Here’s a Bible study technique that you may not be aware of.

Read all the bits you didn't underline.

​All of the verses that don't appear in the promise box. The ones that rarely get used in devotionals. The ones that will never appear on a t-shirt or a tea towel.

​Because it's very easy to fall into the trap of shaping the Bible to fit our preferences.

​A wing-clipped religion of:

• Affirmation without accountability.
• Comfort without correction.
• Wholeness without holiness.
• Relationship without reverence.

Open the Book and begin an excavation of every portion that promises pain and perplexity. The bits that strip you naked and leave you powerless to defend your compromise and complicity in your own illusions.

I promise you, if you’ll take them to prayer and let them search your motives just as much as the fan-favourites, they will underline something in your character and highlight a bigger Christ who lives in you, formidible and fearless in every way!

A big fat uncomfortable selah to all.

Amen.