One on One with God (Part 2)

So I study the bible.  Duh.  Right?  Yeah, but this about HOW I go about doing it and what works for me.  Many people have different ways of studying the bible.  There may be no wrong way of course as long as you are seeking God in it.  However I personally think some ways may be better than others…hence what I’m about to share.  I basically do these…

• Read
• Write
• Learn
• Apply

I’m not hung up on translation, but I use a New International Version study bible.

READ - I personally like to read one book at a time.  I’ll focus on a chapter or a portion of a chapter at a time sometimes reading the same verses several days in a row.  What prompts me to go from one book to the next after I’m done may be something very simple.  It may be an excerpt from a sermon.  Or it may be scripture or a story from someones blog.  It may be from a book that I’m currently reading (typically this one).

WRITE - During this process I will take notes.  (You will interpret scripture differently in a couple of years or even months.  Looking back on those notes when re-reading is sometimes enlightening and fun.  Life experience will change the way you interpret most things including scripture.)  Plus writing helps me to remember what I’ve learned.  So take notes or simply keep a journal.

LEARN - Whatever the case, I always expect to learn something when I study.  It may be something I’m already familiar with, but repetition of the Word won’t hurt anyone.  Don’t be surprised if what you study is eerily congruent with what is going on your life, a friends life, what’s being taught at church, etc.  Listen up because God is probably trying to tell you something.  If the same scripture keeps popping up through multiple, unconnected sources of your life, PAY ATTENTION!!  Trust me on this one.

APPLY - Next, there’s application.  Today in my study of  Hebrews 11:1-6, I reminded about the importance of faith.  Faith pleases God.  God commends those for their faith in Him.  So I ask myself how and where do I need to apply this, what I’ve learned?  In my life as a father, husband, as a church leader, etc.?  All of them?  In the end, does what you learn really serve a purpose if you don’t apply it?  You get the gist.

No excuses.  You and I have no excuse not to read the bible these days due to websites like www.biblegateway.com (I use it a lot) coupled with a cell phone that has web access.  It’s almost impossible not to have access to God’s word anymore.  Again, you can’t possibly be too busy.  Being too busy for God is pretty much the equivalent of demoting Him from where He should rank in your life.

Just like life itself is a marathon or a long journey, treat your study time that way.  It’s more about quality and not quantity.  You will not become Billy Graham, Perry Noble, or T.D. Jakes overnight.  Don’t expect anything close to that.  Pace yourself and learn.  It’s taken those guys years and years to get the wisdom and understanding that they have.  On top of that, leaders of that caliber are still growing, too.

This process is not rocket science.  Don’t over complicate it.  Look at studying as your opportunity, not an obligation, to connect with God.

Final side bar:  If you ‘hear’ from God a whole lot, but don’t ever crack open your bible, I have my doubts.  Sorry.  If you think you’ve ’heard’ something from God, make sure it wasn’t just the semi-spoiled cole slaw you had a couple of hours ago and read your bible just to confirm.  It’s a fail-safe.  It ain’t ever gonna change and it’s always gonna be His words. 

Next…prayer in part 3.