Practical Helps For Bible Study

God wants us to study His Word. Consider what the apostle Paul told Christians, “When you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). While there are some things in the Bible that are more difficult to understand, those things necessary for pleasing the Lord can be understood.

Listed below are some practical helps that can help each of us in getting more out of our study of the Bible:

1. Study the Bible regularly. A “hit or miss” approach to Bible study deprives one of gaining a more complete knowledge of God’s Word. By studying for a few minutes daily we are establishing a pattern for our lives. As we regularly study, we are laying the foundation for gaining additional knowledge.

2. Study from all sections of the Bible. Most of us probably have our favorite sections of the Bible. But by studying from all sections of the Bible in an organized way we will receive benefit in being better able to “piece” things together from our study of the Scriptures.

3. Study in view of making application to your life. A constant thought we should keep in mind as we are studying the Bible concerns how we can make application to our lives. As James admonished, “Be doers of the word” (James 1:21). The Bible is more than history, but we have been given God’s Word to make a positive difference in the here and now and to prepare us for eternity.

4. After studying the Bible, meditate upon what you have studied. In Psalm 1:2 is presented a beautiful picture of the “blessed man”, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” To meditate means to ponder or to engage in deep thought. As we review in our minds what we have previously studied, additional applications and the planting in our minds of sacred truths can take place.

Christianity Is A Daily Religion

Christianity is more than a set of beliefs and practices that are based on the principles and precepts of the Bible. It also involves our daily lives. Listed below are some things that we should strive to include in our lives daily as we live for Christ:

1.Read And Study God’s Word - The apostle Peter urged, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2). Time spent in God’s Word will give us a foundation for knowing how life should be lived day by day.

2. Pray – The Bible teaches that prayer is the way by which we communicate with God. The apostle Paul taught Christians, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Pray for yourself, the work of the Lord, the lost, our nation, and anything else that is on your heart. Let’s always remember that prayer works (James 5:16).

3. Do Something For Christ – It is possible to become too busy with personal pursuits. While we are not blessed with the same abilities and opportunities, each of us has a responsibility to fulfill. Our need is to find our talent or talents. The encouraging word you speak to someone has the potential to accomplish a great deal. A card or phone call can bring sunshine to another person’s life. Let’s be alert to the opportunities about us. Also, remember the apostle Paul’s said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

4. Strive For Spiritual Growth – According to the Scriptures, we are either growing or declining in our spirituality. Indeed, our constant striving needs to be for continuing spiritual growth. The apostle Peter emphasized, “But grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).

More Thoughts On Optimism

The greatest optimists in the world should be New Testament Christians. While we can allow the negative things in the world to drag us down, we should choose to emphasize the positive things. Regrettably, it can be easy for us to succumb to negative attitudes.

Here are some practical suggestions for attaining an optimistic attitude:

1. Make up your mind that you are going to be optimistic. As you begin each day, renew this dedication.

2. Remember to daily express your thanksgiving to God for His gracious outpouring of blessings in your life.

3. Daily read and reflect on the precious promises of God

Some Advice For The Weekend

While there are serious times in life, there is also a need to regularly celebrate the fun part of life. Take a moment to tell a friend or loved one a joke, make a humorous observation, sing a silly song, or even pull a practical joke. Your friend or friends will feel better, and so will you.

Here's A Good Point To Ponder

James Howell, a former elder of the Vultee Church of Christ in Nashville, had surgery at Baptist Hospital in 1999 but died a few months later. Not knowing he had died, the hospital sent a survey regarding his care while in the hospital.

Finding the form in May 2006, his family completed the survey and returned it. Several of their answers showed the strong spiritual heritage that James Howell left. "Who is your physician now? Jesus, the Great Physician. Physician's address: Heaven. If your address given above is not correct, please provide present address: #1 Pearly Gate. Dr. Telephone number: 1-800-CALL-GOD."

Reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate