photo by Robert Broughton

When I am afraid, I look for The Rules. A “how to” guide is my security blanket. That’s my natural “rule following,” “good girl” tendency. At least I recognize it.

I am not much of a rebel unless…

there is a cause I am willing to die for…a cause greater than my own selfish comfort and self preservation.

When I am afraid, my tendency is to withdraw. I ponder and I pray. I like all the pieces to fit. Confrontation is stressful to me. I like everyone to “play nice”. I have a long fuse and am not easily angered but…

there is a line I will defend.

I love the Grace of God and I love His Truth.

When I was in high school, someone asked me what I wanted to study in college. My answer was Greek and Hebrew. You see, as a Christ follower, I was not only interested in reading the Bible, I wanted to study the Bible. I wanted to understand God and His holy word.Things changed when I actually got to college. I studied music, communications and foreign languages (not Biblical Greek and Hebrew). After earning a double major in Communications and Modern Foreign Languages (and a minor in Bible), I continued my education so that I might be certified to teach in the public school system.

I am no longer the high school girl who so loved God’s Word that she wanted to understand Biblical Greek and Hebrew. However, I still feel drawn to study the scriptures – partly because I want to better understand the context and the culture of the day, but more so that I might apply their truths to my modern day life. My dad, a pastor, taught me to study what the Bible as a whole teaches and not just what a specific scripture says.

Mostly I study the Bible because I want to know God. I want to know Him like a daughter knows a loving father – like a nursing child knows the curvature of Mother’s cheek. I want to know Him like a disciple knows her teacher. I want to know him like a friend who shares confidences with one another.

Today I was reading the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy. He wrote, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV). 

“Rightly dividing” is translated from the Greek word orthotomounta which literally means “cutting straight.”

I must be diligent to “cut straight” and to take care that I do not suit the Scripture to my own conveniences or ideology.

I love Truth.

Paul also tells Timothy, “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1)

The Hebrew word “chanan” is the root of the word grace and means “to act graciously or mercifully toward someone; to be compassionate, to be favorably inclined.” We are more familiar with  the Greek word “charis” for grace.

I love grace.

When I am afraid, it  is good to find refuge and security especially…

in the word of God–full of grace and truth.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. (2 Timothy 2:15, New English Translation)

© 2012 Melanie Dorsey

What passage in the Bible  have you been drawn to lately?