Songs In The Night

We interrupt the regularly scheduled blog to give our top (and only) writer a break. Why break after 26 posts? Wanted to do so after number 25 but 26 was half written. Didn’t want to leave Solomon with Fool for too long. Too much mirth isn’t good for anyone, even Solomon.  But thanks for asking.

As we catch our breath, it may be a good time for review.  Let’s start with the obvious.  Why a blog anyhow?

1.  As I read I have a lot of ideas that I want to share.  In a sense, you could say I have a “fire in my bones”.  No, I am not equating myself to Jeremiah, but I think I know how he felt in wanting relief through sharing.
2. My hope is that others may be encouraged and inspired by what they read here.  Assuming anyone is reading.
3. If I can encourage others in the faith, God will be glorified.  Sounds like a win/win/win scenario to me.

What.  What I don’t want is for this blog to replace your own study.  I am certainly no Bible answer man.  Rather I would encourage everyone to read, read, read.

1.  Read the Bible at least once a year.  It was God’s choice to inspire it in the first place (kind of eliminates excuses).
2. In addition to the Bible, read “edifying” books.  There are a lot of great Christian authors and Christian Biographies.
3. Read educational books.  Challenge yourself.  Read the “Classics”.  Read Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Dickens, etc.

How.  When reading/studying, I like to use the simple method taught by Precept Ministries (and others).

1.  Observation:  What does the text say?
2. Interpretation:  What does the text mean”
3. Application:  So what?  What does the text mean to me?

Whenever you read, remember these few things:

1.  Interrogate the text.  Ask questions.  Who, what, when, where, why & how?  Forces you to slow down and focus.  Practical things to do if you want to understand and retain.
2. Context is King.  To best understand a passage you must keep it in its context.
3. Learning is for a lifetime.

What’s next?  I have not devoted the time to categorize the posts as you can see.  I am thinking about a section for those with titles based on classics (A Tale of Two Mountains and Bleak House(s) thus far).  Titles such as Blown With The Wind, Lord of the Kings, War and Peace (With God), The Scarlet Debtor, Crimes and Punishment and others are in the works (i.e. I’m thinking about them).  I don’t mean to be flippant with God’s word, but I believe I can tastefully and respectfully illuminate certain passages in this manner.  Not sure if the other posts would be deemed Apologetic, Devotional, Inspirational, etc.  Open to suggestions.

Feel free to leave a comment, I have no other way of knowing whether anyone is reading.  If others aren’t being edified I don’t want to “waste” the time putting down my thoughts.  If you would like to know when a new post is added you can register your e-mail address.  Nobody besides me and my editor (sounds more professional doesn’t it?) have access to the e-mail list.

We will soon return to our regularly scheduled blog, whatever that may be. Return to your seats.  Intermission is over.

“If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” – 2 Timothy 4:13

Paul was certainly a man of rare intellect, I encourage you to read “His” books.