimes I'm the weary and sometimes, you know, Melissa's weary and sometimes, you know, Melissa's weary and sometimes, you know, Melissa's the weary. And but but I benefit from the weary. And but but I benefit from the weary. And but but I benefit from the fact that all three of you have the fact that all three of you have the fact that all three of you have spent time in the word and that you love spent time in the word and that you love spent time in the word and that you love his word. It has sanctified me. It has his word. It has sanctified me. It has his word. It has sanctified me. It has strengthened me. It has edified me. And strengthened me. It has edified me. And strengthened me. It has edified me. And so there's just this it's not just for so there's just this it's not just for so there's just this it's not just for us and for our suffering. It's for and us and for our suffering. It's for and us and for our suffering. It's for and for our growth. It's for the growth and for our growth. It's for the growth and for our growth. It's for the growth and the circumstances of those around us, the circumstances of those around us, the circumstances of those around us, too.

too. too. >> Amen. So good. Amen. >> Amen. So good. Amen. >> Amen. So good. Amen. >> So good. So good. Well, we just want to >> So good. So good. Well, we just want to >> So good. So good. Well, we just want to say um one, thank you for the work you say um one, thank you for the work you say um one, thank you for the work you do. Um, I mean, let's just praise God do. Um, I mean, let's just praise God do. Um, I mean, let's just praise God for families who one, I can't believe for families who one, I can't believe for families who one, I can't believe you were memorizing whole books of the you were memorizing whole books of the you were memorizing whole books of the Bible as a child to praise the Lord, you Bible as a child to praise the Lord, you Bible as a child to praise the Lord, you know, I mean, because he was doing that, know, I mean, because he was doing that, know, I mean, because he was doing that, right, to prepare you. I mean, you know, right, to prepare you. I mean, you know, right, to prepare you. I mean, you know, for the works of service that he would for the works of service that he would for the works of service that he would give you to do in a lot of ways. And so, give you to do in a lot of ways. And so, give you to do in a lot of ways. And so, praise the Lord. I just love getting to praise the Lord. I just love getting to praise the Lord. I just love getting to talk with all three of you. Um because talk with all three of you. Um because talk with all three of you. Um because we're all in love with the same person we're all in love with the same person we're all in love with the same person in some ways or with this in this book in some ways or with this in this book in some ways or with this in this book that that we all love and it really is a that that we all love and it really is a that that we all love and it really is a joy. Yeah. I think we all we talk about joy. Yeah. I think we all we talk about joy. Yeah. I think we all we talk about lesser joys all the time like let me lesser joys all the time like let me lesser joys all the time like let me tell you about this restaurant and this tell you about this restaurant and this tell you about this restaurant and this food and like we get to share a meal food and like we get to share a meal food and like we get to share a meal together over God's word that we can all together over God's word that we can all together over God's word that we can all say has been lifegiving and fulfilling say has been lifegiving and fulfilling say has been lifegiving and fulfilling and and and I think all of our heart for and and and I think all of our heart for and and and I think all of our heart for anyone listening is come taste and see anyone listening is come taste and see anyone listening is come taste and see with us. with us. with us. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It's he's so good. He's so good. So, >> It's he's so good. He's so good. So, >> It's he's so good. He's so good. So, thank you for being here. Thank you for thank you for being here. Thank you for thank you for being here. Thank you for the work you continue to do, for the the work you continue to do, for the the work you continue to do, for the resources um that I think you're resources um that I think you're resources um that I think you're providing that just point people back to providing that just point people back to providing that just point people back to God's word. So, so thank you. And so, God's word. So, so thank you. And so, God's word. So, so thank you. And so, this is our our fun final question for this is our our fun final question for this is our our fun final question for today, which this will be interesting to today, which this will be interesting to today, which this will be interesting to hear from you guys. I know. If you could hear from you guys. I know. If you could hear from you guys. I know. If you could snap your fingers and have one book of snap your fingers and have one book of snap your fingers and have one book of the Bible completely memorized, which the Bible completely memorized, which the Bible completely memorized, which one would it be?

