Study God's Word

"The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has hands, it lays hold on me." Martin Luther

Sometimes we find it so hard to get into the habit of studying God's Word and having a devoted relationship with Him.

I remember in my teenage years really wanting to have a better relationship with God but not knowing how to do that. I remember comparing myself to my mom. I would watch her get up in the morning, sip her morning coffee, and sit comfy on our couch and read the Bible and her devotional book. I thought that when I was her age I would do the same thing. I thought it would come easier with age.

Well, here I am sitting comfy on my couch, sipping my morning coffee and reading my devotional book. I'm here! I'm doing it! But, the sad part of it all is that I could've done it then as well...I just didn't know how.

I'm not blaming anyone, or saying I would have if someone had taught me what to do. I am saying that I was searching for what to do and I couldn't seem to find the answer. It was right in front of me but I wasn't getting it.

So...now I sit here hoping to help someone else who is in the same predicament that I was in.

How should we get into a relationship with God? How should you study? Here are some quick tips to try out. They are all different, so find the one that fits you best! That's the start of it - finding what works for you and God!

• Pick a topic and study if throughout the Bible. Family, love, faith, etc.
• Choose a character you love, or want to know more about. Read and study their life in the Bible
• Choose a book in the Bible to study. Break it down throughout time and reference other books to help you understand it. 
• Memorize verses in the Bible. Tuck them away in your heart.
• Read the Psalms or Proverbs. Every day choose one to read and really focus on what it is saying. 
• Read the Bible through in a year. There are many study plans to get this done in a year. Look them up and give it a try. 
• Pick out an important topic to study. Such as the "Sermon on the Mount".
• Read the Life of Christ - the gospels.

These are just some ways to get on track, a beginning. Hope this helps!

Will Do

1. Seek God's wisdom for life from the Bible
2. List to His guidance through circumstances, people, intuition, and the Bible
3. Resolve to study the Bible regularly
4. Make spiritual growth a priority
5. Be open to new ways of understanding God
6. Nurture your spirit with prayer and Bible study
7. Trust that God will guide to the right resources

To Do

1. Buy a good Study Bible (or do what I did and ask Grandma for an old one!)
2. Do a topical study
3. Start a Bible study journal 
4. Start a Bible study group
5. Learn how to use other resources, such as a concordance, Bible dictionary, and commentary
6. Call a friend and pick a time to study together
7. Memorize meaningful texts

Bible Verses to Remember

1. 2 Peter 1:4
2. Joshua 1:8
3. Hebrews 10:23
4. John 8:31
5. Proverbs 30:5
6. Psalm 119:105
7. Psalm 19:7
8. 2 Corinthians 1:20
9. Deuteronomy 8:3
10. Psalm 119:24
11. 2 Timothy 3:16
12. Matthew 4:4
13. Luke 11:28

"Men turn this way and than in their search for new sources of comfort and inspiration, but the enduring truths are to be found in the Word of God."

            Elizabeth, The Queen Mother