Focusing on Scripture: 5 Studies for Your Daily Time with God
Just as reading is good for your soul, what you read is good for your mind. Our previous post discusses the concept of starting your day right. While it is important to begin on the right foot, it’s equally important to pour back into your mind when you’ve poured out all day. It’s all about balance – a healthy line between give and take. A great way to pour back into yourself, mentally and spiritually, is with daily time in the Word of God.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1[/perfectpullquote]Reading the Word helps your understanding of God’s love for us and builds/strengthens your relationship with Him. However, you should not only read scripture, but also take time to understand and study its meaning. Depending on your preferred translation, understanding scripture is easier said than done. To make this easier for you, here are some great bible studies that will make your time in the Word intentional and purposeful:
The Apostles’ Creed | Matt Chandler and The Village Church
The Apostles’ Creed was born from the apostles’ teachings. It contains essential doctrines and beliefs that summarize the gospel and the foundation of our faith. The scriptural truths contained in the creed enable us to build our Christian lives on good theology, with the knowledge that our faith is rooted in truth and a rich history. The lines of the creed aren’t mere words. They are the essence of what we confess and believe. This group study from Matt Chandler and The Village Church leads to greater clarity on Christianity, symmetry and balance as a disciple, and a more profound sense of belonging in the kingdom of God.*
Discerning the Voice of God | Priscilla Shirer
A decade ago, Priscilla Shirer authored Discerning the Voice of God, and since then God has continued to grow, teach, and challenge her in her walk with Him. This revised and expanded edition reflects that growth through new stories, illustrations, and exercises. Through 7 sessions, discover the root to clear and daily communication with God – humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life.*
A question is an invitation to vulnerability, to intimacy. The Bible does not shy away from such an invite. Over and over we see the people of God asking questions of their Creator. We also see the God of the universe asking questions of His creation. The Quest is a challenge to accept the invitation. In this six-week excursion with Jesus, Beth Moore uses questions from Scripture to lead you into intimacy with the One who knows you best. Learn to dig into the Word, to respond to the questions of God, and to bring your questions before Him.*
James had a unique earthly relationship with Jesus, but his letter clarifies what the Christian life should look like for us all. The Book of James is filled with practical wisdom for Christians, calling us to live out genuine faith through good works, but it is also rooted in rich theology. Perhaps more than any other book in the New Testament, James emphasizes the application of Christian belief. This 13-session study examines the core message of James: the relationship between faith and works. In our own ability, we cannot stand in the face of adversity.*
In this six-session small group Bible study, understand how the kingdom of God sets our priorities as believers and gives us perspective on cultural issues. As the culture changes all around us, it is no longer possible for Christians to pretend that we are a moral majority. That may be bad news for America, but it can be good news for the church. Nominal Christianity isn’t working anymore. What’s needed now, in shifting times, is neither a doubling-down on the status quo nor a retreat into isolation. Instead, we need a church that speaks to social and political issues with a bigger vision in mind: that of the gospel of Jesus Christ.*
*Book summaries courtesy of Lifeway.com.