When I was an associate minister and taught Sunday School, I spent a part of each day reading, reflecting on, and writing in one of many spiritual diaries. I made time for study because I realized that what I said in the pulpit or in class was taken as true. Very few people take the time to read commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and handbooks that explain more fully the Scriptures.
We tend to believe that the woman or man in the pulpit knows more than we do because God ordained them. This can lead people astray, and I was always mindful of the warning to the watchmen in Ezekiel 3 that the blood of others would be on your hands if you didn’t warn people. So, I wanted to be as right as I could be, as faith comes from hearing the word of God, which means preachers and teachers need to rightly divide or handle the word of God.
But, as a partaker rather than a cook today, I often find myself not reading the Bible. I spend more time on my college courses and preparing to teach, reading sociological treatises and all of the work assigned by my professors. At the end of the day, I grab a codeword puzzle book or a murder mystery to relax and release stress. I tell myself that I will get up early and study to complete my devotions and Bible studies on my two blogs, and then I spend Sunday evening studying to add my Bible study post on most Mondays and hopefully a few devotions in the week. I believe that there are so many Christian bloggers that my offerings are not necessarily needed, and I want to get an A in my classes.
So, I need to spend more time with the Lord, for my own edification and peace of mind. I also realize that I owe my blog readers the same considerations that I gave to my congregation and Sunday school students. I liked this question because it made me reflect on what I have often placed second or third on my lists. Studying the Bible is something I need to give greater priority to doing.
Help from Heaven 
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