Going through seminary, students are taught to study the Bible and uphold its doctrines about God while also being encouraged not to neglect their devotional times with God. Yet during my own devotional time I, and probably many others, often ask, “Is this approach the best way to grow spiritually, or is there a better way? What could I do differently? Should I incorporate my studies with my devotions?”
Each week, I ask a different scholar two questions about how he or she spends time with the Lord and continues to love him with all their mind, strength, and heart. While no one method or style is “the only way,” we can draw on one another’s experiences.
This week, I have asked Dr. Bruce Ware if he would share his thoughts with us.
1. How do you spend your devotional time with the Lord?
Three-four days a week I read through the Bible (so, I read it through every two years). Three days a week I meditate on one chapter of Scripture (e.g., Isa 40, or Eph 1, then 2, then 3 . . . .), reading it over and over for about three weeks, reading it slowly, probingly, prayerfully, questioningly, noticing details. Both the fast and slow readings are enormously valuable.
2. How do you practically seek to deepen your love for Christ?
Notice what is said or intimated about Christ, as you read, and taking time to contemplate something of the wonder of Christ.
Bruce A. Ware is the Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology and the Chairman of the Department of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written Big Truths for Young Hearts, The Man Christ Jesus, God’s Greater Glory, God’s Lesser Glory, One God in Three Persons, Still Sovereign.
Other Scholars’ Devotions
- Andrew Abernethy
- Michael Bird
- Craig Blomberg
- Darrell Bock
- Denny Burk
- Andrew Das
- Stephen Dempster
- Jason DeRouchie
- Kyle Dunham
- James Edwards
- David Firth
- Stephen Fowl
- Norman Geisler
- Joel Green
- Sigurd Grindheim
- Jim Hamilton
- Matthew Harmon
- Charles Lee Irons
- Dru Johnson (a fan favorite)
- Dru Johnson Redux (extended edition)
- Craig Keener
- Edward (Mickey) Klink
- Tremper Longman
- Ernest Lucas
- David Moffitt
- Jonathan Moo
- Amy Peeler
- Nicholas Perrin
- Tom Schreiner
- Brandon Smith
- Douglas Stuart
- Frank Thielman
- Rikk Watts
- Trevin Wax
- Cynthia Long Westfall
spoiledmilks 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Grateful for this; though Bruce Ware writes on Systematic Theology I appreciate the devotional flavor he brings in his writings and lectures.
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Yeah, his teachings are excellent. He teaches with such passion too. It’s very encouraging to see someone who loves God so much that it pours out of his teaching.
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Agreed. I wish more theologians were like him
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