A-C-T-S

by Pastor Ronald Boelte

As you read the Bible how often do you not remember what it is about even a few minutes later? If you have this problem it could be that you do not remember, because you don’t bring the Holy Spirit into the picture. One way of bringing the Holy Spirit into your reading is by using the ACTS acronym. As you read, think, and pray your way through your reading, try to touch each of the following aspects of ACTS:

_ Adoration- Begin looking for ways you can praise God for his goodness, grace and mercy as the text reveals these attributes to you in specific ways.

_ Confession- Acknowledge any particular sinful attitudes, actions, thoughts, or words that the Spirit helps you recognize in yourself as you read along. Ask God for His forgiveness and for assurance of His ongoing love for you.

_ Thanksgiving- This is different from adoration for adoration involves mainly who God is and thanks is mainly our response to what He has done. Asking a simple question will help you to focus on your thanksgiving to God. Ask yourself; "What does God promise me in this text, or what has He done for me in this text?" then say words of thanksgiving to your loving Father.

_ Supplication- Supplication meaning is "to bend" or "to bend the knee". We come to the Lord in humble trust to ask for His help for others and for ourselves. We should base our request on the promises and precedents given to us in the text.

Remember reading the Bible is not about getting a certain amount read each day but for God to reveal Himself to you through what you read. Remembering to follow the ACTS acronym will help you to focus on what God is trying to show you as you read His living Word.