Now that my blogging emancepation is complete, I’d like to begin a weekly exchange which is devoted to fulfillment of Hebrews 10:24, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds”. My friend Shannon has a wildly successful weekly exchange of tips, many of which I have used myself. This will be an exchange of tips where women encourage one another to:
1. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
2. Devote themselves to observation, interpretation and application of God’s Word in their lives
3. Encourage God-centered behavior and thought
What’chall think about that idea? I’m calling it Devout Devotions. In a sense, it’s mentoring (Titus 2:3-5) through our blogs & comments. Each week I’ll post a thought or question about the above and ask you to jump in, either on your own blog or in the comments. I’ve discovered that Mr. Linky and WordPress don’t get on so well, so we’ll avoid that by you placing your links in the comments section. So lets do this my friends.
Week One: Study & the Word of God
There is no question that all of us have more than enough on our plates. Between managing our homes, raising and nurturing our children, work inside and outside the home, marriage, family and extended family, friends, church…I think you get the picture. Study is frequently relegated to the “when I have time” bin. But, I’m going to go out on a limb and share a secret with you. Are you listening? Study doesn’t just happen. There, I said it. If you are a Christian you have been instructed to study God’s Word, to know it and apply it. This is not an optional feature of the Christian life. There is no opt out on this one.
Lets look at one example, a man named Ezra, which means helper.
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10
From this text alone we learn much about Ezra. He had set his heart to study the law of the LORD. In Hebrew it says that he “kuwn”, literally to set up or to set erect, with purpose his heart to “frequent” the Word of God. Frequent is not a phrase we use today. I could say that I frequent the grocery store. I frequent Wal-Mart. I frequent the kitchen sink. I set my heart to frequent the computer where I read and write emails, enjoy online videos and stop by Facebook to see what folks are up to. Have I set up my heart, with purpose to frequent the Word of God?
Now, lets get down and dirty. How do we do this ladies? How do we set our hearts to frequent the Word of God? Go all practical on me now.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
It is with shame that I’ll raise my hand and say “I feel convicted.”
You’ve inspired, motivated and challenged me. Thank you.
Thankyou for the kick in the pants… needed that this morning…
(rubbing hind end and walking away)
Amy
Net and Amy…ditto! That’s why I wrote it. Now, what are we going to do about it?
Love,
jules
When I find myself breaking between tasks and heading to the computer for mindless surfing, I’ll instead head for my favorite chair by the window and pick up my Bible. When I sit, I’ll start by praying and then begin with the Proverbs that is the day of the month. Then I’ll move to Psalms and read that day of the month, double the number and read that, then triple it….you get the idea, to get through the 150 Psalms in 30 days.
After that, I’ll close my Bible and pray again asking God to lead me. I’ll reopen it at random and let the living Word speak to me where I am.
I hesitate to say any more, for I’ve learned to not boast about tomorrow, for we know not what tomorrow will bring.
I do have a couple of other books that I’ve started and never finished that I will start again. One is Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little. Jules you gave me this book 02-25-01, I wrote it inside. Can you believe that? EXACTLY 8 years ago today. That gives me chills. Wow. I wanted to say it’s a coincidence, but it certainly isn’t.
The other one is How Do You Know God’s Your Father? You’re familiar with this one, too. It’s a Precept, 40-minute, 6-weeks Bible Studies by Kay Arthur.
You’re so right when you say study doesn’t just happen. I know I’m sinning every day when I’m not studying. I have absolutely no excuses. I could say I was busy, but the truth is, I’m not too busy. I need to put this effort above all else, even if it means getting up an hour earlier. It’s truly an exercise that I can’t afford to not do. I certainly don’t deserve the grace He has exended to me thus far, but He has, so faithfully.
When the littles at this house were really little and not akin to letting this Mom study without their “assistance” and sleep was at a premium so getting up early was also ruled out, I used to keep my Bible study at the kitchen counter. I was there a large part of the day anyway. That way the littles thought I was working on something in the kitchen–I was, and even if they circled their wagons around me, I could throw snacks at them!
The whole curling up in a chair and having a serene quiet time was just not going to happen. The minute I sat, they pounced. But I could study and read while standing. I could pray while standing. Imagine! And as the boys grew and noticed what I was doing, they asked me.
What opportunities then to share and discuss with my sons the precious Word of God.
