I feel it is important to study God's Word for several reasons. Following are some of those reasons:
Guidance
Instruction
Witnessing
Comfort
Defense of the Christian lifestyle
Protection from Satan
The following verses will give examples of these:
II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." God tells us to study.
I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." How can you defend what you know nothing about? Study is necessary for this reason.
Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus uses scripture to rebuke Satan. You have to know it to use it.
Ephesians 6:17 The Word of God is part of the armor that is provided for us. You have to know it to be able to wear it.
Hebrews 4:12 "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit." The Word of God reaches into our hearts and souls to teach us and correct us.
Psalm 119:11 "Your Word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." God's Word is useful to judge our decisions by.
Psalm 119:50 "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life." God's Word offers comfort.
Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." God's Word is a guide for our lives.
John 8:51 Tells us we are to keep His Word, can't keep what you don't know.
** The Midi you are listening to is Ray Boltz song Thankyou. To view the words to this song Click HERE which will link you to the Ray Boltz website**
These seem to help me anyway.
First of all, you need to decide if you are just reading the Bible or if you are studying the Bible. You should do both by the way :o) Also always pray and ask for God's guidance and understanding before you read His Word (it really does help).
Reading:
*I use a notebook (70 ct spiral)to journal and label the top of each page with a book of the Bible (remember to leave a couple pages for Psalms).
*Pick the Book you want to read.
*Read away (reading 1 chapter a day is best for me).
*I try to always write at least a sentence summary of the chapter in the journal.
*I use a notebook (70 ct spiral)to journal and label the top of each page with a book of the Bible (remember to leave a couple pages for Psalms).
*I try to pick out a verse I really liked too and write the reference down.
Studying:
*When I study, I begin by reading a chapter one day, and I read it everyday until I know what God is trying to tell me.
*There is no set way to study. We all have our own styles, but i believe the key is in journaling. It should be somewhat more indepth and detailed than when you are just reading. By writing down what God has shown you in His Word then you are more likely to remember it.
*Once you have read and have understanding of what God is telling you then apply it to your everyday life.
*As I read, I have a color code to help me think about what is contained in the scripture I am reading, and I highlight or underline according to this code. Not only does it cause be to look closer at scripture but it also helps me when I am looking for something specific in scripture.
Here it is:
God's love/power displayed is yellow
Jesus' advice or a factual statement is purple
A promise is blue
A command is green
A warning is pink
Satan's influence is orange
You can come up with your own colors and categories. Whatever works for you is fine. I know some people don't write in their Bibles. If you don't that is ok too. Hopefully you have found a method of study that works for you.
Inductive Bible Study Some excellent helps!
Email me with questions or suggestions.
What to read in times of Need.
