After 29 years of marriage, I left my husband with my recently awarded degree from Tech, a computer and $500. I went to Austin to leave my old life behind and start over fresh and ‘new again’. It is often in our most hopeless moments that we discover the extent of His strength and the depth of His love.
This is my Walk to Emmaus Talk titled "Grow Through Study".
The definition of study is an act or process by which one acquires knowledge of a subject for living. Did you catch that? “for living”. Studying God’s Word can lead you on a journey for your life that only He knows where it will take you. There is no such thing as standing still – you are either moving forward – growing; or slipping backward – dying. Study helps us continue to grow. “My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it [to do].” Isaiah 55:11
One method of study that I have done and loved for the past 8 years is waking up every morning for a time of bible reading and prayer. For me this is the greatest way to start my day. I’ve read several One Year bibles, but my absolute favorite is the Holman Christian Standard Every Day With Jesus Bible. It has scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as portions of Psalms and Proverbs. A short devotional and prayer by Selwyn Hughes concludes the day’s reading. “All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I heard a short story shared by Doc Severinsen, the band leader for the Johnny Carson Show. He said that the band could miss one day of practice and he noticed it in their performance. And if they missed 2 days of practice, even the band noticed a difference in their performance. And that if they missed 3 days of practice – everyone - Doc, the band, Johnny, Ed McMahon and the audience could discern a less than optimal performance. I know that the quantity and quality of my quiet time is reflected in all of my daily activities. “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart to fear your name.” Psalm 86:11
I know that I need a continual inflowing of God’s Word. Just like we must eat and drink daily to survive….as believers, we need spiritual food every day. “Thy Word is lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
A tried and true method of studying God’s Word is spending time personally meditating on scripture.
1. Read a small portion of Scripture slowly and aloud. Savor each word, listening reverently to God’s voice to focus you on one phrase. Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
2. Meditate or chew on that short phrase, letting it interact with your concerns and memories. Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
3. Celebrate and allow God to love you. Enjoy the security of being loved. Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
4. Act on the truth that has been revealed to you in that phrase. Be a doer of the word. James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Your commitment to have a quiet time can begin with even 5 minutes. God will honor your obedience with blessings beyond measure. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
One of your primary obstacles to studying God’s Word is the enemy – satan. His main agenda is to do everything he can to keep you from God’s Word. His attempts may be masked in many different forms, but they are distractions targeted to ultimately prevent you from having a quiet time and to discourage you and make you think, “I can’t do this.” Show him you can and that you will……no matter what! “No weapon formed against you will succeed.” Isaiah 54:17
to be continued...