one would it be? one would it be? >> Here's what I'll say. I think I was on >> Here's what I'll say. I think I was on >> Here's what I'll say. I think I was on vacation last week um and we were at the vacation last week um and we were at the vacation last week um and we were at the beach and I was alone in my hotel room beach and I was alone in my hotel room beach and I was alone in my hotel room when I woke up and so I just like opened when I woke up and so I just like opened when I woke up and so I just like opened up the book of Matthew and I was up the book of Matthew and I was up the book of Matthew and I was listening to it and just kept listening listening to it and just kept listening listening to it and just kept listening and kept listening and listened to and kept listening and listened to and kept listening and listened to almost the entire like I got to chapter almost the entire like I got to chapter almost the entire like I got to chapter 26 of 28 just it was several hours but 26 of 28 just it was several hours but 26 of 28 just it was several hours but it was just like I didn't want to stop it was just like I didn't want to stop it was just like I didn't want to stop because hearing it in that consecutive because hearing it in that consecutive because hearing it in that consecutive like hearing the story of Jesus like hearing the story of Jesus like hearing the story of Jesus >> was so moving that I didn't want to >> was so moving that I didn't want to >> was so moving that I didn't want to move. And so if I could have that fully move. And so if I could have that fully move. And so if I could have that fully hidden in my heart, the whole book of hidden in my heart, the whole book of hidden in my heart, the whole book of Matthew, I would tell it to myself all Matthew, I would tell it to myself all Matthew, I would tell it to myself all the time. the time. the time. >> Mine would be John. If I could just >> Mine would be John. If I could just >> Mine would be John. If I could just start in the beginning was the word in start in the beginning was the word in start in the beginning was the word in the words with like I would and just the words with like I would and just the words with like I would and just keep going and can hit like, oh man, you keep going and can hit like, oh man, you keep going and can hit like, oh man, you think about like chapters 14 and 15 and think about like chapters 14 and 15 and think about like chapters 14 and 15 and 16 and then I think and I love John 20 16 and then I think and I love John 20 16 and then I think and I love John 20 >> so much with Mary Magdalene and oh, I >> so much with Mary Magdalene and oh, I >> so much with Mary Magdalene and oh, I just love it so much. Um I I you just love it so much. Um I I you just love it so much. Um I I you like you're feeding his sheep. Like I'm like you're feeding his sheep. Like I'm like you're feeding his sheep. Like I'm just I'm like go all the way to John 21 just I'm like go all the way to John 21 just I'm like go all the way to John 21 because that's what you're doing. I love because that's what you're doing. I love because that's what you're doing. I love it.

it. it. >> All of it. All of it. And I want you >> All of it. All of it. And I want you >> All of it. All of it. And I want you asking that question. It makes me want asking that question. It makes me want asking that question. It makes me want to do that. Like I wonder if I started to do that. Like I wonder if I started to do that. Like I wonder if I started now by the end of my life would the Lord now by the end of my life would the Lord now by the end of my life would the Lord gives me enough time like can I have the gives me enough time like can I have the gives me enough time like can I have the whole thing memorized? Is that possible? whole thing memorized? Is that possible? whole thing memorized? Is that possible? I remember growing up my stepdad was I remember growing up my stepdad was I remember growing up my stepdad was memorizing the book of James at the time memorizing the book of James at the time memorizing the book of James at the time and he had it on note cards and he had and he had it on note cards and he had and he had it on note cards and he had like just like downtime because he like just like downtime because he like just like downtime because he worked in a factory and so he would just worked in a factory and so he would just worked in a factory and so he would just like work his way through or maybe it like work his way through or maybe it like work his way through or maybe it was the book of Hebrews now I can't was the book of Hebrews now I can't was the book of Hebrews now I can't remember and I'm going to ask him. remember and I'm going to ask him. remember and I'm going to ask him. >> Oh big that's a big difference. That is >> Oh big that's a big difference. That is >> Oh big that's a big difference. That is a big difference but I actually think it a big difference but I actually think it a big difference but I actually think it may have been Hebrews. may have been Hebrews. may have been Hebrews. >> I'm going to ask him. Wow. But in any >> I'm going to ask him. Wow. But in any >> I'm going to ask him. Wow. But in any event he just like that was just event he just like that was just event he just like that was just important to him. like he wanted whole important to him. like he wanted whole important to him. like he wanted whole books of the Bible memorized and I just books of the Bible memorized and I just books of the Bible memorized and I just think that's so cool. I think about the think that's so cool. I think about the think that's so cool. I think about the like the girls that are listening right like the girls that are listening right like the girls that are listening right now or guys maybe guys too but like some now or guys maybe guys too but like some now or guys maybe guys too but like some of them may also be being like why is no of them may also be being like why is no of them may also be being like why is no one saying psalms cuz like there you got one saying psalms cuz like there you got one saying psalms cuz like there you got your whole prayer book your song book your whole prayer book your song book your whole prayer book your song book like you've got your prayer language like you've got your prayer language like you've got your prayer language it's all there so I could also it's all there so I could also it's all there so I could also >> that's true that would be handy like >> that's true that would be handy like >> that's true that would be handy like rolodex a psalm rolodex a psalm rolodex a psalm >> can we get a whole testament out of it >> can we get a whole testament out of it >> can we get a whole testament out of it that might be that might be that might be >> that'd be tricky though would you go for >> that'd be tricky though would you go for >> that'd be tricky though would you go for the newer I know the newer I know the newer I know >> that's true well um thank you guys for >> that's true well um thank you guys for >> that's true well um thank you guys for being here with us We really really being here with us We really really being here with us We really really appreciate it. Um it's just been a appreciate it. Um it's just been a appreciate it. Um it's just been a delight. Um and thank you everyone for delight. Um and thank you everyone for delight. Um and thank you everyone for listening. We hope you've enjoyed this listening. We hope you've enjoyed this listening. We hope you've enjoyed this episode of the deep dish from the Gospel episode of the deep dish from the Gospel episode of the deep dish from the Gospel Coalition. We hope that this um will Coalition. We hope that this um will Coalition. We hope that this um will just make you a little hungrier to go just make you a little hungrier to go just make you a little hungrier to go and feast on God's word with and do it

and feast on God's word with and do it and feast on God's word with and do it with a friend. Um because it's it's with a friend. Um because it's it's with a friend. Um because it's it's better to it's better to feast together.