A Life of Studying God’s Word

Written by Dorothy Brown

by Suzanne Benner

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.??? (Psalm 119:9 – 11)

Because my son recently attained his driving learners’ license, I have heard lots of stories of how many times teenagers have failed the test. Regardless of their parents’ advice or their friends’ experience, each one seems to think that that he doesn’t need to study. A casual look at the manual ought to be enough, they think.

Too often we approach our Christian life in the same manner. We think, “I go to church; I have a general idea of what God wants; that should be enough to get me through.???

More than a handbook of rules, the Bible is a love story written to us. It isn’t an archaic manual; it is the book of life. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double – edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.??? (Hebrews 4:12)

It is active and interactive. A couple years at Bible school won’t carry you through your whole life; weekly Sunday school classes or sermons won’t sustain you for the whole week.

Daily, we need to listen to God by studying His word.

As we read the Bible, we discern who God is. When we study, we find encouragement for our current struggles. By memorizing passages of Scripture, we discover strength for our difficult decisions.

~God, I want to know You. Help me to be diligent in studying Your word.

Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: When is the best time for you to read the Bible? How does studying go beyond reading? What are some good “study habits??? that you have discovered?

2. Comment on the devotional blog. Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment??? (just under the devotional title).

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4. Related reading: How to have an inductive Bible Study:
http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/growth/inductivebiblestudy.html

About the Author
This devotional was written by Suzanne Benner. Read more about Suzanne: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/suzanne-benner/

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