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My journey to an in-depth Bible study all started with a friend inviting me to a ladies small group study. Prior to this time, I had desired to be able to open the Bible and study by myself without using a book filled with thought-provoking questions. Not that there's anything wrong with using a Bible study guide, I just wanted to go deeper on my own. The invitation was to meet at a coffee shop in town and to study the first chapter in Isaiah.
Okay, let me back track a little. For many years, I had longed to have a deeper understanding of the Bible. I had read it from cover-to-cover numerous times in my life, but sadly, most of those times were to check a little box on a reading chart to verify I'd finished by reading task for the day. I would smile each time I checked my chart, but rarely stopped long enough to understand the passage. Most reading charts require you to read multiple chapters each day, and it's basically speed reading, or at least it was for me. Being a working mom with children and husband who required my attention, it was all I could do to keep up.
It wasn't that I never got anything from my study time, I would often underline or highlight passages, because God's Word is "divinely inspired" (2 Tim 3:16). The Greek word used in that passage is 'theopneustos' which means, God-breathed. (New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 1714). That means that the Bible isn't a product of man but is the breath of God. He is the One who lead and directed the authors. So, when we speak His Word, it is life.
Okay, so back to my small group. We were to read and discuss one chapter each week. When I prepared for week one, I got my study Bible, my husband's Matthew Henry commentary, and a book he had that was on the book of Isaiah. I grabbed a notebook and was ready to learn. I read the chapter and the study notes and wrote down a page full of notes. At the end of my study time, God had opened that chapter to me. I looked at my notes and realized that although most came from Mr. Henry, there were several sentences that were my own thoughts- insight that God had given me! It was a life-changing experience for me.
I'm sure you're thinking, that's it? That was her big 'Aha Moment'?? Yes, it was. I realized that day that I had unpacked the chapter. All it took was time, effort, and a little organization. I learned to organize my time and keep my planner by my side. The Ultimate Christian Planner is a must have for me to not only keep my life organized, but my study time as well. I learned to lean less on someone else's guided Bible study and to create my own. I began spending my study time digging into a book and learning all I could about the book. I started keeping notebooks filled with information about the book and where it was in the 'big picture' of the Bible. I researched to find out who wrote the book, when it was written, and at what point it was in history. I was learning so much. My Bible study time was now my favorite time of the day.
I have learned many things in my journey and I want to share it with you.
There is no right or wrong way to study. The secret is to find what works for you.
It is important to stay focused. Organization of your time and notes will help.
Stay determined. Your study time will be an area that the enemy will try to interrupt, just realize where the opposition is coming from and keep pressing on.
Never give up! Life will get hectic and you will miss a few days. That's ok! The important thing is that you return and keep going.
I want to assure you that it doesn't take a theological degree to study the Bible. It takes prayer, a willing heart, and a little work. The GRASP book provides structure to your quiet time. It is designed to help you stay on track and will teach you valuable ways to organize your notes. The book teaches the GRASP study method which is a game changer when it comes to staying on task. We want you to get the most out of our study time and the GRASP method is an interactive way to approach your learning time.
I want to share with you tools for developing an in-depth study time. I am offering a special price on the GRASP God's Word Bible study book. For a limited time, the GRASP book is available for only $10.00 This book takes you through several ways to dig deeper in the Bible. As you work through the different ways, you will find what works best for you and begin your journey.