In review of Psalm 1:1-2 I read, “Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people . . . Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night.” (GNT)
There are joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule him. My friends and associates can have a profound influence on me, often in subtle ways. If I insist on friendship with those who mock what God considers important, I too might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will. This attitude is the same as mocking. True friends should help me draw closer to God, not hinder my relationship with him. God will judge me based on my faith in him and my response to his revealed will. When I diligently try to obey His will, I am blessed and watched over. I learn to follow God by spending time reading and thinking about what I've read. It means asking myself how I can change so that I live as God wants.
What do a good detective and a good Bible student have in common? They both learn to ask good questions and draw solid conclusions.
When detectives arrive at a crime scene, they first observe. They look around and see the details most of us would overlook. Then they ask questions. Finally, they put all the facts together to make conclusions.
When I’m a student of the Bible, I approach Scripture like a detective.
I come to a text and look closely at it. I look for details that a quick read might overlook. I ask questions about it. I compare it with other Bible verses or translations. Then I put it all together to figure out, “What does this mean to me today?”
Psalm 1:1-2 says,“Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people . . . Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night” (GNT).
To really get God’s Word into my life, I can’t just read it. I need to study it, like a good detective would.
The difference between just reading and studying is simple. When I read, I merely put my eyes on the words. When I study, I engage with the words. I might make notes with a pen or pencil. I may use a good Bible app to compare verses. I have an inquisitive mind that asks questions of the text.
Consider the investigation questions many of us learned in school: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Those are a great place to start with asking questions of the Bible.
One of the best ways to do it is with a small group. Together I’ll discuss, ask questions, listen, and share with other people. And gain insights I’d miss on my own.
As I become a student of the Bible, I’ll come to know what the Bible says and what it means. And then I’ll be able to apply it to my life.
In summary, Happy are those who reject the advice of evil and instead find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, studying it day and night. Friends and associates can have a profound influence on me. True friends will help me draw closer, not hinder my relationship with God. When I diligently try to obey His will, I am blessed and watched over. I learn to follow by spending time reading and thinking about what I've read. I ask how can I change to live as God wants. Like a detective, look for details that a quick read might overlook. Ask questions about it. Compare it with other verses or translations. Then put it all together to figure out, "what does this mean for me today." When I read, I merely put my eyes on the words. When I study, I engage with the words. Strive for an inquisitive mind that asks questions of the text. Consider the who, what, when, where, why and how questions. With this, I'll come to know what the Bible says and what it means and I'll be able to apply it to my life.
To get the most out of my time in His Word, I need to read slowly, ask questions, compare translations and look for what it means for me. Father, I know there are times when I go a little too quickly or have a distracted mind when I am looking at your Word. I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I do not rush my time, and learn to absorb what you have to say. I pray also for your wisdom and guidance in how I handle my day, my task, my leadership and my interactions with others. I ask this through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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