"What should I say?" "Should I go?" "What am I doing for college?" "What should I wear today?" "Should I really be with this person?" "Stay home and study, or go out and party?" Decisions. No matter how much we try to avoid them or push them to the side, they're always there to haunt us. They can be overwhelming... there's so many options of what to do and often the best one isn't clear. Even if we ask for others' opinions, we can still be conflicted. However, the one thing that never fails is the Word of God, and it's always there to direct us. Every answer is found in the Bible: all we have to do is find them! "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." |
Prayer for Decison-Making | |
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Scripture to remember:
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
- "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21)
- "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." (1 John 5:14)
- Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
- "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice." (Proverbs 18:1-24)
- "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3)
- “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 5:30)
- "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." (Proverbs 16:33)
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." (Psalm 32:8)
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The Bible is a living, breathing book. It's not just a book of stories, it is the inspired Word of God, which was written by witnesses of God's Goodness, Might, Wrath, Grace, and Love. The 66 books of the bible contain 100% true, real eye-witness accounts of God's work in the world. It is the most owned book in history, containing the guidelines for life. It's the most powerful book of all time.
The Bible is God's Love story to humanity.
The Bible is God's Love story to humanity.
Why should you study the Bible?
Studying the Bible is vital to growing and maintaining your relationship with God. Since the Bible is the actual (inspired) Words of God, studying and learning what it has to say can help you to know exactly what God calls you, as a follower of Christ, to do in your life. Relying on the Word for your source of authority and truth will draw you nearer to the Lord on a day-to-day basis, and will build up your relationship with God. By studying scripture and working it into your life, you will grow to be more Christ-like and will learn how to live in the Joy of the Lord daily. By living through the truth of the Word, you will find fulfillment, freedom, joy and guidance in your life.
How to Begin:
Step 1: Pick your Bible
Picking your bible is a very important step in your bible study journey. The translation you pick will shape the way you understand and live out scripture.
It's actually a really good idea to read 2 or more different "types" of translations. For example, I mainly read ESV (English Standard Version) which is on the literal side, meaning it is more accurate to the original text, however, that makes it quite difficult to read sometimes. I like to read NLT (New Living Translation) or NIV (New International Version) when I need a little more clarification or different wording, as they're more in between literal and paraphrased. When I really don't understand what the passage is trying to say, I read The Message translation which is written in average, conversational language and reads more like a book. I wouldn't recommend studying a paraphrased version as your "main" bible, however, they can sometimes be great tools.
Another great tool for Bible studying is the YouVersion Bible App. Every single Bible translation is available, which makes it very convenient to switch between different "tones", however, it is very important to purchase a physical copy of your preferred bible translation to carry with you, highlight, make notes in, and to save for a lifetime.
Sites to purchase your bible:
www.christianbook.com
www.amazon.com
Another great tool for Bible studying is the YouVersion Bible App. Every single Bible translation is available, which makes it very convenient to switch between different "tones", however, it is very important to purchase a physical copy of your preferred bible translation to carry with you, highlight, make notes in, and to save for a lifetime.
Sites to purchase your bible:
www.christianbook.com
www.amazon.com
Step 2: Decide what topic(s) you want to study
The Holy Bible covers every topic imaginable, so it may be overwhelming at the beginning. Pray before even opening your Bible up and ask God to speak to you. Ask Him to point you in a specific direction in His Word. He will point you to a specific topic that He thinks you need, and then you can go from there. If you already have a topic in mind, look in the front of your bible to see if there is a directory of bible verses correlating to topics, but if your bible doesn't have that feature, you can look up scripture recommendations online.
Some suggestions from me would be:
Some suggestions from me would be:
- If you're considering accepting Jesus or are striving to become more like Him: Read any of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
- If you're seeking the Lord daily and wish to be transformed: Read Romans
- If you just want a daily dose of the Word: Read a chapter of Proverbs a day
- If you're a girl striving to be closer to the Lord: Read Proverbs 31, Esther, and/or Ruth
Step 3: Consider purchasing a devotional relating to your topic
Devotionals are amazing tools to help you Bible study. Not only do they give you a daily dose of the Word, but they keep you focused on the topic you're studying. Devotionals provide alternative, interesting ways of thinking about scripture and help you to apply it to your life. The YouVersion app has hundreds of mini-devotionals built into it for free, but having physical devotionals can sometimes be beneficial.
