We
Need the Word
(from "Today's
Promise" by Bill Bright, founder of Campus
Crusade for Christ)
"And
you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit - which
is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).
In my own
life, as I have come to know God better and to live more fully in the
power and control of the Holy Spirit, my daily devotional Bible reading
and study is not a duty or a chore, but a blessing; not an imposition
on my time, but an invitation to fellowship in the closest of all ways
with our holy, heavenly Father and our wonderful Savior and Lord.
Remember,
God delights to have fellowship with us. The success of our studying God's
Word and of prayer is not to be determined by some emotional experience
which we may have (though this frequently will be our experience), but
by the realization that God is pleased that we want to know Him enough
to spend time with Him in Bible study and prayer. Here are some important,
practical suggestions for your individual devotional reading and study
of the Bible:
- Begin
with a prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you an understanding of God's
Word.
- Keep a
Bible study notebook.
- Read the
text slowly and carefully; then reread and take notes.
- Find out
the true meaning of the text. Ask yourself:
(a) Who or what is the main subject?
(b) Of whom or what is the writer speaking?
(c) What is the key verse?
(d) What does the passage teach you about Jesus Christ?
(e) Does it bring to light personal sin that you need to confess and
forsake?
(f) Does it contain a command for you to obey?
(g) Does it give a promise you can claim?
- List practical
applications, commands, promises.
- Memorize
the Scriptures - particularly key verses.
- Obey the
commands and follow the instructions you learn in God's Word.
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