232:. Shakin’ It Up
· Life · Posted by cdenning · 3 Comments
06.10.09
You ever get in a rut with your Bible study?
I think in an effort to be diligent and to have consistency, I’ve driven myself into a rut with mine. I’ve made it into a chore, rather than an interactive study of something bigger than myself. I think it is good to change things up every once in a while, so I think its time to shake stuff up.
I like the way I execute my studies, but I’ve always had a hard time picking what to study. I’m quite in decisive when it comes to the subject because I could justify why I should read and study any of the Bible. I’ve decided to simplify things. Feel free to copy this if it helps you out:
My daily readings will always include:
1. The Gospels – (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). I want to always have some reminder of the reason I want to learn and study.
2. The Psalms – As a worship leader, I think it is good to keep the spirit of praise or worship in your heart fresh. I’m trying to make sure I read through all of them by marking them as I go.Then, It will include one of these four sections and will rotate through:
1. NT teaching – Books from Acts to Revelation and everything in between . . . which seems a little obvious.
2. OT history – Books from Genesis to Esther, to learn about the history of the Bible and the story of God.
3. OT writings – Books from Job to Song of Songs, which are considered to be wisdom literature in the OT.
4. OT Prophets – Books from Isaiah to Malachi, and this tends to be my weakest spot in my studies.
I’m starting right now in Luke, Psalms & Isaiah, so I’m praying for big things. Also, I really have enjoyed my method of study, so if you’re looking for something new, you should check out my older post to get filled in on that. It’s helped give me structure and method to my studies.
What are you studying? How do you choose what you study?
One.Love
cd
Jeanne
Wow! You are intense. I love it! I am not that disciplined. Althought I read the Bible nightly, I usually go by the wind. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a certain thing, or sometimes I really need some wisdom, or sometimes I want to live out the life of Jesus, and sometimes I simply open the Bible up and begin reading what I feel compelled to (never knowing why I feel that way). Like I said, you are way more structured than I.
Kir
Choosing studies has always been interesting, especially when trying to balance “learning” with “interactive experience”. Trying not to make it homework, but also trying to have enough discipline not to slack off.
I think it may just be too difficult to choose a book, read through, then choose another. I’ve kind of stopped that.
Right now, I’m doing the Beth Moore Daniel Study. Which wasn’t supposed to be incorporated in my QT because I wanted “just time with God, just poring over His Word and praying”. But this study is actually really great at helping me focus and I do end up praying and such with it. Very good, very insightful info on the end times! (Which can also cause your head to spin.)
And I’m now reading the bible in 90 days. It’s challenging with some of the detailed descriptions, but I love it. God is tearing Himself out of the box I put Him in, and it’s great. It’s like I’m finally getting to know the history of the One I talk to and put all my trust in. It also now seems a bit odd that I’ve given my life to God and never read His whole book to know what I was getting into.
This novel ends here. That’s what I’m doing right now.
cdenning
@ Jeanne – Yea, I’m definitely more anal and structured than most when it comes to this, probably to a fault. It has always been hard for me to find a balance with just being with God intentionally and then studying His word. Thanks for sharing.
@ Kir – Right on, I know exactly what you mean about the BM deal bleeding over into a QT. Here’s a question: What’s the difference between Bible Study and a Quiet Time? Is there one at all? I’m not a huge fan of the term “Quiet Time” (it sounds like something I was punished with as a child). But I do think we are called in the Bible to make His word close to our hearts by studying it and knowing it but also called to simply spend time praying and growing the relationship with God. It is a tough balance. Thanks for sharing.
cd