This is a really personal part of my spiritual walk, but the Lord put it on my heart to share this. I know it's completely different from what my videos are supposed to be. However, I think this is something that lacks in the general Christian population.
It's far too easy to read our Bibles and think we're good. There's SO much more to it. Anything done without an intentional mindset won't be as fruitful. We need to approach the word with an open heart and mind, desiring to know God and hear His word to us. We need it to change us. We need to STUDY the word, not just read it.
I've developed this system over many years, and it's still a work in progress! I definitely want to incorporate memory verse study more frequently. Hopefully this inspires and provides the tools for those desiring to grow closer to the Lord.
Honestly, for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, condemnation, habitual sin, anger, unforgiveness, etc. Whatever you feel is holding you captive! There is so much liberty to be found in a life devoted to Christ! The word can cleanse like nothing else. I encourage everyone reading this to establish a consistant habit of studying the Bible. Trust me, you won't regret it! There is power in the Word to break every chain that has a hold on us and lift any burden weighing on our heart.
For those wanting my full system as it is written out in my journal and discussed in the video, here it is!
Morning:
1) Pray
2) Read a Psalm
3) Read Proverb of the day
4) Read in the Gospels
5) Read a devotional
Evening:
1) Pray - Journal requests and answers, ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication)
2) Study - Meditate on the verses (expository/verse-by-verse study)
3) Ask Qustions - Find the answers!
4) Journal - Write reflection
Study:
Summarize the main teaching/theme
Picture it - Place yourself in the story
Pronounce it - Emphasize each word
Paraphrase it - say it in your own words
Personalize it - place your name in the verse
Pray it - self explanatory
Probe it - spacepets acronym (below)
Plan Application - specifically, set goals!
Portable Verse - to meditate on or memorize
Spacepets:
S - is there a Sin to forsake, avoid, or confess?
P - is there a Promise to believe?
A - is there an Attitude to change or an Action to take?
C - is there a Command to keep?
E - is there an Example to follow?
P - is there a Prayer to pray or Priority to change?
E - is there an Error to mark?
T - is there a Truth to meditate on?
S - is there a Specific thing to thank God for?
Questions:
What gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control?
Is there a reproof or warning?
Is there a specific how-to?
How does this prepare you?
What builds up (edifies) or exhorts?
What encourages or comforts?
What suggests God will work, bless, or complete His will?
I know that seems like a lot, but it's only about an hour each day for me, give or take a little and depending on how many verses I'm wanting to study. Of course, find what works for you! Keep it fresh. Know God!
Thank you for reading!
Recommendations in the video:
"Learn to Study the Bible" - Andy Deane
"My Utmost for His Highest" - Oswald Chambers
"Jesus Calling" - Sarah Young
www.blueletterbible.org
www.biblia.com
