As I grow closer to God, I want to spend more time in His Word and in prayer. Sometimes, His precious Words go right over my little 'ol head. I do have access to concordances and commentaries--so that does help. What I want to know is how do you describe your quiet time? How do you discern His Word? How long have you been faithfully studying--not just in a Bible study-like Beth Moore, etc.--but truly reading and learning on your own about His wonders, His precepts, and His love for us? Just curious!
Many blessings,
10 comments:
I love it when we have to think/ponder/reflect, don't you?
For me, it was honestly before I gave my heart to Christ. What drew me to start seeking, was the afternoon my Girlfriends was murdered by her husband and then he turned the gun on himself. They left three beautiful children. This is the first time, I tasted death so close outside of my family. It hurt....and I found myself on my knees at a church with-in minutes of receiving the news. For 3 years, God woo'd me....three whole years. I bought my first bible in that time frame, and started searching.
God speaks to me through His word, through songs, through sermons, friends, and especially when I get quiet. When I awake first thing in the morning, often He is speaking, or when I'm out for a walk, all on my own.
I love ya, Friend.
Yolanda
A Must Read Book - A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study by Jen Hatmaker. Through her book, my entire bible study learned how to study the bible without a "study guide."
A dictionary and thesaurus help freshed the words and open our eyes.
We've read Psalm 119, 1 & 2nd Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John...and I think another one, I can't remember. But anyway - it was an awesome book for anyone who wants to read the bible, but doesn't know where to start.
Susan this is a great question. One that I spent many of times asking God Himself. I would read His word and walk away thinking 'that was just a bunch of words, what am I supposed to do with that?' Then one day He turned my face towards Him, looked me in the eye and said...'why don't you ask Me to interpret my words to your heart?' Whoa! Really...He reminded me that His words are alive and if we ask Him, He will interpret them for us, He will speak them to our hearts, He will show us. He reminded me I needed to ask the Holy Spirit to read with me, each and every time.
Susan He so wants you to know His precious word...He wrote it just for you. He loves you and the fact that you desire to know His word...puts a smile on His face!
I will say that it was OTHER studies, Beth Moore for example, that LED me to dive in on my own and got me in the habit of finding His will and diving into His word. And, for being a Christian over 25 years, I've probably only been faithfully studying His word for about 5.
My quiet time is evolving just a little, but sadly lately it's been 'punching a clock' for me, and 'checking a list'. Kenneth Boa's book, "Face to Face" (Volume 1) has been an amazing way for me to pray scripture and hear from the Lord. One other VERY simple technique that I have used in the past (that I'm not doing now for any number of crazy reasons) is to write 2 sentences after you read: "God...." and detail something that God IS, or is DOING in that scripture that applies to you. Second sentence is "I..." and list how your God statement strikes you, your response to it, or your thoughts/ feelings. That has been very powerful to me.
Several years ago when I became the WM director for our previous church I had to learn to make quality God time. I was responsible for writing our studies so I needed to spend time in His Word.
It was a couple years ago though that I realized most of my time with God was in preparation to teach. I have since learned the value of spending time with God just for me. To hear HIS voice for my life and see His eternal perspective for my life.
I cannot say that I have achieved a perfect quiet time but daily I am learning and growing.
What was your answer to the quesion?
This is an awesome question Susan. I actually gave my life completely to Christ as a result of studying the Bible. It was at the time the Gulf war was going on and I was wondering about the end so I started studying Revelations. Through my continuous searching His Word for answers He showed me that I needed Him. That was 18 years ago. I would have to say that the Holy Spirit stirred my heart and without a doubt gave me understanding that I could not see before.
I continued to stay in the Bible all the time and He continued to keep the hunger and thrist alive. I have had two or three dry spells where I couldn't get a drop out of studying my Bible. I just came out of one. I hate those times but I have come to believe (or maybe wonder) that those are periods where my faith is being stretched to believe even when I can't see or feel.
My studies in the Word have moved from reading it to studying a topic or verse using concordances and prayer, much prayer and questions as I study. I have never used a commentary. I would probably prefer to check a commentary after I had worked my study through with God first.
I would like to hear how you are doing too. :)
Hi, Susan! :)
One of the best ways I have found to study His Word and understand it and be blessed by it is through inductive Bible studies through Precepts Ministries. (Kay Arthur) www.precepts.org He has used these studies to grow me in His Word and in Him. Maybe a group meets near you! :)
He meets you as you seek Him. He is so faithful! :)
Praying He gives you a treasure from His Word today just for your heart!
Warm blessings,
Sharon
I can remember having these LONG lists of prayer requests that I convinced myself I needed to pray through when I was in high school...a different category for each day of the week. I fell asleep on my knees more than once during those days. While I think I was a little hard on myself back then trying to pray about too many things in one day, I wish I still had some of that burning desire to spend not just quality time, but significant quantity of time in focused, passionate prayer.
I have been a student of the word since high school. God uses Christian books and devotionals to inspire me to dig deeper into God's word. I can't wait to hear what God is teaching you with your more in-depth study you're doing my love....you are smarter than you think you are, you know.
I love you and miss you BAD!
Wow! Y'all have some fabulous responses here! Thank you for sharing your hearts. It's neat to know because as I work with other girlfriends, these ideas will be able to bless another. Y'all are awesome!
Love,
Susan
Hi Susan! I live in Arlington so no where close to San Antonio. You might want to check with Alene at http://positivelyalene.blogspot.com
She is nearby and may be able to help you out. Hope the marathon goes well!
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