The Bible can be a pretty intimidating book. This week I spoke with a young woman who told how she experiences peace when she reads the Bible, but isn’t sure how to gain a personal understanding of Scripture. Have you been there?
A few years after my conversion, I found I was neglecting the word of God. I couldn’t get past the thee, thou, and begats . . . I wanted to, but didn’t know how. I bought a child’s version with the passages in pictures and speech balloons to help me have better understanding. Really.
I was confused that it was an irrelevant book for this time, tearing through Gospels and the Genesis drama, I soon became bored with chronology, genealogy, and cubits.
Then one day, I visited a Scripture where I wanted to dwell and realized the Bible is seeing God’s breath and hearing His heart.
All Scripture (all 66 books) is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). The word inspired means God-breathed (theopneustos).
His breath is all over the stories about real people in real time, who made real mistakes, and met a real God. I’m grateful for human scribes like Moses, David, Paul, and John who were inspired by a holy Author to write it down.
So, I wanted to know what it meant for me.
I joined a small women’s Bible study that helped develop my love for God’s Word, and twenty-five years ago found a Precept Bible study (Kay Arthur) that taught me how to study and understand the sacred depth of God’s word.
I learned three steps to revelation:
- Observe (what does the text say?)
- Interpret (what does the text mean?)
- Apply (how does it apply to me . . . today?)
I can’t tell you how meaningful it was to know that I know when facing difficult and challenging times. I don’t understand it all, but cling to what I do.
There’s not only peace on the holy-breath pages, but there is life-altering power.
So, if you’re like I once was and don’t know where to begin, may I challenge you to just open your Bible and try these four steps:
- Set aside a time (make a daily appointment with God, don’t stand Him up)
- Choose a place with no distractions (nothing special, a sanctuary in a corner)
- Have a Bible, concordance or dictionary, pen and journal. Listen hard.
- Prepare your heart in prayer. Meditate.
Use a Psalm to praise Him, Psalm 32 to confess, Matthew 6:9-12 to present needs, and Philippians 4:6 to express gratitude.
As you dig deep you will undoubtedly fall deeper in love with Jesus.
What can you add that has helped you as you study the Bible?
Verna
Praise G-d, I agree with you. I encourage the people at The Well of New Beginnings to write down questions that come to mind as they are reading (especially the opening verses of a chapter). Then as they read answer those questions that are visible and continue to speak to G-d for clarity on the others. The Word says…if any man (person) lacks wisdom let them ask of the Father and he will freely give it to them… Blessings to you.
. . . and He will give to them freely. You’ve blessed me with your comment and visit!
I like to see the various versions at http://www.biblegateway.com/. It helps me understand some verses better. Great post. Thanks…
I like the different translations all on one page, also. Thanks, Carol – helpful!
I like to see the various versions at http://www.biblegateway.com/. It helps me understand some verses better. Great post. Thanks…
I like the different translations all on one page, also. Thanks, Carol – helpful!
Practical advice for every lover of Jesus. I love jotting down something that seems to jump off the page to me too. I have learned that these connect the threads of His daily breath to me and having them written down helps me to remember and see the pattern of His leading.
It does help to see the pattern of how He leads us with His never-failing word. Thank you, Jeanne, it’s so important to record what speaks to us. I refer to my journals often.
Practical advice for every lover of Jesus. I love jotting down something that seems to jump off the page to me too. I have learned that these connect the threads of His daily breath to me and having them written down helps me to remember and see the pattern of His leading.
It does help to see the pattern of how He leads us with His never-failing word. Thank you, Jeanne, it’s so important to record what speaks to us. I refer to my journals often.
The simplicity of the three steps makes for meaningful moments in the Word.
Teach on!
It does – then we don’t get caught up in making it difficult! Just a time, place, and Book . . . and Holy Spirit does the rest. Thanks, Carolyn!
It’s a supernatural book that gives us life changing results! Thanks for a great post!
Love that – supernatural book . . . It is! Thanks for a great comment!
It’s a supernatural book that gives us life changing results! Thanks for a great post!
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good and His Word, yes like His breath, breathing in new life and strength for each day, each moment, each situation.
Love this Verna! Thanks for mentioning Precepts…a life changing ministry that is still changing lives.
Twenty-five years later, it’s still changing mine! There is no better way for met to discover the deep truths of God. Thanks, Glenda!
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good and His Word, yes like His breath, breathing in new life and strength for each day, each moment, each situation.
Love this Verna! Thanks for mentioning Precepts…a life changing ministry that is still changing lives.
Twenty-five years later, it’s still changing mine! There is no better way for met to discover the deep truths of God. Thanks, Glenda!
I had been in church all my life, but it wasn’t until I was about 30 that I really began to study the Word and digest what it meant to/for me. Understanding that His Word is a personal message to me changed my life!
. . . and that’s what it took for me, Vonda – experiencing (personally) the Word of God over my life. And how grateful we are . . .