I hope that you are finding these posts on personal Bible study helpful. Today, we are going to look more practically at the first step of personal Bible study.  I call this observation.  In this step we look at WHAT a passage is actually saying to the people addressed in their context.  Remember, context is king.  Many people mistakenly apply what they think … Read More

My previous post addressed the importance of a template to help us stay on track with personal Bible study.  Today, I’ll share some considerations and tools that help us get the most out of our study. To gain insight into Biblical truth, we want to ask three basic questions of the passage we are studying. The first … Read More

In my last two blogs, I have addressed the issue of spiritual illiteracy.  (You can read them here and here.) Many Christians do not know the Bible like they think they know it.  The reason for this alarming illiteracy is a lack of personal Bible study.   We have the Bible available to us in so many readable translations.  Many people have access … Read More

Here we are again.  The start of a New Year.  A couple of things over the last month have put me in a pondering mood at the onset of 2023.  My 58th birthday on December 9 reminded me that I have come a long way.  Then a week off after Christmas gave me time to reflect back and think forward. … Read More

My uncle recently posted a quote on Facebook that captured my thoughts: “God is in control, but he doesn’t expect you to lean on a shovel and pray for a hole.”  With so many issues in life, people tend to gravitate toward extremes.  And, if we aren’t careful, we do the same when living out our faith.  We … Read More

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 In prayer meeting she reported that the medical test came back negative.  The recipient breathed a sigh of relief and proclaimed, “God is good!”  She told her best friend about an unexpected financial windfall that came just as some unexpected bills … Read More

This week’s Monday Motivation video from Tommy Newberry included a quote from his father that set me to thinking. “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”  (Click here to view the video.)  We face opportunities the new year affords, so I want to challenge you again to live intentionally.  I … Read More

Despite the celebrations, New Year’s Day is only another day on our endless trip around the Sun.  But a new year is also an opportunity to write a new chapter in the story arc of our lives.  One of the most important story arcs involves our spiritual growth.  I hope that you set some goals to be more … Read More