Here’s how you pray:
- A-ADORATION
- C-CONFESSION
- T-THANKSGIVING
- S-SUPPLICATION
Here is an effective way to study the Bible:
- VERSE-BY-VERSE
- INDUCTIVE
- DEDUCTIVE
- (HEAD SWIMMING)
Seems we have a method for everything. You know yourself I could go on and on with methods for this and for that. I recently read the following article about Fat Loss that got me thinking about Bible study. Go here for the whole article. What got me thinking was what the author said here:
I’ve been preaching for years that there isn’t just one successful way to shed fat. While different techniques have their perceived (and scientifically supported) benefits, the real secret is trial and error. You have to find out what works best for your life, your schedule, and your preferences. (emphasis mine)
Losing weight is a time consuming process. It takes effort and focus. But it does not have to be difficult or painful. I’ve seen thousands of people transform their bodies with diet changes that made day-to-day living easier and better. I’ve experienced my own transformation, and helped many others uncover theirs. Each person used different exercises, ate different foods, and had different schedules. But all of them took a personalized approach, worked hard, and stayed motivated. (emphasis mine)
My suggestion is simple: Don’t worry about the numbers. The truth is, every diet has room for flexibility. You can eat dessert, eat at night, and consume carbs. It’s more about how you moderate this process and find a plan that keeps you in line, and protects you from the real enemy: Your mind. (emphasis mine)
So, tell me: do you have a time when you consistently spend time with God in His Word? Do you mind sharing what method/approach you take when you do? What do you tell people who struggle with finding time to read the Word?
Lately, I stuck with listening to audio Bible on my iPod before going to sleep and reading “The Story.”
I haven’t read the Bible in Russian for a long time (well, I did read it to my kiddos in the camp during the Bible lesson, but I prepared for that lesson with an English Bible). Most of the time, it’s either the Message or NLT for me.
Soo… no real method for me – except for finding versions of the Bible that I can UNDERSTAND (and I don’t mean separate words, but the meaning).
We are using The Story as our “go to reading material” for 2012. Have had over 25 purchased. I know it is not the Bible, per say, but if it gets people hungry for the Word then I say “go for it.” 🙂 Understand your last sentence and feel the same way. I like the ESV. Thanks Zee for commenting.
I generally read in the morning – sometimes at home and sometimes at the church study. I read a different version of the bible each year – this year is the Holman Christian Standard Bible.
When someone struggles I tell them they do not have to read long portions but just read several verses or read in a different version. Depending upon the person and the situation sometimes I ask about if they read the paper or a magazine and then show how easily they could fit in some Bible reading when they do that.
I did the different version myself for years but have to admit on the NT only. I bog down in the OT. 🙂 Good advice you give also. Thanks Jim.
I tell people to make it a priority. To read before they do anything else. In other words, as soon as you get out of bed..pick the bilble up and start diving in. Do this before you brush your teeth.
Why?
Because you won’t have an excuse to skip out on it that day.
It has to be a priority Michael. You are right. Thanks for the input.
I walk the line between being hungry for the Word and turning it into legalism. I run from religion/legalism because I grew up with it.
I try to read in the mornings. I write in the mornings (most of the time). That is when I’m the sharpest. I have several versions I use but my NLT is thw sword on my belt.
For those who struggle I say start small. Start with one book and read 1 chapter per day. Or one Psalm per day. You have to start somewhere.
A common issue I come up against is for people feeling the need to be some sort of Bible scholar. That Bible study is for the preachers and Bible college students. It then becomes helping people find their identity in Jesus and not some degree or human expectation.
start small. one bite at a time.
You hit on what I was trying to say about the legalism thing. It is a slippery slope. Absolutely agree with your last paragraph. Thanks Craig.
Great message Bill. I so believe that if we do what we can, just start somehow, God will show us how our time will work. I have experienced years of zero study, years of studying to accomplish a task, and yes even some time out of fear of_____! My kneeling began almost 5 years ago strangly enough from hearing the AA folks kneeling before their “higher power”. I began kneeling (thankfully my knees allow for it)and God has done the rest. I now can’t wait to see the treasures His Word speaks to me daily. I do try to follow the example of Jesus to go to the Father before the sun comes up and to follow His model prayer. That’s just me and the joy I have found there just wants me to do as you have done here. Start somewhere, somehow and just see what JOY you find there…Thank you for your ministry and your prayers!
I admire your “kneeling” ability tom. I am unable to do that for very long at all. Knees and back get to hurting. I miss it. You have a discipline worth admiring. Thanks for the comment.
Basically, I don’t read enough, pray enough, or love enough.
But then again, maybe I do.
After all, deciding what’s “enough” is legalism to the core.
And if I DID think that I read “enough”, then I’ve missed the point altogether.
Your explanation of “enough” is dead on Bernard. Legalism takes all the fun out of reading. Wise comment. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
I get times when I am not that consistent with reading the Bible, like right now. I’m in a new job, I have lots of reading to do for the job, and I am enrolled in 3 courses over the next 2 months. I will also be enrolled in a 16 month self-study course they call Foundations after 90 days of employment.
I am going to have to time manage some of this in order to find time to read my Bible more than just a few verses at a time. I was tired when I got home last night.
Prayer time is a little bit easier. I can take a couple of minutes or even a few seconds to pray about something during the day. Or to thank God for something.
In my mind this is not quite the same as a 30 minute uninterrupted prayer time. The longer prayer time allows us to develop with God. It also allows us to hear from God. That’s just my thinking.
