Morning Moments

For many years I have divided my study of the Bible into four basic parts:
1. Direction in Proverbs
2. Devotion in Psalms
3. Discovery in the Old Testament
4. Delight in the New Testament

Sometimes I study Proverbs by chapter and sometimes by subject.
Sometimes I study Psalms by chapter and sometimes by chronology.
Sometimes I study the Old Testament by book and sometimes by chronology.
Sometimes I study the New Testament by book and sometimes by author.

I am a strong believer in systematic study. The Bible itself is ALWAYS my basis for study, not a commentary. I only go to commentaries for supplemental study. I seek to allow God to teach me FIRST and then others.

I am not suggesting that everyone or anyone for that matter for the same pattern, but I am suggesting that everyone study systematically. For preachers, this avoids the Saturday night struggle with what you will preach. Lay a foundation and build upon it.

I often preach the same sermon on Sunday Morning and Sunday Evening...with a slightly different emphasis. It has long been my conviction that with a Sunday School lesson, Morning message, evening message, and mid-week service message, people just cannot remember nor retain much of what has been presented.

Being a teacher, it has been my desire for students (disciples) to gather, grasp, glean, and grow through the presentation of the Word of God. Hit and miss sermons have little sticking power. Do not be critical of the way your preacher presents the Word, but get focused yourself and systematically STUDY the Scripture.

Don't worry about reading it through in a year, for that may not be long enough. It's ok if you are just "reading", but if you are going to study the Word of God, do it as you would eat an elephant - one bite at a time.

Get a foundation and build upon it.

I hope this helps. It's a little different but I have had some questions from others about an approach to Bible Study.

By the way, DON'T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW!

BLESSINGS!