Their ages and maturity now lend themselves to us each having a sit down study time before we start our homeschool.
hey ladies
i posted a blog about this a while back. i started doing daily reading through several parts of the Bible back in january. i don’t do it everyday and i’m not going to hate myself when i don’t. but, in general, i do it. and i do it by setting my alarm for 5 am every morning. i would say that since january, i’ve probably averaged about 4 or 5 reading times per week. as a result, i’ve read about 5 books in the Bible thus far this year.
you can check out the blog post here: http://burningbushes.org/?p=28
the link to optional reading courses here: http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/12/bible-reading-plans.html
and a great post by noel piper about committing to read scripture. i love this though i have to admit i did start reading again in january. here: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2003/1535_Never_in_January/
i’ve had on and off seasons with bible reading and since babies, i’ve mostly been off. the last two months have been so much better for my walk with the Lord. it’s amazing what a little study can do.
“Go all practical on me now.” is JUST what I needed. When I see the word practical, I immediately replace it with pragmatic.
Bible study is something I’ve run hot and cold with for years. I think it’s because I’ve had it in my mind that it has to be done a certain way or it’s not “right.” I love Elle’s method because it breaks all those unwritten (and unfounded) “rules” I’ve had about how Bible study should be done.
For me, I think I need to approach Bible study the way I approach every other goal I have. First and foremost – for me – are microactions. I rarely have big chunks of time to devote to anything I do, so over the years I’ve adopted the microaction mentality. Baby steps, pieces parts, tiny changes that have a cumulative result. I don’t know why I never considered Bible study in that mindset. I have to make it part of the flow of my day. Easy to slip in and out of. No obstacles, little reacclimation.
To that end, I just downloaded something called the Ultimate Handheld Bible Library last week. It’s the full Bible, with cross references, concordance, and multiple commentaries. I’m going to load it on my Palm Centro right now. Since I have my phone with me practically everywhere I go, I will have a Bible and lots of commentaries with me too. I’m also going to be shopping for Bible study texts in eReader, Mobile PDF or MobiPocket formats.
The second step is accountability. I have a link on my blog sidebar for exercise accountability, but I’m not sure how to “measure” Bible study to fit that method. I can’t decide.
One thing we did for years was a bedtime devotion with my son and daughter, but we haven’t been doing that this year. I’m starting back tonight. It was a wonderful time of connection and learning just before sleep. For all of us.
Finally, there’s blogging. I haven’t posted a devotional on my “Communion” blog since August. Checking that date just now was a shocker. Carnivals are a great way for me to post on something routinely. Word-Filled Wednesdays at The 160 Acre Woods is a great carnival for weekly accountability. As is devout devotions!
You’re doing me proud Ladies! I’m lovin’ it. Keep it comin’.
This is a great idea! I will be popping in when I can:)
I love this idea, Jules! I think my study USUALLY happens in little bits of time. I carry my Bible with me and read whenever I have a few minutes. I’ll be honest…I don’t devote much time to serious shut-yourself-in-a-room-with-no-distractions study. I’d love to purpose to do more of that! I am looking forward to your weekly reminders!
I just popped over from Elle’s blog and I’ve really enjoyed reading some of your older posts. I appreciate your emphasis on the “practical”.
I used to moan about how I really needed to “get” more consistent with my quiet time. It wasn’t until I stopped talking about “getting” time and started “making” time that things started to change. I set my alarm clock for 5:40 so I can get time with the Lord before anybody else wakes up and that’s made a HUGE difference in my day and ultimately my life. Last year I started taking 15-20 minutes each night before bed to read through the bible chronologically. I used to struggle with nighttime panic attacks but they ceased once I went to sleep with scripture on my mind. This year I’m going through the New Testament at bedtime and it’s been nice going slowly through the gospels.
I’ve found it’s easier to be consistent with the bedtime reading than the AM, but I’ve also found that my bedtime consistency has encouraged more AM consistency. (Does that make any sense at all??)
Anyway, thanks for starting Devout Devotions. I’m really looking forward to it!
I’m enjoying this one.
Practically speaking – bedtime doesn’t work for me as I don’t read very well through my drooping eyelids. My kids aren’t early risers, so I am sure to get up well before them, and meet with the Lord in the morning. What helps me? A set location (my comfy chair, resources handy, pens and pencils, coaster for my coffee cup) and a mindset that says, “I have a divine appointment with my Lord this morning.” Valley of Vision, Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening, Oswald Chambers’s My Utmost for His Highest, and Tabletalk magazine are all beloved friends, second of course to the Word. Sometimes, my quiet time is simply singing songs of praise or praying Psalms outloud. Other times, I use my prayer journal to help my sorry brain remember those for whom I want to intercede. I found that a random Bible reading doesn’t work well for me, so I select a year-plan to keep me on track. Like Net said, I won’t boast about tomorrow, but I am on schedule today. 
