Where to start with Bible reading
Evolution of Our Bible Study…
Elizabeth and I started talking the other week about how we used to study the Bible as opposed to how we do it now….it turned into an interesting conversation, so we decided to share it with you!
Can we still love God and go to heaven if we don’t read our bible?
Yes
So why read the Bible?
I had recently read a report from the Center of Bible Engagement which was based on a 40,000 people study, and the statistics of that report were eye-opening.
The study revealed that if you read your bible two to three times a week, there was little noticeable change in your life, but if you read it four or more times a week, all of a sudden there was a dramatic change in the impact that your reading had upon your life.
The research revealed that:
- loneliness dropped 30%
- anger issues dropped 32%
- bitterness in relationships dropped 40%
- alcohol consumption dropped 57%
- feeling spiritually stagnant dropped 60%
- viewing pornography dropped 60%
- sharing your faith increased 20%
- commitment to discipling other believers jumped 200%
God knows the benefits for us if we spend time getting to know Him through His Word and His people
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10- 11).
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope Romans 15:4
Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t understand what you read! This passage has brought me great relief
And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures 1 Peter 3:15-16
So, you’ve been doing this a lot longer than I have–do you remember when/how you began intentionally studying the Bible?
I needed lots of help. I didn’t know anything about how to read the Bible or even where to start. I also need accountability with others.
Joined a Monday Bible Study at a friend’s house
Did Breaking Free by Beth Moore
How has your process changed through the years?
Less formal studies but still rely on the knowledge of others like the Bible Project and a good study Bible
It is also seasonal for me, with times more focused on the knowledge and word studies and other times more on just allowing the Spirit of God to illuminate His Word to me
Ask a friend to do a plan with you based on your current season of life and your capacity at this time
Pray and ask God to direct you
What is most concerning to you right now?
What is feeling overwhelming right now?
If topics or themes emerge, begin to look for studies around that idea
If it is simply a hunger for God’s Word, maybe consider doing a study on a specific book of the Bible
Someone more seasoned? Use cross references, try to read without study notes
Be willing to sit with a passage longer without quick answers
Pitfalls to be aware of? (Like Revelation, and making sure the studies are by ‘trustworthy’ sources, being legalistic about our study time, getting bored or weary in it…)
I began the habit a long time ago to ask God how/what He would like me to focus on…A year ago He clearly told me to use the ESV study Bible Simon passed on to me and work my way through by toggling back and forth between OT and NT….Began in Genesis, went to Matthew, back to Exodus, then to Mark….and so on…A slow process–I only study a few chapters a day…Adding Hebrew/Greek word study as I go along to keep those skills up (another clear directive from God…)
THEN, the Filament Bible! We can talk about how you came to it, then I had to have it! Discussion about that–how it has changed my studies–Bible Project videos, etc… Great way for a newer Christian woman to begin studying the Word–so much information, etc…
Other resources we rely on…
SAVOR MOMENT
In honor of our girl Beth Moore, we thought it would be fun to pass along one of her favorite recipes…she was just talking about it on one of her last episodes of her show…a holiday family tradition…
A Recipe From Beth’s Kitchen:
This is the recipe for Texas sheet cake – our family’s favorite holiday treat. It’s simply amazing and it’s even better the next day. I’m having my second piece tomorrow for breakfast.
Beth’s Texas Sheet Cake
Grease a sheet cake pan. Sift:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
Bring to a boil:
2 sticks butter
1 cup water
4 tbsp. cocoa
Pour over dry mixture and mix in:
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
Bake at 400 degrees, 20-25 minutes.
Icing
Heat:
1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
Add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 box of powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency (Beth prefers close to 1 box) and 1 cup pecans. Spread on cake while it’s hot.
