Would you go mountain climbing without equipment and training? Me neither. Understanding and applying the Bible’s truths equips you to climb (or move!) the mountains in your life. It gives you the tools you need to live beyond the circumstances that surround you. It gives you hope in the face of seemingly hopeless situations.
The Inductive Study Method (see yesterday’s post) is a simple approach to reading, understanding and applying God’s Word so that you can live out your life with joy, peace, faith, and real power. (If you want to enjoy His promises, read and apply His Word.)
It is a discipline that will improve your skills and your life over time. It starts with a desire to not just know more about God (and yourself) but to experience more of who God is and how much He loves you. After all, this book is his personal love story to you.
When something you read and interpret strikes you as important, stop and reflect on this. You might want to write your impressions down in a notebook for future reference. One thing I have often done is simply write one word or phrase on a 3×5 card and placed it in my pocket, or on a mirror, or by my computer to challenge me to ponder the truth I had just read. Holding this truth up against how I am living leads me to ask myself how life would be better if I actually applied this truth to my daily routines and life goals.
Transformation comes from taking truth from the mind to the heart and then into our daily lives. Why not try this for thirty days? Hopefully you can find a quiet spot, free from distractions, and a set time of day to better understand God’s plan. If you want, ask a mature friend that you trust and respect to study with you.
You CAN understand the Bible. You CAN grow closer to the one true living God who loves you dearly. You CAN apply tested truths to living a victorious life no matter what your circumstances! Ask God to help you understand and see what happens!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:5-7