I copied that same Ezra reference into my journal just a few weeks ago, Jules. Like Daniel set himself not to be defiled, Ezra set his heart to study the Word. We must do the same.
A note of encouragement to these darling moms of little-bitties: this is but a season. It will pass, and one day, to your surprise and joy, your children will actually shush each other when they see you reading, rather than pounce on you. Find moments with Jesus whenever and wherever you can. I just bought The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence, the monk who found the presence of the Lord while doing dishes to be just as glorious as in any cathedral. Oh – and I keep a pocket-size Bible in the car, easy to tuck in my purse and read in the waiting room of the dr’s office, or in line at the ATM.
One last: don’t mix up your justification with your sanctification. You are completely saved by the atonement of Christ, and daily quiet time adds nothing to that. We are indeed commanded to move from milk to meat, but only because it increases our maturity in Christ, not because it adds to our saved-ness. Shed the guilt and seek the joy to be found in the growing up.
One of the ways I set my mind on the word of God is by listening to the Bible that I have on my I pod. Another way is to study the Bible on Wednesdays at my Biblestudy group and I read the Bible at various other times as well. On Sunday, there is a Bible passage that the congregation participates in reading that becomes the basis for the sermon.
Vera
I have been praying for inspiration and dedication for quiet time with my Lord. Thanks for the kick. I’ll be hanging around and gleaning.
Look at what I miss when I’m a stranger to the blog world for a few days! This is great! I’m headed out the door to take the kids to school, but then…I’ll be back….
I am so excited by this, and all of the wonderful comments. It caused me to end up blogging, but in a nutshell for me I try to use accountability and time fillers. My biggest problem is I can let those things slip, so what it comes down to is as Rabbit said, just setting my heart as Ezra did. Of course, as simple as it seems it isn’t always.
Thank you for this!
“Study doesn’t just happen”. You got that right. As my friend Elizabeth is fond of saying, “If you want to learn to play tennis, get out of your bathrobe.”
I’m a mom of an infant and a toddler. I’ve envied the other women who speak/blog about their “morning devotions” and lamented that I haven’t found that kind of quiet time. But I’ve recently been convicted by a couple of things: Proverbs 31 and Lent. If that woman can wake while it is still dark, so I can I. And while I am not Catholic, I have been prompted to give up Facebook for the next (almost) 40 days and lo and behold, I found myself with time to study God’s Word! AND give my undivided attention to my precious chillens!
Thanks, Jules. And all of you who commented.
Oh – something else to share: I am about to do the dishes and so will turn on a message from http://www.lifechurch.tv
I am looking forward to seeing how this grows each week!
“If you are a Christian you have been instructed to study God’s Word, to know it and apply it. This is not an optional feature of the Christian life.” Amen! So, practically that happens how?
As Elisabeth Elliot always says, the answer is simple, not easy. And, I truly think the best answer is, just do it!! Don’t try to “find” the time – MAKE the time! It may not be easy. And, truth be told, especially when conviction is involved, it may not even be enjoyable! (Who really enjoys being brought face-to-face with their sin?) And, yes, it will probably require sacrifice – maybe a few minutes of sleep, maybe a favorite TV program, or a new novel, maybe a little “me time” while the children are napping or playing. But, the bottom line is that we all make time for the things we truly want to do. We say no to one thing in order to say yes to something else. It is a choice. As unintentional, insignificant, or spontaneous as it may seem, it is a choice.
Secondly, I think it is important to differentiate between a daily time in the Word (“quiet time” or “devotions”) and in depth study. A consistent time of intentional, purposeful, and methodical reading of Scripture (not the “Russian Roulette” version of open-and-point at random) will allow for Scripture to shed light on, and interpret other parts of Scripture, helping us to better understand, and apply its truths on a daily basis. But, while they can be one in the same, they often are not. And, I think many young moms/mommies of young children are intimidated by the thought of daily study. Study is something that (necessarily) takes dedicated, undistracted time, and work. And, I think that concept can be overwhelming in a season when time and energy seem to be at a premium. Time needs to be made/allowed/planned for in depth study in addition to our daily time in the Word, not in place of it. But, even with young children, it is not impossible…and if we are to raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord – it is essential!!
