1 Simple Thing To Help You Grow In Your Faith Each Day
With a vast array of Biblical resources available to Christians, including Bible studies, podcasts, and commentaries, to name a few… it sometimes can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. On top of that, many of us are faced with the busyness of everyday life, so while we want to grow in faith, we may question whether we can fit any of these resources in our already hectic schedules. Fortunately, there is one simple thing that you can do to help you grow in your faith each day, and that is to open your Bible. We’ve listed a few steps to get you started.
Pick A Time & Place
To Study Your Word
Pick a time and place
It can be easy to talk ourselves out of being in our Bible when we have a lengthy to-do list calling for our attention. It may feel like you just don’t have the time. Take a moment to look at your calendar and find time to grow in your faith, whether you rearrange some things on your calendar or “add time” in by waking up earlier or utilizing a lunch break. Treat this block of time as important as the other appointments in your calendar. Our faith is important!
Once a time has been established, choose a place. If possible, pick a place that will have limited-to-no distractions. If you wake up before anyone else does, the options of places within your home opens. If you choose a place out of the house, that’s fine too – but try to keep the area separate from your work area that’s designated for being in your Bible only.
Grab Your Tools
To Study Your Bible
Grab your tools
You know what they say… come prepared! If you will be studying at home, gather all the things you will want to use as resources and put them in your designated place. If you are a heavy note-taker or if you like putting your thoughts on paper, make sure you have a notebook or journal nearby. Pens, pencils, and highlighters are all good options for making notes in a journal or in the margins of your Bible. Having a dictionary available is a great resource for defining less commonly used words that may be found in your Bible. With modern technology, many of us simply do a web search to define a word, but if you created a space with limited distractions, consider owning a physical dictionary to avoid getting snared by your media device.
Prepare Your Mind
To Receive From God
Prepare your Mind
Your intentions in opening and studying your Bible are important. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” We can’t grow in our faith unless we come to the word of God with an open heart and believing in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. God wants us reading the Bible with honest and humbled intentions, rather than prideful or disobedient intentions. Jesus warns us in John 5:39-40 that simply reading Scripture without giving our life to Him is not what He wants. He says, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” Be aware of where your mind and heart is when you come to the Bible. If it’s not in a good spot, don’t worry – simply pray to God before you read. For example, you may pray for God to open your heart and mind to His word so that you may better understand who He is.
See What Charles Stanley Has To Say About Reading Your Bible Here
Ask Questions
To People You Trust
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! In fact, enjoy asking questions! Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God encourages us to ask, seek, and knock! You may ask yourself a few “W” questions such as: Who is the author? Who is the audience? What is the context? What is the message? Why was it written?
It was suggested earlier to grab a Dictionary as part of your tools. Don’t stop at just defining a word but look up what the original meaning of that word is in the original language (Greek or Hebrew). Read the passage in a different translation. Highlight verses that stick out to you. Trusted commentaries can be helpful in your understanding of the passages but believe in the power of God’s Word and prayer for understanding as well. Prayerfully consider what the message means and how you can apply it to your life. You can do this for entire passages or simply one verse; there’s no wrong way to approach it if you’re seeking the Lord the way He asks us to.
Click Here For 6 Simple Steps To Studying Your Bible
Fortunately, we don’t have to jump through hoops to grow in our faith; God gives us all we need! Pick a time and place, grab your tools, prepare your mind, ask questions, and you’ll be growing in your faith in no time!
