Bible Study

In times past, when I would find myself in the grip of depression, sickness, emotional distress, or relational turmoil, I discovered a direct correlation to my lack of Bible reading and Bible study. In other words, when I was not soaking up or devouring God’s Word on a daily basis, portholes and doors would open for Satan to get a toe hold within me and His lies would slooowly and gradually begin to seep in. Seemingly, once this realization was made, it would be simple to put Satan in his proper place and merely expend the time previously committed to worry and concern to reading the Bible. NOT SO! Satan will put stumbling blocks in our path that either distract us from our Bible study or place the lie in our mind that situations that he has authored in our lives are more important at the moment.

Make no mistake about it. We are at WAR in the spiritual realm. How we win that war is by knowing God’s battle plan that He has graced us with in his Word. If we don’t know the plan, then we not only put our own well being in jeopardy but the well being of our households as well. The war is real. The spiritual realm is real. Most Americans see the spiritual realm as “out there” some where. This is simply just not so! The warring in the spiritual realm is up close, personal and IN YOUR FACE! The problem is that the American church is either unaware (probably because they do not read or study the Bible) or the church is so apathetic that it is simply not interested.

Notice that I separate “reading” the Bible from “studying” the Bible. These are two very different things! Certainly, one can read the Bible and receive revelation. However, when the Bible is studied much more detail comes to light. Quick pop quiz. How many books are in the Bible? What are the differences in view point between I & II Chronicles and I & II Kings? Who wrote the Book of Hebrews. To whom did the apostle Paul write the book of Romans? Why are the books of the Bible arranged in the order that they are in? Do you understand what I am talking about?

Study requires more than just merely reading. Study includes reading, additional resources, research, and consistent effort with constant learning. What? You don’t like to read? Then you have a very REAL problem because God spent some 4000+ years to give us the Bible to reveal Himself to us and let us know how HE expects US to conduct ourselves. I’m not saying that you must devote hours each day to study even though I attempt to get in ten to fourteen hours each week while holding down a full time job, lead my family spiritually, and attend to Deacon duties within the church. If you could devote one hour each day to prayer and Bible study you will have accumulated 365 hours of prayer and study in a year’s time. I have discovered that when I devote at least an hour to God each day in prayer and study that my life seems to go a lot smoother. Yes, I still have difficulties arise just like everyone else. However; there is an indescribable peace that I obtain through prayer and Bible study that assures me that these problems are not near so huge when I stand with God in prayer and study His Word.

In this “Bible Study” section of Daily Living, I will explore various means and methods that have worked for me that has enhanced my growth spiritually. It is my genuine hope and prayer that you will grow in spirit and that God will grant you wisdom and understanding as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A Christian without knowledge of the Bible is a parched traveler in the desert without water. Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of God, I also will forget your children.” (NASB)

Want a New Testament verse to study your Bible? Try II Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved of God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Or, perhaps, ” But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (NASB)

Take the journey with me as we venture into the truths that God’s Holy Word contains! God Bless!

In His Grip,

Lonnie Richardson

BIBLE COPYRIGHTS: Any scriptures quote above have been copyrighted by one of the following bibles made available on the Internet for your personal use only. These Scriptures may not be altered or modified in any form and must remain in their original context. These Scriptures may not be sold or otherwise offered for sale.

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

American Standard Version (ASV)
Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)

Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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