I recently started reading, Living by the Book, which so far is a phenomenal tool for learning how to understand, enjoy, and study scripture. The thing I love already about my job, is that these are the types of books I get to read and study to equip me for ministry. I enjoy it so much, and I don't want to stop studying God's word. {But, it hasn't always been that way for me}. I still have times where it's hard for me to read, because 1. I don't know what to read. 2. I'm too busy. or 3. I just don't want to take the time to understand it. What's wrong with my lame excuses???
God's word, The Bible, was intended to be studied, enjoyed, and lived out.
"The study of the Bible is de rigueur for the the Christian. More than a duty, it provides protection for the daily battle, comfort for dashed hopes, and continuing education for a life that is worth living."
-Howard G. Hendricks / pg. 8
In this book, it points out six main reasons why Christ followers don't study the Bible...
1. Someone may question the Bible's relevance to real-life issues.
2. Someone might not know how to study the Bible... They may lack technique and basic skills.
3. Someone may be convinced that this Book is just for professionals, not laypeople, that it takes special training to understand it.
4. Studying the Bible may be a low priority {or no priority} especially with so many other demands begging for a persons time.
5. Some may have doubts about the Bible's reliability, and whether someone can ever really determine its meaning.
6. Someone might perceive Bible study as dreadfully boring and not worth their attention.
Often times, a person identifies with all six reasons at one time or another. It's okay to admit that. I am.
What I do know, is that the Bible is my number one tool, it's my daily bread. It provides protection in my daily battles. I need to be in God's word daily, and I enjoy it.
If you identify with any of those six reasons listed above, I would highly recommend reading this book. It's been really helpful for me, and I know a lot of believers {and non-believers} struggle with understanding / studying the Bible. This book has been so motivational and reviving for my relationship with Christ and studying His word.
Love this, I always claim I don't have enough time!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Thanks Molly! I'll check this out! I feel this way a lot...
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly for the great info! I'm trying really hard to focus and get back on track and well just reconnect with Christ. So tid bits like this are really helpful! Thanks again! :0)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely relate, and definitely will be checking this out! Thanks for posting :)
ReplyDeleteHoward Hendricks taught at The Institute of Biblical Studies (Campus Crusade's summer Bible training for staff) when I was briefly on staff. He was so thought provoking and wonderful to listen to. I think I need to read that book!
ReplyDeleteThe Bible is His love letter to us :)
ReplyDeletewww.eatblogpray.blogspot.com
xo
Thanks for the info!!! I have been trying to get back into reading everyday and always struggle with those 6 things and not knowing where to start. Thanks for the leg up :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book recommendation! I hear ya on the lame excuses! It's my birthday today, and looking forward to this new year, I was praying this morning that I can really grow this year as a disciple of Christ and live in the radical way he has called us too. I know that my quiet can get a lot better, so thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the book recommendation! I just finished going through a devotional for college students and have been looking for another book to go along with my Bible reading. And I definitely understand (and experience) making those lame excuses in my head.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote about God's Word being made for us to study, live out, and enjoy. Definitely a good reminder!
Thank you for sharing. I tend to rely on Christian books that are filled with verses to help me study the Bible, but have realized recently that the word is enough - I need to learn to read and develop my own understanding, rather than counting on what others have said about scripture. {btw, the styling on your bookshelf is adorable}
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! I've been looking for something just like this.
ReplyDelete-Amy
http://theblankpagesblog.blogspot.com/
So crazy that you wrote about this...I was just having a conversation with a group of people at a home group last night about how important it is to study Scripture, but not a lot of people know how. I'll be sharing your post to my friend and this book!
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend :)
You are so adorable. Looking forward to picking that book up now :)
ReplyDeleteBecky @ http://confessions&freckles.blogspot.com
You are so adorable :) Looking forward to picking the book up now!
ReplyDeleteBecky @ http://confessions&freckles.blogspot.com/
Great book!!!
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This looks like exactly what I've been looking for! (Without me actually realizing I was looking.) Thanks for the recommendation.
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