Assuming our husbands are believers, they can be our greatest allies in this pursuit. Ask them for a few hours on a Saturday, a Sunday afternoon, or even an evening after the children are in bed, so that you can get away (either literally or figuratively), and focus on digging into Scripture. But, if that is not an option, intentionally utilize regular quiet times in your home – naptimes, quiet play time, independant reading/school time.
Also, I think many people simply do not understand *how* to study. If we want to cook an unfamiliar dish, we turn to a cookbook. If we want to learn a new hobby (sewing or knitting, for example), we might ask a talented friend to help us. So it is with Bible study. There are numerous methods out there (some undeniably better than others), and it can be confusing, or overwhelming to get started. But, there are also many resources out there – books, pastors, mentors, teachers, friends – which will help us to learn and develop the necessary skills to “rightly handle the Word of Truth.”
(Jules, sorry for rambling on…Once again, you have touched on a subject that I am extremely passionate about…and sparked a few upcoming posts on my own blog! Feel free to edit as you see fit.)
Elle and Rabbit give me hope – and remind me of His grace. Having two preschoolers – no matter what time I get up – makes regular morning reading hit and miss. And, reading at night just means fighting sleep. I *love* Elle’s idea of doing it while standing! Brilliant!
As a lifelong believer but baby Pentecostal, I picked up a mass market softcover copy of the NKJV “Spirit Filled” bible to supplement my regular bible and I’m working my way through the Book of Acts. Also studying 2 Corinthians since we are doing a chapter a week at our midweek study at church.
I’m not good with all the published bible studies like Elisabeth Elliott and Beth Moore. Prefer to just go digging on my own with my bible, a quality concordance, and the e-versions of some other commentaries on my Palm’s KJV version: Barnes, Geneva, Gills, Henry Concise, Scofield, Wesley’s notes, etc.
Like a lot of the ladies here I try to snatch time when I can. I keep a Bible and an assortment of devotional books near my favorite chair and pick one up whenever I have a chance to sit – but as pointed out, a sitting mama is a needy-child magnet so I love Elle’s idea of standing in the kitchen.
Another thing I sometimes do is to print up or write a chapter or collection of scriptures and tape it on the outside of the glass in my shower. I can usually manage an uninterrupted shower and it’s good to read and meditate while I relax and lather up.
When we lived in a home without glass shower doors, I put the paper in a plastic page protector and taped it onto the shower wall sealing the open end with one long piece of tape.
It’s something I’ve not been doing lately so thanks for the inspiration to be diligent in my study again.
Just recently I’ve started getting up early so I can try to get in some very quiet time by myself before the kids get up. It doesn’t always happen every single day that I have uninterrupted time – I’m still in that season with a little one, too – but I have gotten serious about setting the alarm and making it a habit. I usually at least can pray and get started on my reading at that time. Then I keep my Bible out where I can see it and read a little as I can throughout the day – even in the kitchen, like Elle said, or while I sit in the bathroom waiting for my potty training two-year-old. Also, I listen to quality, biblical preaching on my iPod when I exercise or work around the house, which often will spur me on to read more on my own. And the shower is often my prayer closet, too.
Another thing I have found helpful is that I try not to pick up any other reading until I have at least finished the daily reading from my Bible. The rationale there is that if I have time for a novel, I have time for the Bible and I do want to prioritize.
And being part of Community Bible Study was helpful, too. Knowing we would meet together each week was great motivation for finishing the homework, and the more I learn, the more I have come to need that time each day, I have found. In the beginning reading the Bible and taking time to pray seemed harder as I tried to establish the habit, but I’m finding now that my day just doesn’t seem complete without it.
I just popped over here and saw this post and I had to comment how wonderful it is and so true.
For me…I tend to ask myself, if I can spend that time picking up the remote and turning on a show, couldn’t I make that same choice to pick up the bible instead and open it up.
It’s boils down to personal responsibility, free-will and choice.
No one but ourselves has that personal responsibility to use our free-will to make that choice to read the bible instead of watching t.v., reading a non-Christian book or picking up the magazine.
I remember reading a tip somewhere that it helps having several bibles laying throughout the house and not just for show, lol, but so it makes it harder to have an excuse, NOT, to read the bible.
We live in a time and place where there is so many ways to read God’s word and honestly, the only limit, is ourselves.
We can download the bible on PDA’s or Iphones, buy a purse size bible, buy several regular bibles and live them throughout or if we have an ipod, download an audio bible to listen to or maybe pop a cd or mp3 in the car and listen to the bible on the way to wherever one’s travel takes us.
It really takes away the excuse, “there’s no time to read the bible or it’s too hard”.