As we follow our individual faith journeys following Lent and Easter it is my hope that your walk with the Lord has become closer and more intimate. One way to accomplish this is through regular reading of God’s Word. During my recent preparation and study of

The Fourth Gospel I came across some guidelines for Bible reading which still ring true today. These were written by Franklin Harris Rall, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Garret Biblical Institute. These were from a Guide for Bible Readers copyright 1945.

“Here are some rules for Bible reading whose observance will pay rich dividends:

1. Read with a definite purpose and expectation: to understand what is written; to gain quickening of thought and enlargement of mind and vision; to get personal help for good living; and, above all, to meet God and to hear his voice. These are great ends; whether they are reached will rest with each student. 

2. Bring all that you have to your reading. What you get will depend on what you bring. Especially, bring a sympathetic imagination. You will not be reading dead words. They came out of life. Try to enter into that life of the past: into the faith of a psalmist and his trials and hopes, the appeal of a prophet speaking to a nation, the witness of Paul, the full heart of the Evangelists. Occasional reading aloud will help make the words live. Bring also an attentive and acquiring mind. Read slowly, pause, reflect, always seeking the real meaning.

3. Read in the spirit of prayer. Offer a prayer as you begin. Ask for the light which God’s Spirit can give. Lift up your heart to God and ask God to come to you.

4. Read in the spirit of obedience. Ask what the passage means for your own life and pray for grace to follow what is thus revealed. “Apply thyself wholly to the Bible; apply the Bible wholly to thyself.” (Bengel.) “

I had the pleasure of representing the church at the 50^th anniversary of Pack 47 at a special Blue and Gold Banquet on February 29. Mayor Lou Spadaccini presented a special proclamation from the Town of Manchester to mark the occasion. Marcia and Jim Memery from South Church were also part of the celebration, honoring their past service to the Pack. This was a wonderful event and South Church should be pleased with such a long-standing relationship. The Cubs will have raked the lawn around the church (weather permitting). They have done this now for many years. Scouting continues to be a quality program which teaches boys the importance of citizenship. (Mayor Spadaccini was a member of Pack 47.) Please continue to support this fine organization by your prayers and gifts so that more boys can participate.