Be Loud!

This weekend, I'm in a LOUD mood - what about you? :-)

When I ran across 1 Timothy 4:13 ("...give attention to the public reading of Scripture...") for one of our studies this week, it really stuck out to me.  It's a practice that often gets neglected nowadays, but clearly it's important since it's mentioned in Scripture.  I remember one time at a small group Bible study I attend, we were getting ready to start a study of a new book, and the first night we met, we simply (by taking turns) read the entire Gospel of Mark aloud.  It seems like you wouldn't get anything out of that more than just reading it on your own, but you actually do.  I think a big part of that is that when you read something outloud, you use voice inflection that puts emphasis on words you might have glossed over when reading it silently, and you get into character when you red the dialogue aloud.

So, this week's Bible study tip is: Take the time on occasion to read the Bible aloud.
Whether you read it aloud to yourself (after everyone has left the house, perhaps... ;-) ), or suggest the practice at a small group you attend, you will reap the benefits outlined above.

I have two videos I'd like to share this week on this theme.

The first is an example of how different Scripture can sound when read aloud.  (This is Max McLean, a Christian actor who also does a bunch of audio Bibles)



And here's one of my favorite Christian songs, "Loud" by the band Kutless.  It somewhat fits the theme today, and I've been itching to share it. ;-)



Finally, on to prayer requests.  First off, a big thanks to all of you who put in prayers for me last week - I've had a very productive week, and haven't gotten stressed out at all. :-)
My prayer request this week is - I have a friend who had a mild stroke a couple of weeks ago, and when I spoke to her on the phone today she was still pretty out of it.  Please pray for her to heal quickly and regain her mental faculties as soon as possible.
Do you have any prayer requests?  Please leave any and all in the comments section - I'd love to pray for you! ^_^