New Year, New Resolve

Thinking about resolutions. Everyone does it, but to we really RESOLVE? I know I have never been successful, but this year, I am going to try a different approach. In this beautiful devotional that my littlest sister gifted me, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, I found two ultimate lists to strive for. Moses' list and Peter's list.

These two lists are the basis of our Christian walk of faith. Moses'list, found in Exodus 20:3-17, is our list of laws. Given to us, through Moses by God. Why not make it a resolution. These things are all attainable, with work and effort and the help of the Lord. We need only ask Him.

Exodus 20:3-17New International Version (NIV)

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Peter's list, on the other hand, is a list of how we should live a godly life. Found in 2 Peter 1:5-8, gives us the most important aspects of showing the love of God to others. 

2 Peter 1:5-8New International Version (NIV)

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm basing my list on these. Comment your resolutions below. Let's also encourage and pray for each other. 

How To Study God's Word

Starting a Bible study of your own often feels like a daunting task. How to study. What to study. Which Bible version to use. Do I need markers? Pencils? Crayons? Or, good-grief, WATERCOLORS?

SOURCE

I’m not an artist. I can’t draw. Oh my goodness. I’m so overwhelmed. Maybe I’ll just forget about it. Girlfriend! STOP RIGHT THERE! Take a breath. Breathe in, breathe out, grab your tea, have a seat, and let’s discuss this. I’m here to tell you that the only right way is ONE VERSE AT A TIME.

Start at the beginning. Start in the middle. Start with the New Testament. Start at Proverbs. It doesn’t matter. Just START. Read. Sit. Down. And. Read.

Let’s begin our discussion with preparation. Prepare your time, your location, your supplies and most importantly, your heart. Now, when I say prepare, I DO NOT mean go out and spend money. I simply mean set these things aside and earmark them for Bible Study. This way you can focus on preparing yourself and your heart. That being said,  let’s focus on these preparations.

To begin with, making the decision to study God’s Word will strengthen your relationship with God. In order to be successful and set this new habit so that it becomes second nature, you want to schedule the time. You will soon find it to be the part of the day that you look forward to the most. Choosing the time is all you. My time is at the beginning of my day. I have my coffee and often study on my porch. I enjoy the sounds of creation as I read the Word. Not a morning person? Mornings too hectic? Set aside your lunch hour. Study at the time when you are most alert and receptive to what you are studying.

Whether you get up an hour early, stay up an hour later, or study after the kids head out the door to school is up to you. My advice to you is to schedule the time in and stick to it. If you are studying when your family is home, let them know this is Bible Study time. If they want to study as well that is wonderful. If not delegate this time as quiet time. Or schedule it in as family-wide, individual Bible Study.

I am not discouraging a family Bible Study, however, this is YOUR time with God. There are many resources for children, such as Videos, music, books, coloring pages and books, etc, to help you delegate this time.

Next, prepare your location. You will need a quiet place, apart from the chaos of daily life. Don’t feel like you need a “She-Shed” or “War Room,” although who doesn’t want one! I’m talking about a clear spot at the kitchen table, the front porch, your desk, or the dining room no one uses except on holidays. Place your supplies (read on for that) there or keep them easily accessible nearby. Keep it simple and peaceful to allow you to focus on God’s message to you through His Word.

Supplies. This is where I feel we become overwhelmed. I use my Bible, a plain journal, some colored pens, a black pen and since I write some scriptures daily, a monthly list of scriptures to write that I found here. By keeping things simple, I am free to focus on the words.

Finally we arrive at the most important aspect. Preparing your heart. Once you have seated yourself, take a moment to silence your self. Quiet your mind and heart. Next, bow your head and pray. Bless His name, confess your sins,asking for forgiveness,  thank Him for the opportunity to study freely, and pray for a clear message on this day.

I have two recommendations on choosing where to start. Begin at Genesis 1 and read one chapter each day. As an alternative, begin in the chapter of Proverbs that coincides with the date (February 7th = Proverbs 7) and read one chapter daily. As I read through the chapter, I try to focus on a verse or verses that speak to me. This verse or verses I write in my journal. This way I feel as if I am writing them on my heart. It helps me to ponder and focus even more on my study.

If you come across something you don’t understand, look it up. Either in a reference book, online, or ask your church leader (minister, Sunday School teacher, etc.). He or she may even suggest a reference tool for you.   

There is no wrong way. There is no required supply other than your Bible. Read. One. Verse. At. A. Time.