A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

alk. Fail- ure to study Scripture was considered a grievous lapse in ba- sic Christian priorities. In church renewals the neglect of per- sonal devotions frequently became a matter of repentance and confession. Regular personal devotions received strong emphasis in the counseling of new converts. "Bible reading and prayer are avenues of the soul's communication with God" was a common statement. "Are you faithful in your daily devo- tions?" was a frequent inquiry in meetings with groups and in- dividuals.30 For some, this emphasis degenerated into a legal- istic ritual that was not always edifying. This theology can be summarized as follows: Read your Bible for it is the light upon your path and a protection against false teachings (Ps. 119:105), It is a minor which re- flects the condition of your life to make you aware of what your needs are (James 1:23-24). The Btble-the Word of God-is the precious seed sown into your heart which needs 24 A PEOPLE OF BIBUQCENTRIC FAITH to be cared for that it may bring much fruit (Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23). It is food for your soul which provides the needed strength and growth for your Christian life Qcr. 15:16). The Bible is your shield against the darts of the evil one to protect you in temptation in your thoughts and deeds (Eph. 6:16). Family Bible Reading. The family devotional period, or family altar, included the reading of Scripture, sometimes pre- ceded by a song, and prayer. It frequently included Bible memorization by the entire family. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 consti- tuted the biblical basis for the practice: "And these words, which I recommend thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house . . . and when thou risest up." Proverbs 22:6 was also frequently quoted as a basis for this responsibility: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." At wed- dings the minister would not fail to charge the young couple to establish a family altar as the cornerstone of their household. The family devotion was a strong influence in keeping the spiritual needs of family life foremost. Usually it preceded breakfast. In many families a second devotional period oc- curred after supper or shortly before bedtime. Depending on the level of instructional emphasis, these devotional times be- came the basis of Bible knowledge in the development of young and old. Abraham E. Janzen, who in the mid-twentieth century travelled widely among Mennonite Brethren