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. Tremper Longman III if he would share his thoughts with us.
1. How do you spend your devotional time with the Lord?
I do believe it is important to have devotional time apart from my work as a scholar of biblical
studies. For one thing, my work has me concentrating on only certain parts of the Bible. So I try
to prayerfully read two or three chapters a day apart from my work. That said, I think it is very
important that those of us who are professional biblical interpreters (professors, scholars,
students, ministers) to always to our work prayerfully and devotionally. It’s also important for me
to begin the day with prayer. When I am home, my wife and I pray together as we walk.
2. How do you practically seek to deepen your love for Christ?
Through my reading of Scripture and prayer and fellowship with my wife and in our church
where we celebrate communion every week.
Tremper Longman served as the Robert H. Gundry professor of biblical studies at Westmont College from 1998 to 2017 when he retired. He continues to serve as a distinguished scholar of biblical studies. He has written commentaries on Genesis, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Daniel, a series on how to read various OT books, and plenty more.
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
- Ernest Lucas
- David Moffitt
- Jonathan Moo
- Amy Peeler
- Nicholas Perrin
- Tom Schreiner
- Brandon Smith
- Douglas Stuart
- Frank Thielman
- Bruce Ware
- Rikk Watts
- Trevin Wax
- Cynthia Long Westfall
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I receive a percentage of revenue if you buy from Amazon on my blog (at no cost to you).
spoiledmilks 
Thanks for sharing these, it’s been very encouraging.
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Nate! Glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike