A Thanksgiving Prayer
"Thank you Lord for another year. We have had our ups-and-downs, yet You have been faithful through it all. I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone.
We don’t have the same politics
But they are my family.
We don’t believe the same spiritually
But they are my family.
Our lifestyles are not similar
But they are my family.
We don’t have much in common
But they are my family.
We are about as dysfunctional as the people next door
Yes, they are my family,
And You gave them to me.
Thank you Lord for my family.
Let me love them more,
and serve them more,
and show You to them more often, in 2009.
I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone."
(That sure speaks to my hear...what about you?? Now go and have a Happy Thanksgiving get together with your family.)
Love, Jeanne
Pass it on... Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Anna and the Tribe of Asher
This past Sunday I had the blessing of teaching my ladies at Tierrasanta Baptist Churh about Anna (Luke 2:36-38). She was from the tribe of Asher. Now, why would God give us so much information about the background of Anna, when usually this type of desctiption is not given to us about the women of Scripture? Why mention her father or her tribe? I am in the middle of an extensive study of the 12 tribes - so this led me into further study of the tribe of Asher - and Anna.
See www.biblestudywomen.blogspot.com for the study about the Tribes.
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." (Deut 33) Were the riches olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought.
Also after the tribes in the north had been been conquered by the Assyrians, there was a remnant of the tribes left behind. King Hezekiah sent messages to those left in the north to come to Judah to celebrate the Passover. Only three tribes went to Jerusalem in humbleness and to worship God. Asher was one of the three. This showed their loyalty to the God of the Hebrews (or that they were so very desperate they would try anything?).
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps because the tribal identity had been lost during the 70 years of captivity. (An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....thats a great study.
I am off to Israel next week. I will be re-energized and ready to hit the keyboard again.
See www.biblestudywomen.blogspot.com for the study about the Tribes.
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." (Deut 33) Were the riches olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought.
Also after the tribes in the north had been been conquered by the Assyrians, there was a remnant of the tribes left behind. King Hezekiah sent messages to those left in the north to come to Judah to celebrate the Passover. Only three tribes went to Jerusalem in humbleness and to worship God. Asher was one of the three. This showed their loyalty to the God of the Hebrews (or that they were so very desperate they would try anything?).
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps because the tribal identity had been lost during the 70 years of captivity. (An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....thats a great study.
I am off to Israel next week. I will be re-energized and ready to hit the keyboard again.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Women in Scripture
* Women are an important part of the Biblical story. Perhaps not specifically named, they are on almost every page. As you study the Holy Land, remember:
• So many woman! Many unnamed and unnoticed! Women are seen everywhere, “people, children of Israel, the congregation, the crowd, the multitude, town, cities,” etc…all include women and children. Where the men went, there were women. Where there were armies or navies, there were women. Women were witness and participants to all the events in the Holy Land.
• People traveled and settled where there were three key ingredients: water, food and protection (security). Women bore the children, managed the household and took care of the men. Women supported men and were their ‘helpers.’ Women complemented the men.
• Water means life, and where there was water, there was civilization, and women, children and families (pools, wells, oasis, lakes, wells, etc.)
• Wherever children are mentioned, there are women. Jesus blessed the children and healed the adults. The significant male characters of Scripture had mothers, sisters and other female friends and relatives who looked on in amazement and were often caught up in the nomadic lifestyle, the times of famine or plenty, miracles, and results of warfare through the centuries The ‘crowds’ and ‘multitudes’ included women.
• For almost every well known man there are women in his life as mother, wife, sisters and friends. Kings had hundreds of unnamed concubines. The enemies of Jesus, and Israel, had wives and daughters. Several of the apostles had wives that followed Jesus.
• What affected the men, affected their wives and families: wars, peace, punishments, plagues, and promises. As wars were waged, cities destroyed, peoples taken captive, women and children were displaced, killed, taken captive.
• Warfare meant the making of widows.