A very popular, versatile devotional is "Jesus Calling." It's one of my personal favorites, and is meant to help followers of Christ be the best reflection of Jesus in the world and to change their hearts to be more like Him.
(I left a link to purchase "Jesus Calling" on the right side of the screen if you're on a PC, and at the very bottom of this page on a mobile device.)
A very popular, versatile devotional is "Jesus Calling." It's one of my personal favorites, and is meant to help followers of Christ be the best reflection of Jesus in the world and to change their hearts to be more like Him.
(I left a link to purchase "Jesus Calling" on the right side of the screen if you're on a PC, and at the very bottom of this page on a mobile device.)
Step 4: Buy/gather materials
Effective Bible study involves really digging into and analyzing the Word, not just reading it. These materials will help you to get more out of the passage you read:
- Various colored highlighters
- Various colored pens
- Pencil(s)
- Journal
- Mini sticky notes
Highlighters and pens should be used to help you make certain verses, passages, scriptures and words stand out, so that when you go back into that section of scripture, you know that that particular part has a specific significance. Some people use certain colored highlighters or pens for certain topics, but I just like to make my bible look pretty ≧◡≦
I use pencils to write down things I took away from certain passages in the margins of my journaling bible, but I know not everyone will get a journaling bible like mine. In that case, you can take notes in a separate journal. A journal where you take notes on your Bible study is really important. You may not remember everything you read or learned in one session, so having written notes to look back on is very helpful.
Mini sticky notes are pretty optional, but I like to put them in my bible when I want to take quick notes or mark a page.
I use pencils to write down things I took away from certain passages in the margins of my journaling bible, but I know not everyone will get a journaling bible like mine. In that case, you can take notes in a separate journal. A journal where you take notes on your Bible study is really important. You may not remember everything you read or learned in one session, so having written notes to look back on is very helpful.
Mini sticky notes are pretty optional, but I like to put them in my bible when I want to take quick notes or mark a page.
Step 5: Set the mood
Bible studying is a time to spend quality time with God, so make it special! I like to play soft Christian music in the background and just turn on a few lights or light some nice candles. It's all up to you where you'd like to do your studying, what time of day, etc. Have fun with it!
Step 6: Pray
I briefly mentioned this before, but before you even open the cover of your Bible, pray for God to make His truth impact you and for it to convict you. Ask Him to reveal hidden messages and place wisdom in you through His Holy Word. Ask Him to bless the time the two of you spend together! This is a step many people (including myself) tend to neglect, but it can make a huge difference.
Step 7: Go at it!
Immerse yourself in God's beautiful Word! Analyze everything you can and think of how the message of the passage you're reading can apply to you, your life, your situation, those around you, the world, etc. and make it a point to note things that are important. After a good study session, the section you read should be colorful! Have fun with color! This shows that you were really getting into the meaning of the passage and that you were able to pick out what was important and relevant to your own life. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment when you look at all the notes you made!
Step 8: Come to a conclusion
After reading the passage in full, come to a conclusion of what God was speaking to you through the scripture, what the main idea was, how you can live out the message of the verses, etc. This is one of the most important parts of your Bible study because you need to get something out of what you've read!
Step 9: Be still
This is probably the most difficult part of the study. After finishing your actual study of the scripture, close your eyes and be still for about 5 minutes. Meditate on what you've read and silently thank God for what He's revealed to you. Imagine what happened in the passage in your mind and then imagine how you can live out what was revealed to you in the reading. Being still gives God a chance to speak to you about what you've read and what He wants you to do with your new wisdom.
Step 10: Live it out!
The most important part of it all is living out the teaching that you read. We read the Bible to find out God's will for us, so once we know what it is, we should live it!
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."
(Matthew 7:21)
Bible study is one of the most important parts of any Christian's life, and it is almost impossible to have a strong relationship with God if you don't know what He's saying to us. Study the Bible daily, and when you have problems, seek truth and answers in the Word before you worry. The more you fill your heart, mind, and soul with truth, the more fulfilled, beautiful and blessed your life will be!
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About the Author
Hi! I'm Angie! I'm a college student, worship leader, pro-life advocate, future teacher, youth ministry intern, and above all else, follower of Jesus Christ. I would love to get to know you!
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