09.29.09
Getting the most out of your Bible Study
Just like failed New Year’s resolutions, many of us have failed bible reading plans that we can tell about. I, personally-on more than one occasion- have set upon the task of reading the whole bible in a year. I’ll do well for about two months. Then I’ll hear this awesome sermon taken from the book of Genesis and scratch my head saying” I’ve read the book of Genesis, I don’t recall seeing that passage”. The problem with reading plans like that is that there is not much gained from speed-reading the bible other than the fact that you can brag that you’ve read the whole bible. I’m sure many of us have heard that we are not to read the bible like a novel. That is advice worth adhering to. The bible is the word of God. It is alive! { Hebrews 4:12 ” For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” } Its purpose is to provide knowledge and wisdom and to effect change in the reader. {2 Timothy 3:16-17 “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”}
As food and water are vital to the sustenance of the body, the Word of God and prayer are vital to the sustenance of the spirit. We should also go into the word of God as a hungry person goes into his first meal of the day…with a hunger that we are determined to satisfy.
So how do we set up a good personal bible study habits?
* Designating some time in your day to pray, read the word and fellowship with God, helps toward establishing effective personal bible study habits.
* Getting a translation of the bible that you can use alongside the King James version, to help comprehend certain passages better.
* Get a “study buddy”. Someone who has a desire for the Word also that you can discuss with and help each other grow.
Let’s get some feedback on this. Please write in with suggestions on how you have set up your personal bible study habits so that you can uplift your brethren in the Lord.
In Christ,
Handmaid at His Feet
