One principle I have stressed in my short tenure as a pastor is the importance of Bible study.  I am trying very hard to re-introduce my congregations to weekly group Bible study.  So far, I mostly have the same devoted folks who are also the same few who show up to Sunday School.

Most of these people are older, and they have probably been studying the Bible longer than I have been alive.  But as hard as it may be to understand, you never grow too old or too mature in the faith to stop studying God's word.

Especially helpful is the practice of coming together with others to study the Bible.  New insights are gained when a familiar passage is reviewed from a fresh perspective.  I'm amazed when I go to a monthly lectionary study/covenant group, and some "long in the tooth" pastor hears something someone else's take on a passage and expresses that this has made them think of things in a new way.

I also believe our brains are like a kitchen cabinet.  I drink coffee pretty much every day.  So the coffee in our cupboard is right in front where I can get to it.  We have a jar of honey in our cabinet, but if I were to need that jar of honey I would probably have to unload four cabinets just to find what I needed.  If I were in a hurry, I would probably just have to do without.

Keeping God's word fresh in your mind is even more important than your daily coffee (and that's big)!  Having His word fresh on your mind will help guide you through the days, keeping true to God's purpose in your life.  You may also find great comfort in recalling a passage that deals with God's promise during times of trouble or fear.

At least that's the way this rookie pastor sees it.

Peace,

Ray