I get a daily devotional every day from TDDM. I just recently rediscovered it after not being subscribed for a few years. It's been around for quite some time and the devos that these people write sometimes just strike me right on the area I need a punch on! *grins* Take this one for example:

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><> How to Study the Bible <><
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By : Steve Briesacher
TDDMSteve@yahoo.com


Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15-(NLT)

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 2Tim. 3:16 (The Message)

When we consider how we should approach the study of Scripture, the Bible itself provides clear guidelines for application and use. First, we are instructed to "Work hard" to study and understand the Word of God. This means that we are to apply ourselves to the knowledge and understanding of God's Word. We are not merely to read it casually, but rather study it with diligence, with the goal of understanding what God has to say to us. Now I must admit that initially this can seem like a daunting task, particularly for someone who has no background in Bible study. But, God has made provision for that individual.

In 1 Cor. 2:10, 14 we read: "But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. But people who aren't Christians can't understand these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means." When you became a believer, God gave you His Holy Spirit as a guide and interpreter of His Word. God's Spirit will help you discern God's Truth as contained in His Word. When we approach God's Word with diligence and enlist the aid of the Holy Spirit to understand God's Word, then we will be able to correctly understand, explain and apply the truth contained in God's Word.

In 2 Tim 3:16 we read that every part of Scripture is God breathed. This means that our Bible contains the very thoughts and words of our Creator. These are not merely writings of men, but rather inspired writings given by God through human instruments using His Spirit as the agent of transfer. As such, all Scripture is authoritative.

God tells us that there is great profit and usefulness in understanding His Word. First and foremost, God teaches us His Truth. This is foundational to living the Christian life and enjoying its many benefits. Jesus Christ himself told us, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) When we fully comprehend God's Truth, we are freed from our misunderstanding and the lies of Satan and the world, which so easily snare us into false beliefs and unprofitable actions.

Second, God's Word exposes our rebellion. This means that the Bible will point out areas in our lives where we persist in living in a manner that is consistently inconsistent with God's way. As these areas come to light, God's Spirit will place us under conviction, motivating us to change our ways.

Third, God's Word will allow us to correct mistaken beliefs that we may have learned. These mistaken beliefs may have been the result of the teaching of our parents, friends, religious institutions, or society in general. When we go directly to the Bible, we learn God's Truth directly from the source of Truth. This is how we are able to discern truth from error. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul talks about a church in Berea that was particularly disciplined in checking everything out by comparing what they heard from men with what they learned in Scripture. Luke said of that church, " Now the Bereans were of more noble character … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11) We are likewise encouraged to compare all truth to God's Truth, and only hold on to that which is consistent with the Word of God.

Finally, God tells us that His Word will train us to live His Way. I haven't always lived God's way. There was even a time early in my Christian life when I continued to live my way. May I share that this was one of the most miserable times in my life? No one is more miserable than a child of God living outside the will of God is. Then there was that day when I purposed in my heart to take the Word of God seriously. I began spending time in the Bible every day. I read the Bible cover to cover for several months - each time I read and gaining a greater understanding of God's Truth. I read conservative Christian commentaries to help me better understand the Word of God. And my life has been different ever since that day. Because I have allowed God's Word - the Bible - to train me in the way God has designed me to live, I have become a kinder, gentler, more caring person as I have allowed God to mold me and make me more like Christ. It has been an amazing journey. And it all bega!
n with the decision to take God's Word at face value.

May I encourage you to begin reading the Bible with the idea of letting it guide and direct your daily decisions and actions? As you study God's Word, pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding of Scripture. Then, begin keeping notes where Scripture has revealed a truth, pointed out an area of rebellion, corrected a mistaken belief, or provide guidance on how to live a life that is consistent with God's way. As you reflect on those notes, make the appropriate changes in your thought and behavior, and you will notice a profound difference in the way you experience God, and the way you experience life. Enjoy the ride!

What he talks about hits me where I'm at. I don't read my Bible much, and when I do, it's just casual. Occaisionally I meditate on a certain verse, but that's not very often. This devo has challanged me to really work at studying God's Word. I want to know it! I want to be able to be closer to God through it. So I'd appreciate your prayers, whoever you are!