In anticipating this Study of the Bible, a first recommendation would be to utilize a Spiritual Journal. This journal can be as simple as a 3-ring notebook and notepaper or a spiral notebook.
Next, decide where you will study every day and when you will set aside a 15 - 30 minute period of time, free of distraction. This could be early in the morning before the activity of others, or before bedtime. Knowing that my mind is freshest in the morning, I would suggest the a.m. :-) The author of our study book mentioned someone that made a vow for "Bible before breakfast," in that this person would not allow him/herself breakfast unless he/she had done the Bible study first. It is very important to try to guard this time, as it becomes very special.
Leave your Bible, journal and pencil in this special place. It can become nearly as special as the time you allow yourself.
Begin with prayer. Simply thank God for the opportunity to read His Word, and ask Him to provide clarity of mind and insight as you read.
I will post our weekly reading assignment every Wednesday afternoon. After a period of reading, you may make an observation, have an insight, or find a passage that "speaks to you" in a new way. You should use your Spiritual Journal as you read, taking note of these passages. Especially after you complete an assignment, you should review your notes. Have you noticed a theme? Do you have questions? Do you need to re-read for clarification?
When you finish, return here, to the post of the assignment you're completing. Take a few moments to leave a comment: 1) Something you would like to share, or 2) A question you might have. We'll be able to read everyone's comments, learn from each other, and perhaps help each other.
I look forward to this on-line Bible Study. I hope you do, too!
Technical Information: To leave a comment, click "# comments" at the bottom of the current homework post. You will be taken to a page or window with a box entitled "Leave a Comment." This is where you'll type your comments. After commenting, you should enter your name (first name and last initial?), or nickname. When you finish, copy the letters of the "word" into the Word Verification box, and click on the circle in front of "Anonymous" (unless you are already registered with Google and/or have your own blog). Then click on "Publish Your Comment." It will appear under the posting with the rest of our comments, as soon as I check to see that it is a legitimate comment and not left by a "spammer."
If you have any questions, my e-mail address is at the top of the homepage.
Let's look forward to Reading the Bible together! :-)
kt
