- God has given us “all things that pertain to lifeand godliness…”(II Peter 1:3-4). God has an answer in His Word for things in our physical and spiritual world. God has provided a plain path for us in this life! Knowing this, our goal in this life should be to develop a Biblical philosophy or outlook that affects all of our behaviour. We should look at the world through Bible eyes. The way we do this is by integrating the Bible into all aspects of our life.
Separate into a Secluded Place: (Matt. 6:6; Matt. 14:23; Ps. 46:10)
We should physically and mentally find a place of seclusion where we can truly consecrate ourselves to God. We see this principle of separation beginning in the Garden of Eden, continued by men such as Enoch, Abraham, Moses, David, the Prophets, and the New Testament saints. There must be a time and a place set apart strictly for prayer and Bible study every day.
Pray During Bible Reading:
The Holy Spirit is the author and our personal teacher as we read the Bible (II Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13; I Cor. 2:12-16). To have prayed well during Scripture reading is to have studied well. The only way for us to truly understand the Bible is for God, The Holy Spirit, to teach us.
Memorize Bible Verses: (Ps. 1:2; 119:11;)
Benefits of Bible memorization are many. Bible memorization helps us meditate: as we recite our memory verses, we will be thinking about the Scripture. Memorized Scripture can become a part of your life, as you think upon and apply the verses during your daily routine. These memory verses will be your best resource for “life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). Memorized Scripture will aide you in personal guidance, witnessing, teaching, counseling, preaching…
Ideas for memorization: Write memory verses down on a 3 X 5 card (writing something is like saying it seven times). Divide the verses into categories (worry, Holy Spirit, salvation, Etc…) using a 3X5 card box with dividers. Divide scripture into categories. Work through just one category a day, and place that category at the end of the box. Note: Motion aids in memorization, so try to memorize your verses while walking, running, or just working around the house.
Bible Study:
** Writing down these five simple points and filling them out as you read your Bible can be a great Bible study tool.
1.) Message of the Text: What is the section covering over all? Who is it written to? What did it mean to them?
2.) Commands: What action does God command from us in the text?
3.) Promises: What promises did God make in the text. To whom did he make the promise? How does it apply to me?
4.) Principles: Were there any actions by a character in the text that brought forth a Biblical principle whether good or bad?
5.) Application: What am I going to do about what I just read today? Be specific!
Study a book:
Having a particular book of the Bible that you study outside of your regular Bible reading can be really beneficial.
To start take a short book like Ephesians, Philippians, I John, and read a chapter or two a day each day, taking notes on the verses that you read using the five points listed above. Continue with the same book for a month. Remember, repetition is the key to learning! You will develop a wonderful grasp of that particular Book of the Bible that you have been studying.
Margin Notes:
1.) Put notes in your Bible’s margin from reading or preaching that directly relate to the text. 2.) Label your chapters with the story or doctrine that the portion deals with. 3.) Use colored pencil themes. For example blue for Christ’s return, Red for the blood of Christ, Orange for faith. 4.) Put important quotes or sayings in the back of your Bible. Remember a short pencil is better than a long memory!