Reading God’s Word Should Never Be A Bore!

Reading God’s Word Should Never Be A Bore!

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4

Can you relate to any or all of the following statements?

You know as a believer in Jesus Christ you need and want to read your Bible, but you find it hard to squeeze it into your busy schedule?

You get lots out of the sermons which your Pastor preaches, but when you read your Bible on your own, it's like reading with your eyes closed?

You easily get distracted while reading your Bible. Your mind wanders ALL over the place except where it's supposed to be and that's on The Word of God?

I think at times we all struggle with the statements listed above, but they definitely should not become an habitual practice in our life.

Reading God's Word

should NEVER

be a chore,

be a bore

or make you snore!

If you're like me and tend to get more out of your Bible reading by following a "plan" or participating in a Bible study, then I have some great news for you! 

I'd like to share with you a new Bible study which I recently began.

I've mentioned, "The Time Warp Wife", also known as Darlene Schacht, in previous posts and, YES, I'm going to mention her once again! 

I've completed four of her Bible studies, and I can honestly say that with each one, I was encouraged, challenged, and most of all, the Lord worked mightily in my life.

Her latest Bible study is, "The Book of Romans".

If you are interested in doing this study, it's definitely NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN. The study began just this past Monday. You do NOT need to stay on the schedule which is provided. You are free to work at your own pace.

It would be a great study to do with a group of friends from church or one on one, especially with an unbeliever or a newly saved person, since, Paul, in the Book of Romans, shares the Gospel many times, and how to know for sure that Jesus is your personal Saviour.

Or you can be like me and do the study on your own. Wait, let me rephrase that. It's Jesus and me doing the study!

You can download the study for FREE at timewarpwife.com

You can also purchase a paperback book of the study for $8.99 plus shipping at Amazon.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Darlene posts her thoughts and answers to the questions on Facebook. You are free to leave comments and it's a great way to interact and learn from others!

https://www.facebook.com/timewarpwife/

If you don't have a Facebook account, you can sign up on her blog to receive her answers to the questions and all sorts of FREE "goodies"! 

One of my favorite things about Darlene's studies is that they are simple and yet in-depth. They get you in the Word, make you think, and cause you to study inside and outside of your Bible.

For example, here is one of the questions from chapter one:

"Paul also refers to himself as a 'servant' of Christ. The Greek word for servant here is 'doulos'. What is the meaning of that word?"

So as you can see, I needed to go on a hunt outside the Bible to find out that doulos means, "Someone who belongs to another. A bond slave without any ownership rights of their own."

You might be thinking, "But Barb, I don't have fancy resources to be able to look up words like that." 

Neither do I! What I do is either Google the words, pull up Websters 1828 Dictionary or a concordance on my tablet, computer or phone! Easy Peasy!

It's been well over a week since I answered that question, but the Lord keeps bringing it to my mind. I'm still chewing on all that it entails.

You would think that after all Paul endured, that he, of all people, would be due some kind of special entitlement. 

I mean come on, ALL that Paul did was for Jesus. He constantly shared Christ with others. He preached the Gospel every where he went, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Was beaten, stoned, put in prison, chained to a guard 24/7 for two years, and so much more. He ALWAYS took a stand, spoke up and was NEVER ashamed to share his faith in Christ.

So after all that, you would get the idea that he might be called a "hero" of Christ. A "champion" of Christ. A "super saint" of Christ.

But since Paul is the author of Romans, Paul named himself as a servant, a bond slave, a doulos of Jesus Christ!

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God."
Romans 1:1

This has caused me to examine my own life. Asking myself, "Am I a true doulos of Jesus Christ?"

A true doulos of Christ certainly is not perfect, but will strive every day to become more conformed into the image of Jesus.

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Philippians 2:6-8

A true doulos of Christ willingly and cheerfully follows the Lord's instructions immediately without murmuring nor complaining.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
The words of Jesus written in The Gospel of John 14:15

A true doulos of Christ will give all the glory and honor to the Lord for whatever they accomplish.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23

A true doulos of Christ will share the Gospel with others so that they too can know Christ as their personal Saviour.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15

All this just from one simple question found in a Bible study! 

Perhaps you are already involved in an ongoing Bible study, follow a Bible reading plan or read from your favorite devotional, which is great. Keep on reading, studying and learning!

But if you find yourself closing your Bible, scratching your head and thinking, "What did I just read?",  then I would highly suggest you check out all the different Bible studies available at "The Time Warp Wife" website (click on the link listed above).

Maybe Romans is not for you at this particular time. There's an excellent study on "The Book of Esther", a wonderful study on the subject of "Grace", a fantastic study through "The Book of Philippines", and even great resources for your children!

Bottom line...

reading God's Word

should NEVER

be boring!

So do

whatever it takes

to make

God's Word

come alive

in your life!

"The grass withereth,

the flower fadeth:

but the word

of our God

shall stand for ever."

Isaiah 40:8

 

 


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May God Bless You,

Barb

4 Comments

  • Will Henning

    June 7, 2017 at 9:24 am Reply

    Thanks for the encouragement. I've been struggling with this...currently three years into a plan to read the bible in a year.

    • Barb

      June 7, 2017 at 11:18 am Reply

      I hear you Will! I'm currently reading through my Bible this year, and by God's grace and ONLY by His grace, have I been able to stay on track! I find it so much easier to work in a Bible study book where I'm challenged by questions.
      God bless you my friend

  • Linda

    June 8, 2017 at 5:06 am Reply

    Barb, thank you for the reminder about that site! I have today got the study guide for Romans!! So maybe I'll be able to catch up!!
    I've always loved the Bible, regards get from teenage years. But I admit there have been seasons where it has seemed "dry". It's so good that these days we can connect via technology and do bible studies with others across the globe - which underscores that we are part of a worldwide family!! I enjoyed reading the example in your post of how meditating on a word/verse can bring greater understanding, and application too - I'll always remember "doulos" now . Thank you for encouraging all of us to dig into the Word! Lots of love and hugs from way over here!❤️

    • Barb

      June 8, 2017 at 11:21 am Reply

      Linda, I am thrilled that you downloaded the Romans study. Now it will be like we are doing the study together just in different parts of the world!! Yes, I get amazed at times of how just one word or verse can hold so much meaning. You are a treasured friend who I'm so very thankful that the Lord brought into my life. Love you and sending loads of hugs to your corner of the world ❤❤

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