"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." ~ Psalms 119:105 NLT
Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, once said, "We could accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible."
How many of us consider studying the Bible impossible? It can seem a bit overwhelming, but the application of a few simple principles can make study both enjoyable and very rewarding.
- Start with Prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the Word and hunger for the things of God.
- Commit to spend time in study.
- Have a plan of study - choose a topic, a particular book, a Bible character. Have more than a "flip it open and read" approach.
- Make study a priority - schedule it into your day.
- Have a notebook when you study to write down insights or questions for follow up.
- Meditate on the text you are reading. Think about what you have read throughout the day. Memorize key verses.
- Conclude your study time with prayer. Ask "How will I be different today because of what I have read?"
Many resources are available to enhance our personal Bible study and help guide us to deeper understanding.
- Bible Dictionary - defines the meaning of a word in the original language.
- Concordance - leads to other passages of scripture containing the same word.
- Commentaries - thoughts from other men of God relating to a specific text.
- Other translations of the Bible - reading from a different translation may allow for a greater understanding of the passage.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
It is only impossible if we allow ourselves to believe that it is. Why not begin today by reading the first three chapters of the book of John. Find the truth God has for you and remember - "The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step." Each step through the Word of God will provide illumination to an accomplished life for Him.
Blessings,
Steve
Logos Christian Bookstore
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