Let's S.T.U.D.Y the Word!

God loves us so much, and He has given us His Word to show us His indescribable love, grace, mercy, peace and all that He is. But if we are not spending daily time in the Bible, we will not see and learn of His character.
Reading and studying the Bible is vital to our Christian walk, because we need the peace of God and His guidance to lead us along the way. Just as food is necessary to our physical bodies, spending time in the Word of God is a must for our spirit. For me, when I neglect to spend time with God, I find myself easily agitated and grumpy. Anyone else?  
Over the past few months I have seen even more the importance of spending daily time with the Lord, since due to health issues and other situations my husband and I have missed a lot of church. However, I have learned that God wants me to seek Him on a regular basis, and He is faithful to give me the spiritual food that I need.
The Lord gave me a study method that has greatly helped me see more of His character, apply His Word to my life, while at the same time making difficult portions easier to read. I want to share it with you so that you too can grow in the Lord. You will need a notebook or loose paper, a pen or pencil, and of course, your Bible. So let's S.T.U.D.Y

See God’s Character
As you read any book or portion of the Bible, write down whatever character traits of God are mentioned. This helps our understanding of God and our love for Him to grow.

Things of Nature
God’s Word is full of things about nature, be it trees, animals, types of food, birds, flowers and things of the sky and sea. Making note of God's creation helps us to appreciate the beauty around us and teaches us that He cares for and is in control of everything that He has made.
Unique Phrases and Words
I read in the Bible about a man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. Did you know that the Bible talks about throwing a ball and bouncing a child on your knees? There is a choir director who teaches how a song is to be sung, and a king who sends congratulations to King David. There are many references of horseback riding for both men and women, a chest for collecting money, references to boats and ships and even yarn!
The Bible is so full of unique words and phrases that I think we often miss. So take time to write down and look up words. Some of these unique phrases or words are also great conversation starters to get others, especially kids, interested in the Bible.
Duty to Do or Not to Do
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” In these two verses, we have two things to do and one thing not to do.
Sometimes as we read Scripture, we see things not to do based on the actions of others, sometimes there are direct commands such as “Praise ye the LORD.”
Words like remember, let and keep are given to indicate an action we must do along with “forget not.” As you make out this “do or don't do” list, sometimes it can be overwhelming or make you feel like you are failing as a Christian, so pray over it, and ask God to show you and help you grow in those areas.
Your Favorite Verse(s)
What verse or verses stand out to you? It might be something of God's character, a verse of comfort or an instruction. Take time to write it down and think about it throughout the day.
Take time to Spend with God

God wants us to spend time with Him, and it delights Him when we do! The Lord wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him so that we love Him more and serve Him better. The Bible is the best and most interesting book that you will ever read and study! So, let's S.T.U.D.Y!

Rebekah Davis