NEWS

Moody Publishing announced today that they are releasing two new Bible Studies for Women.

Moody asked women what they were looking for in Bible studies. Their response was "something in-depth with no fluff...something to feed the mind not just the heart."

I am delighted that publishers are listening. I've been saying that for years; and why I studied then wrote this study and several more.

My in-person group meets Sunday afternoon. Prepare your heart and mind... I am!

Remember to submit- in the box to the right- your e-mail address so you won't miss a post.

Getting to Know You

This is YOUR tree to copy.

The ladies in the real-time study group did this "Getting to Know You Tree."

Instructions:
Place your name on the trunk; then add who you are as one word at a time in each leaf. This will help us know who you are and we will use it as a prayer reminder by exchanging them each week.

For those online: Using the comments, write what is on your leaves.  We will pray for you also.

I tried to copy my tree, but it didn't work.

Here is the list of my leaves (in no particular order):

adoptive mom, friend, daughter, sister, heir,wife/widow, musician, record maker, neighbor, trustworthy, lover, forgiving, collector, Hebrew learner, compiler, content, writer, editor, poet, author, letter writer, cook, baker, mystery fan, blogger, organizer, honest, defuser, giver, storyteller, thankful, classical music lover, journal writer, movie watcher, praiser, encourager, gramma to 3, X-stitcher, game player ~ Canasta, Mahjongg, Scrabble~ quoter, knitter, nurse, book lover, Bible study-er, aunt, color-er, senior, seed planter, forever student, sister, pray-er,& most important a child of the King of the Universe. At the top of the roots, I added F-A-I-T-H.

As we begin...

Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible, wrote:

          "This ability of the Bible to continually reinvent itself is matched only by its ability to make itself relevant to anyone who encounters it... The chameleon-like quality is what makes the Bible so vital." (p. 408)

That's why we can read a portion of Scripture many times, but each time it is as if it is brand new. Because our level of understanding grows/changes that we're ready to go to the next level in our comprehension.

In Dr. Bob Utley's "Opening Statements on the Study of Genesis1-1," he reminds us that even though "it is beyond our mental capabilities... we must be able to comprehend it in order to be able to properly respect it. Believers interpret it differently (some poorly), but all are responsible for the truths they understand.*" (p. 2)

Remember the onion's many layers? Each of us is accountable for what we understand in God's Word...and that's different from person to person. What a just God we have.

I also agree with Dr. Utley's opening statement in each of  his "Study of Genesis" sessions:

          "A commentary is a guide, which means you're responsible for your own interpretation... You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretations... You must not relinquish this to a commentator. [pastor, priest, rabbi, Sunday School teacher or Bible study leader*] The questions are meant to be thought-provoking...not definitive."

Please remember these words as we begin our study of Noah.

Selah,
Connie

* emphasis & additions are by this writer

Studying Scripture

Looking for the perfect way to study and understand God's Word?

The answer is whatever works best for you, but help is available. I searched  Google and perused Pinterest and found hundreds of options. In reality, they are variations of a simple format.

First, you must make a commitment to study. Set a time; inform your family so you won't be interrupted.Write it on your calendar and to-do list. Get a simple notebook or journal to write in. Choose a place where you are comfortable- I chose a specific rocking chair in the corner. When I was there, my young son never distracted me.

Optional, join an established study group to see if that's best for you.

Choose a version of the Bible that is easy for you to read and understand. Later, you will want to do comparisons. I own about 12 versions/paraphrases that I have purchased over the years. However, I find I use BibleGateway.com and blueletterbible.org, which are faster and  less cumbersome. 

           

            Pray with an open heart and mind for God to bless your study with understanding,

            Read selection/passage/chapter slowly. Savor the words and ponder its meaning.

            Interpret and evaluate... use helps, but remember this is between you and God. 

            Listen to His instructions.

            Apply the concept  to your life.

    

Think of onions and their many layers. That's a good mental picture of our understanding of Scripture. God teaches us layer upon layer that's why the Bible is never stagnant. He builds on our unique foundation.

What you need to know...

Where you are at this moment.

Next time it will be new again.

Lysa TerKeurst wrote, “If I were able to keep it all figured out, I would start to lose that sense of reliance on the Lord.”

Personally, going deeper in God's word fills me with great joy and draws me closer to Him. When I'm not studying I feel a huge gap in my life. I pray and start again...

Charlie Brown has the right attitude:

For those of you who have studied Scripture for a long time, the above has already happened in your lives.Stick to what works for you. Embellish or expand it. Do that Google search or Check out Pinterest to freshen your approach. Consider Bible Journalling. Share your wisdom and encourage the new study-ers.

Encourage your churches to go deeper in their Scripture studies. 

One final suggestion: stay hydrated. Drink water, tea or your favorite beverage to keep your brain cells operating at full speed.

As always Scripture says it best:

Selah ~ Think on these things.

Connie