Bible Studies

[Blueone]

I have been working on reading the Bible every day, but find that I'm not really gaining much. In the past I've done better in groups, but I haven't been able to join a group since moving. I used to read Max Lucado, but I felt like I was missing out by not reading the Bible, but now I feel like I'm not going deep enough.

Is there anything I should be doing to do a really good Bible study without a group or book? What if I don't have the time to really do an intense one? I have a 3 month old son that tends to interrupt me a lot.

[genifer]

Hey Blueone! This happens to me ALL the time! lol. When it does I just take time out from bible study, per say, and read psalms for a few days, weeks, whatever. I will often be led to a psalm and called to meditate on it for weeks on end. The last time I had wen thru something like this I was called to constantly meditateon Romans 8. I would take it sentence by sentence, repeating it over and over and over again, sometimes taking it word by word and meditating on each word for a long while. This is how I get more out of the Word. I find the longer we go with Christ, sometimes the harder it is to get 'deep' and the more I find those 'bible study' books to be so superficial. They suited for a time, but not anymore. Maybe in time they'll suit me again but really digging deep with the Word and God alone is all that will do. To focus on and relish in Him alone, nothing compares!

[hrsmom]

I have gone through seasons of wanting to read nothing but the Bible, and seasons of wanting to read other things as well. I love Genifer's suggestions to meditate on a portion of scripture. You can think about the words even if you don't have your Bible in front of you because you're taking care of a little one. I speak from experience here!

I think Max Lucado writes some lovely things, but deep is not a word I would apply to his writings. There are some other awesme authors out there who do go a little deeper. You may want to look at some other writings as well.

I have also learned that taking care of my baby is as much a spiritual practice as reading the Bible or sitting quietly.

[Blueone]

Originally Posted by hrsmom

I have also learned that taking care of my baby is as much a spiritual practice as reading the Bible or sitting quietly.

That is true. There are days I'm constantly praying for patience and guidance. I don't know how I'd do it without that sometimes. He can be a challenge when he's teething.

I'll try meditating on the words too. I think I try to read too much at once sometimes. I was trying to get in a chapter a day, but that doesn't always happen.

[genifer]

When you have a little one its impossible to get whole chapters in at a time sometimes. Also, try, when you're nursing or even just to take a few minutes, just minutes, moments to sit in God's presense. Soak him up! I remember reading about the mother of Charles and John Wesley who I believe had about 18 children (not sure, but it was LOTS). She would sit and place her apron over her head and her children would KNOW she was having a moment with God! LOL. I took a leaf out of her book and do something like that from time to time. Even tho your LO is still little, there are times when you're sitting there and you can just focus on God, listen for His voice and just bask in His glory. It lifts me up every time . Fills me with joy and peace and strength when Im absolutely shattered, so tired.

[springmama]

I'm reading the Bible right now and sometimes I have a hard time with it. I try to say a prayer first to ask God to open my heart to receive his Word and to help me understand the meaning of the things I am reading.

[CherryBomb]

Have you tried reading the Bible in the spirit of lectio divina? For me, this is hands down my most fruitful form of prayer and Bible study. (Which sounds a lot like what genifer was describing).

[AngelBee]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb

Have you tried reading the Bible in the spirit of lectio divina? For me, this is hands down my most fruitful form of prayer and Bible study. (Which sounds a lot like what genifer was describing).

Never heard of that....off to see.