• God used women in unique and magnificent ways. Mary, the mother of Jesus, Miriam rescuing Moses from the water, Michael rescuing David from those who would take his life, Lydia the first convert in Europe, Esther rescuing the nation from genocide, Jael killing the enemy of Israel, and many more.
“From the ancient world until now, society stands or falls according to its infrastructure, that is, the family, over which the wife and mother is to preside.” (Holeman Bible Dictionary)
(*) From Jeanne's book - Women of the Holy Land: Walk Where They Walked.2008.
• So many woman! Many unnamed and unnoticed! Women are seen everywhere, “people, children of Israel, the congregation, the crowd, the multitude, town, cities,” etc…all include women and children. Where the men went, there were women. Where there were armies or navies, there were women. Women were witness and participants to all the events in the Holy Land.
• People traveled and settled where there were three key ingredients: water, food and protection (security). Women bore the children, managed the household and took care of the men. Women supported men and were their ‘helpers.’ Women complemented the men.
• Water means life, and where there was water, there was civilization, and women, children and families (pools, wells, oasis, lakes, wells, etc.)
• Wherever children are mentioned, there are women. Jesus blessed the children and healed the adults. The significant male characters of Scripture had mothers, sisters and other female friends and relatives who looked on in amazement and were often caught up in the nomadic lifestyle, the times of famine or plenty, miracles, and results of warfare through the centuries The ‘crowds’ and ‘multitudes’ included women.
• For almost every well known man there are women in his life as mother, wife, sisters and friends. Kings had hundreds of unnamed concubines. The enemies of Jesus, and Israel, had wives and daughters. Several of the apostles had wives that followed Jesus.
• What affected the men, affected their wives and families: wars, peace, punishments, plagues, and promises. As wars were waged, cities destroyed, peoples taken captive, women and children were displaced, killed, taken captive.
• Warfare meant the making of widows.
• God used women in unique and magnificent ways. Mary, the mother of Jesus, Miriam rescuing Moses from the water, Michael rescuing David from those who would take his life, Lydia the first convert in Europe, Esther rescuing the nation from genocide, Jael killing the enemy of Israel, and many more.
“From the ancient world until now, society stands or falls according to its infrastructure, that is, the family, over which the wife and mother is to preside.” (Holeman Bible Dictionary)
(*) From Jeanne's book - Women of the Holy Land: Walk Where They Walked.2008.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Vashti - Part I
The following article appears in the July issue of In His Presence, a Christian newspublication in Knoxville Tennessee
Women’s Study Hall: Queen Vashsti
(Esther 1:1-22)
Using the easy-to-remember Bible Study technique of Stop! Look! and Listen! (outlined in the April 2008 issue) we will look at the story of Queen Vashti. The goal of these studies is not to give readers the complete story of each woman, but to ignite an interest in individual, deeper study.
As I began an in-depth study of Queen Esther I was drawn to Queen Vashti. The writer of the book of Esther could easily have saved one entire chapter by succinctly saying, ”King Xerxes was displeased with the Queen and sent her away,” but in the plan of God one entire chapter was devoted to this woman and the circumstances of her removal from the throne. If the story of Vashti is important to God, it should be important to me.
STOP!
Begin with prayer.
Read the first chapter of the book of Esther for general information as you would a story. Then you will go back and read for study. As you read, slow down and look at each word; read as a detective would read who was looking for clues in a mystery. Make a list of words or phrases that you do not understand or that you want to study more closely.
Always ask yourself three questions; 1) Why is God telling me this story? 2) If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? and 3) What can I apply to my own life from this study?
LOOK!
Read the chapter again.
As I studied the words, not just reading for enjoyment, I noticed the detailed description of the scene: the furnishings and decorations, the number of days for the feast, etc… The story even tells us that every wine goblet was of a different design. As a teacher and writer I am drawn to the beauty and imagery of the words of Scripture. The Master Writer is God – through the pens of His servants He give us beauty in form and word, beauty in description, and beauty in lessons for our lives.