You are right Linda, it is not the same but remember it is the heart that matters. Make good use of the little time you do have and God will meet you. Thanks for your honesty.
I once decided to read the Bible in a year. I had a great plan and I started with much enthusiasm. After 3 months, I found myself reading ONLY to say I had read my portion that day. My attitude towards it was wrong, I was reading, not breathing God’s word. It became… a book. Nothing more.
I stopped right away and decided to read the work the way it was supposed to. With desire, love, an open heart and with receiving from this wonderful treasure.
Methods can become obstacles. The heart is what really matters.
Did the same thing Moe, especially when it came to the OT. I would rather go slow, read what I can grasp and take a long time than feel bogged down. Good thing to stop and come with an open heart. Thanks Moe.
When I wake up in the morning, before I even get out of bed, I take my smartphone and fire up an app that plays a podcast of the day’s “Bible In A Year” reading. I then lay there and soak in the Word before I even get out of bed. It’s a good way to ground myself before the day becomes whatever it becomes.
What app is that, Jason? I’ve got Bible in a Year in my YouVersion Bible… Not sure if there’s podcast though…
It’s the Daily Audio Bible app. 99 cents and worth every penny. 🙂
Will check it out – thanks, Jason! 🙂
One way to start the day out right. Cool idea Jason. Thanks.
I read my Bible every night but for some days, I’ve not been consistent with it.
I pray to God to speak to me through His word before I read and while reading, I mark the verses that I need to meditate on through the night so I wake up with God’s word in my heart.
I admire your desire to read in the evenings. Marking is good as well. Thanks for commenting.
I only read when a subject pops up that I haven’t settled my opinion on. This isn’t often but it happens. The Bible to me is a reference tool. Since nobody could read it for some 1500-1600 years it can’t be that big of a deal. But if it makes a positive difference by all means do it.
I would disagree with you Jeff that it is only a reference took unless you use it as a reference for how to live life to the fullest. 🙂 I find meaning and purpose in reading it. Thanks for the comment.
It is a reference on how to live life to the fullest. I 100% agree. If you read it every day and it is a positive then great. If someone reads it now and then to suffice then that is good too.
I don’t have a specific time I read the Bible. I read when I have free time and when I know I won’t be distracted. I read at work, in the car, in my office. Wherever I can have a little quite time. I recently bought a FM transmitter for my car so now I can listen to my youversion.com app while driving.
Other than that when I read I usually have a pen, paper, and highlight in hand. I have three Bibles. A KJV, NIV, and ESV study Bible. I also like to have the laptop nearby so I can look up words in the online dictionary.
I agree that every one should find what works best for them. And I don’t read every day. But I do make it a point to at least read something that goes along with the word. Whether it’s a spiritual growth book, a blog, or the Bible. I’ll be the first to say that I need to learn more of the word.
I am intrigued how you read while driving…but then again maybe I don’t want to know. 😀 That is cool though that you can now listen while driving. Seems safer. LOL I am glad you take your desire to learn seriously. Stay hungry. Thanks Joseph.
I have about a 30-45 min, commute so in the morning I spend time praying, worshiping, and thinking about the Lord, while driving to work. Then after getting to work I read the passage of the day on Biblegateway.com, some different devotionals, and blogs. After I get home I try and spend time in the evening reading the Word and worshiping.
This is what I try and do. Some days its more than others while other days it might be a little. But I try and do something each day.
Great post!
Oh, also I really liked how you connected the article to a persons spiritual life.
Glad to see you are disciplined in finding time Dan. It is so important. Thanks for the compliment. (and the comments).
I make an effort to read the Scripture/spend time with God in the mornings before I start my day. It doesn’t always happen that way, but that’s what I aim for. Right now, I’m not following a plan, but just reading through the Old Testament.
O i should add…for the longest time I got so caught up with numbers and following this plan so I could finish a certain passage at a specified date. Honestly, that was such a fail for me. You’re so right about making it personal. I found for me when I stuck to some general approach, it often hindered my growth.
You show wisdom Jon in doing what you feel comfortable doing and making it personal. That was the whole point of the article. I got hung up on numbers as well. Reading so many pages or chapters. Yeah, not very good.
I do have a set time. 7:40 every morning before work. I think with time it’s more that we don’t make time then have time. I am really busy and yet I make time to do what I want to do. That includes blog, watch TV, and other fun activities. I make time to do what I want to do. When I don’t exercise it’s because I haven’t made time in my schedule. Same with the Bible.
Set time is good Rob. What I like in your comment is the “I make time to do what I want to do.” That is the point! Find time. Make time. Great comment. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
I am encouraged even more to get myself into better disciplines for reading and prayer now.
After reading such good comments here about how people are disciplining themselves in finding the time and using creativity in doing their devotions and keeping their connection with God.
What’s left now is making sure that we are worshiping the Creator of the heavens and the earth and not some false god presented to us somewhere along our spiritual journey that we have unwittingly accepted.
We are serving a love master, so to speak. We have placed our ear lobe up against the door and we have allowed the master to pierce it to declare that we are forever his. We are his servants, giving continual sacrifices to him, counting everything of this world as dung and loss.
We are going to allow Him to make us into something fantastic and good, having his attributes, his values, his characteristics. The Father and his children.
That is great Linda that you were encouraged to discipline yourself to find time to read. I will have considered this post a “success” if for nothing else than to hear someone has seen that. Thanks.