Tips for Deeper Bible Study

Hi friends! I hope you are having a great morning. This morning I was watching a great video from The Daily Grace Company on YT about inductive bible study. Here are my notes. May it bless your reading and studies somehow.

Tips on Deeper Bible Study

1.     Pray

Ø  Ask God to give you wisdom, clarity, discernment, and conviction. Pray for his word to come alive in a new and exciting way. Invite the Holy Spirit into your reading and study.

Ø  Gather your favorite bible study supplies (pens, books, washi, journals, or planners) 😊

Ø  But you NEED the bible. Everything else comes second.

2.   Prepare

Ø  Research the book of the bible you are about to start reading. You must gather understanding first about the original audience. Each book of the bible contains narrative and background, you need to understand that.

Ø  Ask yourself: Who is the author or audience? When was the text written? What is the purpose of the book and or theme?

*ESV study bible does contain info on each book of the bible before the chapter starts, read it.

3. Comprehend

Ø  Read the scripture over and over again, multiple times (Holy Spirit can reveal things differently)

Ø  Read the whole chapter start to finish if you can. It helps in understanding all of the chapter contexts as a whole. It is so worth it to take your time here.

Ø  Highlight and take notes on keywords, themes, transition words (therefore, but or likewise), any lists, ideas, comparisons, sins, commands, questions or unfamiliar words, etc.

3.   Interpret

Ø  Start reading other translations (CEV, MSG, AMP, NASB, ESV), cross reference scripture, paraphrase or summarize your understanding in its original audience.

Ø  Use a trusted commentary BUT remember it is not the word of God. Test the commentary against scripture to ensure no misinterpretation.

4.   Application

Now use this time to challenge yourself by asking yourself some questions. I pray that your desire to sit with the Lord grows and you are letting his word and presence penetrate your heart.

Ø  How does what I read point back to the bigger redemption story? (creation, fall, redemption in Christ and restoration)

Ø  How should what I read change me?

Ø  What does all this reveal about God and his character?

Ø  What did it reveal about myself?

Ø  How does this passage reveal my sin?

Ø  What specific actions steps do I now need to take?

Ø  Most importantly, how do I need to pray to God for all this?

*Remember scripture interprets scripture. All scripture is God’s word. Do not make the mistake in trying to make scripture fit your thinking. When reading God’s word, it will always show us his character. God is forever and unchanging and so is his word. God bless your reading and studies.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for righteousness “– 2 Timothy 3:16

June Scripture Writing Plan: Submission to God

@a_risen_you 

Studying scripture will change your life. God's word is authoritative and good for teaching and will convict your spirit. God will use his word to communicate with you. Join me as we study on submission to God for June.

I pray you do not make this overly complicated. If you have never studied God's word before, email me. I would love to chat with you.

Happy Learning! May the word of God help you grow into the woman God created you to be.

Blessings!!!

Rewriting Cognitive Distortions in Christ

What are distortions? In my opinion, they are lies from the pit of hell. They are Satan's lies to us that we must give in to faulty/negative thinking. If he can get us to believe that people are out to get us, see constant negative patterns, make mountains out of molehills, etc. than we will be confused. When we are confused, we cannot be who God needs us to be. In my own flesh, I fall for them too but God has also taught me that I have the authority that Satan does not. I was sharing my planner recently on social media and how I use it to aid in my mental health. I decided to rewrite these cognitive distortions so that I can reframe them and have a referenced truth. I hope you can benefit from the little resource.

Prayer:

Almighty Father, throughout my life I have believed lies that have distorted my thinking. I confess these distortions as sin and come humbling to your throne. I have authority in you and I do not have to let my emotions warp what I hear. I declare and decree that all thinking that is not of you flee from my heart. Replace my faulty thinking with your word and promises for my life. I have a purpose and a mission here on earth and let it be building your kingdom. Thank you for your love. I pray in your name, Jesus. Amen. 

	Falsehood	Truth
1	Overgeneralizing	Use Realistic Language
2	Blaming/Denying	Forgiveness for Others & Self
3	Shoulds	Compassion for Self
4	All or Nothing Thinking	Being Flexible
5	Negativity Bias	Positive Thoughts
6	Catastrophizing	Expect Hope in Situations
7	Labeling	Reframing Identity
8	Magical Thinking	Establish Sensible Goals
9	Over-Personalizing	Not Offended or Moved
10	Mind Reading	Clarification
11	Double Standard	Grace
12	Fallacy of Fairness	God is Fair
13	Emotional reasoning	Grounding Yourself in Truth

Faith Affirmations:

1.       I can use realistic/accurate language (Romans 9:1)

2.       Forgiving others and myself is my priority (Matthew 6:14-15)

3.       I can relax and not be so rigid. Compassion is for me (Colossians 3:12)

4.       I am flexible in this situation. Accepting God’s perspective (Phil 4:13)

5.       My thoughts are true and pure and they breed God’s presence (Ephesians 6:10)

6.       Christ labels me as His. I am saved, new and reconciled to Him (2 Cor. 5:17)

7.       I am chosen, a royal priesthood. I possess light in Jesus (1 Peter 2:9)

8.       Everything won’t always be perfect. I can adjust to what comes my way. (Eph 2:19-22)

9.       I am not easily offended. Everything is not directed at me. I am steady in Christ. (Col 1:23-25)

10.   I can ask for clarification. I will not assume what others are thinking (Proverbs 18:2)

11.   I can offer grace to myself because Jesus died for me to have it. (2 Cor 5:15)

12.   God is fair when I feel this world is not. I can trust in Him. (Isaiah 30:18)

13.   I can ground myself with truth and change the narrative of my feelings (2 Timothy 2:15)