Vashti is an interesting character. Beautiful and bold she stood her ground. Many of the defining moments of our lives are made while we are alone, in private and personal, the reasons for the decisions known only to ourselves. Why the queen disobeyed is never revealed. Vashi decided to rebel, to stand firm in her convictions, her choice was made – and the ramifications influenced and entire nation.
Some commentators have stated that she was rude, humiliated her husband, and that she could have worked through the situation without embarrassing the King. There probably wasn’t time to consider the results of her refusal to go to the king. The feast had been going on for days, the wine was flowing, and events took on a life of their own. She was polite and respectful, but determined. The Queen of Persia did rebel, but never plotted to usurp the throne, which was a common practice in that era. (Queen Athaliah killed off all her sons and grandsons in order to rule Judah when the opportunity came to her.)
In contrast to Esther, Vashti seems to be a stronger personality. Vashti stayed true to her convictions and refused the king. In studying the actions of Esther we see no confrontation with the king over her being taken to his bed or having to put away her Jewish lifestyle. In fact, she hid the fact that she was Jewish. Vashti seems a strong woman in comparison to the passive Esther. She was removed as queen, and sent away from the King forever. We never hear of her again.
There does not seem to be any affection between the King of Persia and his Queen. In fact, when the nobles advise that she be sent away and a ‘newer, improved model’ be brought in, he quickly agrees (vs 19b). The king had life and death control over an entire nation, yet was threatened by a woman who was a ‘no show’ at his party.
The men of the kingdom were worried. A law had to be passed to force the women to be respectful and submissive to their husbands. What was the family dynamic during this time that a statute would have to be written to give such authority to the men of the family?
God is never mentioned but His hand was on every individual and action in the Book of Esther. What if Vashti had not objected to being brought before the King? God used the deciion of this pagan queen to bring Esther to the throne.
LISTEN
Read the chapter again.
Now answer the three original questions: Why is God telling me this story? If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? What can I apply to my own life from this study?
Hebrews 2:1 states: “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (NIV).” What have you learned that you may use so that you do not drift away?
One obvious lesson is that too much wine may lead to very bad decisions.
The story of Vashti shows us that women have influence in the home and in the community; more influence than we think. Another important lesson is that people are always watching, especially if you are in a position of prominence, or if your family is in a position of leadership.
The key verse to the book of Esther is: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (4:14 NIV). God put Esther on the throne.….for such a time as this. Perhaps Vashti was also placed on the throne… for such a time as this. God is omnipotent. He can even use flawed decisions and actions to fulfill His plan. Through the actions of Vashti and Esther, God saved the Jewish people from extermination.
Where are you today in life? If you are where God has placed you…perhaps it is for some service, action, specific incident….for such a time as this.
I would love to hear your comments. Please e-mail me at jpsant@netzero.net.
For additional studies go to www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com
Women’s Study Hall: Queen Vashsti
(Esther 1:1-22)
Using the easy-to-remember Bible Study technique of Stop! Look! and Listen! (outlined in the April 2008 issue) we will look at the story of Queen Vashti. The goal of these studies is not to give readers the complete story of each woman, but to ignite an interest in individual, deeper study.
As I began an in-depth study of Queen Esther I was drawn to Queen Vashti. The writer of the book of Esther could easily have saved one entire chapter by succinctly saying, ”King Xerxes was displeased with the Queen and sent her away,” but in the plan of God one entire chapter was devoted to this woman and the circumstances of her removal from the throne. If the story of Vashti is important to God, it should be important to me.
STOP!
Begin with prayer.
Read the first chapter of the book of Esther for general information as you would a story. Then you will go back and read for study. As you read, slow down and look at each word; read as a detective would read who was looking for clues in a mystery. Make a list of words or phrases that you do not understand or that you want to study more closely.
Always ask yourself three questions; 1) Why is God telling me this story? 2) If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? and 3) What can I apply to my own life from this study?
LOOK!
Read the chapter again.
