I had the privilege of growing up in a bi-lingual environment. I spent the first 13 years of my life in Guatemala where my parents served as missionaries. I learned Spanish and English at the same time. My parents spoke to me in English and everyone else spoke to me in Spanish. Great way to learn a language–the natural way.
The advantage of learning a second language this way is that you learn not only language (the words) but culture and mannerisms, which enable you to truly communicate not just speak.
While I at one time would consider myself bilingual, completely fluent in two languages, it has been many years since I was immerse in a Spanish culture. I went to college and seminary in English having some contact with Spanish, but not being immerse in it. So now–am I fluent? I would say no. When someone speaks to me in Spanish, I can understand everything they say. If watch Spanish TV or listen to a sermon in Spanish–I understand. But when I try to engage in conversation it doesn’t flow as easily as it once did. I have to think about the words–and there are words I know in English that I never learned in Spanish as a kid.
Fluency in a language is wonderful. And while I desire to be more fluent in Spanish again, what I really want to be is fluent with God’s Word. I want the Word of God to flow out of me as easily as English (not Spanish) flows out. For my mind to be saturated with God’s Word so that I can speak God’s Word in life situations. As Paul stated in Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (ESV),
Fluency with God Word is the result of time in God’s Word–getting to know the Bible, with the purpose of knowing God for the sake of others.
So this blog is for that purpose. To help me and others (particularly in the church I serve) be fluent in God’s Word. That will mean thinking deeply about God, His reveal truth and how it impacts every area of life.
dad,
looks like you have a great start!
andrew
keep fluency coming, keep it fluid!!
The Word of God is the foundation upon which the Christian builds his life. There are many reasons why we need to spend time in the Scripture: so that we may be approved of God (2 Tiim. 2:15), that we may grow in salvation (1 Peter 2:2), that we may not sin against God (Ps. 119:11), because it produces reverence for God (Ps. 119:38), because it gives us guidance (Ps. 119:105)etc…
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”
It seems clear that Joshua wants us to understand the importance of dwelling on the God’s Word and obeying His Word.
Steve’s point above is so true, “Fluency with God Word is the result of time in God’s Word.”
As we think through Joshua 1:8 how much time should we be spending in the Word of God? Is this optional? Is it enough to just read it, or know it? How much are we to obey?
Scripture has always been the main diet for those who served Him,e.g.,Job (Job 23:12); the psalmist (Ps 1:1-3); Jeremiah (Jer. 15:16) and Jesus (John 4:34).
The key principle to a spirit filled life is the deep understanding and application of God’s Word at all times.
My prayer is that “you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9).
My brother-in-law is a missionary in Ecuador. He married an Ecuadorian and has completely immersed himself in the culture for the past 15 years. He’s back in the states raising support so we have spent a lot of time together recently. This tall goofy white guy from Maine often struggles to speak English… He speaks Spanish so much and English so little that he often has to pause and think of words and proper syntax when he talks to people in English. Not sure exactly what the application is but I know its in there : )
As a worship leader in the church/congregational environment I have become very aware that our affections (and the songs we sing) must be informed and our information must be affected. There is an ebb and flow to it… As you would say fluency.
Thanks Steve! I appreciate your blog a great deal.