Week 4 - Paraphrase It

(re)form

Have you ever tried to read something in a foreign language? We can see that it's saying something, but the words or characters don't relay the message like they do in our native language. When this happens, we most likely just pass right by as though it has nothing to say to us. One of the most difficult things about reading the bible is making sense of it when the words don't make sense. How do we re-form the words so they make sense? Paraphrase It!

        -If we don't look deeper at what something means, we may be missing something important.
        -What if we never looked for the deeper meaning in anything?
        -The truth is, we long for need and meaning, definition, and fulfillment in and from the things around us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4

Paraphrase It Method:
        -Read the verse or passage over and over
        -Think about what God is saying to you
        -Put the verse into your own words
        -Search your heart to see how the verse applies to you
        -Talk to God about it

(re)flect
        -What word in this verse sticks out to you the most?
        -Talk to God about this
        -What is God saying to you?

Now, as you go through this week's devotions, practice this same method with the verses given.