How is it going with your Bible Reading and Study? Are you consistent or haphazard? Do you have a Study you are crazy about or is it just ‘another’ Study? Do you go to a group study because you know you would never do it on your own?
STOP! No matter how you are studying, alone or in a group OR what you are studying, a topic or a book of the Bible, THERE IS A WAY FOR YOU TO REALLY GET SOMETHING FROM IT. God’s Word is alive and if you are not being convicted, inspired, enlightened, engaged then. . . . look to yourself and really ask, WHY?
I know, this is hard. I know you are trying (at least I hope you are). It can be difficult to find a method of study that speaks to you. It can be difficult to find a study that has what you think you need to learn. God is funny like that, He brings things into our lives at His perfect time and sometimes we just miss it. I know from lots of trial and error that I do not like ‘fill-in-the-blank’ types of studies (I never know what to put in the blank!). I LOVE inductive Bible Study. It resonates with me and I find it challenging. BUT, there are others who hate to do the homework it requires or just don’t have the time.
Are you there? Do you know WHAT you like but it is not offered or not offered at a time when you can participate? That is Okay. You CAN do Bible Study on your own. You CAN do Bible Study your way even in a group. You CAN grow in your relationship with Jesus because that is how the Bible itself is designed. This BOOK is God’s Love Letter to you. It has all you need to know Him better, know yourself better through His lens, and know His plan for you.
We make it so hard. STOP! It is not about being in a Group (unless that is how you are wired). It IS about being in His Word. It is not about how much time you dedicate to Bible Study. It IS about doing it consistently (every day). ALL of God’s Word is profitable to you: to your heart, to your thoughts, to your soul, to your actions. Each time you sit down to Read His Word ask Him for inspiration. Ask Him for knowledge. Ask Him for insight. Ask Him how to apply it. This is what it IS really about.
Jesus said not to be only hearers of the Word but doers of it. Start with something small like a devotional from the YouVersion Bible app. Presently I am reading, My Utmost for His Highest 30 Day Edition. As I come into my day I start with this. I like systems I can follow so I use the REAP method to look at scripture. R- read it; E- examine it, write out your feelings/impressions/thoughts/reactions; A- apply it, explore how you can do that; P- pray to move forward on what you have learned.
Knowing your best way to approach something so that you learn is the key. Knowing how you are wired gives tremendous freedom in working on your relationship with Jesus. Don’t give up because what you are doing makes little sense or gives you little joy. Instead, turn it into something that together you and your Father can work on together. He wants that for you. He wants to meet you where you are, in the way He created you. AND, He wants to be with you every day, all day. Don’t miss out.
Blessings,
Deneen
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