It’s actually better than gold, silver, or any precious stone or gem – it’s the mighty Word of the Living God, and His Word has power to change everything! When I open the scriptures, I’m mining…I’m on a hunt for treasure. I’m in pursuit! Like a starved addict who craves his next fix…I’m in need.
What I want I’ve got to have, and I’ve gotta have more of what I want. Revelation. Insight into the ways and purposes of God – His heart and mind! I’m after Him, and His Word connects me to Him. His Word is truth. His Word is life.
So, this is what I do. This is how I mine, and you may want to give it a try…
First, sign-up for a free account at youversion.com and jump on the “Bible in 90 days” reading plan (this is really handy if you can access the plan on your mobile phone or hand-held device, if you can’t, you might need to use a paper plan). If you’re like me, you’ll need to customize that 90 day plan and make it like 180 days, or something else that suits you. After you’re set up, jump in – dive in, head first, into the scripture and begin devouring like a crazed lunatic. I like the 90-day plan because it’s very demanding, and it’s fun to try.
Now this is the really important part! During your feeding frenzy (which by-the-way doesn’t need to last hours at a time…just keep ’em short and powerful) take note of the verses of scripture that jump out of the page and slap you in the face. Those are the scriptures you’re looking for – those single verses that hit you hard; that’s the treasure, the nuggets of gold that you’re after.
Take note of those scriptures and re-visit them. I’d suggest using a note book or computer where you can record each nugget verse of scripture in. Just make a heading with each verse at the top of a blank page (another technique you can use is to just email the verse to yourself, then it’s right there in your inbox the next time you check). Then, when you revisit that scripture, write something up of your own about what it means to you and how that particular verse impacts you.
So go ahead – give it a try! You’ll be amazed at the treasures you’ll find…or, the treasures that will find you.