As I studied the words, not just reading for enjoyment, I noticed the detailed description of the scene: the furnishings and decorations, the number of days for the feast, etc… The story even tells us that every wine goblet was of a different design. As a teacher and writer I am drawn to the beauty and imagery of the words of Scripture. The Master Writer is God – through the pens of His servants He give us beauty in form and word, beauty in description, and beauty in lessons for our lives.
Vashti is an interesting character. Beautiful and bold she stood her ground. Many of the defining moments of our lives are made while we are alone, in private and personal, the reasons for the decisions known only to ourselves. Why the queen disobeyed is never revealed. Vashi decided to rebel, to stand firm in her convictions, her choice was made – and the ramifications influenced and entire nation.
Some commentators have stated that she was rude, humiliated her husband, and that she could have worked through the situation without embarrassing the King. There probably wasn’t time to consider the results of her refusal to go to the king. The feast had been going on for days, the wine was flowing, and events took on a life of their own. She was polite and respectful, but determined. The Queen of Persia did rebel, but never plotted to usurp the throne, which was a common practice in that era. (Queen Athaliah killed off all her sons and grandsons in order to rule Judah when the opportunity came to her.)
In contrast to Esther, Vashti seems to be a stronger personality. Vashti stayed true to her convictions and refused the king. In studying the actions of Esther we see no confrontation with the king over her being taken to his bed or having to put away her Jewish lifestyle. In fact, she hid the fact that she was Jewish. Vashti seems a strong woman in comparison to the passive Esther. She was removed as queen, and sent away from the King forever. We never hear of her again.
There does not seem to be any affection between the King of Persia and his Queen. In fact, when the nobles advise that she be sent away and a ‘newer, improved model’ be brought in, he quickly agrees (vs 19b). The king had life and death control over an entire nation, yet was threatened by a woman who was a ‘no show’ at his party.
The men of the kingdom were worried. A law had to be passed to force the women to be respectful and submissive to their husbands. What was the family dynamic during this time that a statute would have to be written to give such authority to the men of the family?
God is never mentioned but His hand was on every individual and action in the Book of Esther. What if Vashti had not objected to being brought before the King? God used the deciion of this pagan queen to bring Esther to the throne.
LISTEN
Read the chapter again.
Now answer the three original questions: Why is God telling me this story? If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? What can I apply to my own life from this study?
Hebrews 2:1 states: “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (NIV).” What have you learned that you may use so that you do not drift away?
One obvious lesson is that too much wine may lead to very bad decisions.
The story of Vashti shows us that women have influence in the home and in the community; more influence than we think. Another important lesson is that people are always watching, especially if you are in a position of prominence, or if your family is in a position of leadership.
The key verse to the book of Esther is: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (4:14 NIV). God put Esther on the throne.….for such a time as this. Perhaps Vashti was also placed on the throne… for such a time as this. God is omnipotent. He can even use flawed decisions and actions to fulfill His plan. Through the actions of Vashti and Esther, God saved the Jewish people from extermination.
Where are you today in life? If you are where God has placed you…perhaps it is for some service, action, specific incident….for such a time as this.
I would love to hear your comments. Please e-mail me at jpsant@netzero.net.
For additional studies go to www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Poetry
Christian Writer
I am not eloquent of speech.
I am not scholarly.
I am a basic peasant.
But
I want to tell people about Scripture.
I want to show women
Wonderful lessons learned
From our ancient sisters
In Scripture.
So what do I do?
I pray
I study
I think
I pray some more.
Then
I put words on paper
I struggle with grammar
I struggle with word count
I struggle with editing.
But
I continue
My writing mentor may be the only reader.
There may never be a publisher.
But
I continue
I pray
I study
I think
I pray some more.
Thank You God for giving me
The desire, the honor,
To share Your words
With others
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Women’s Study Hall: A Basic Bible Study Technique
(This article was published in the April 2008 issue of In His Presence a Christian community newspaper in Knoxville TN. My column "Wome's Study Hall will appear monthly)
“Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work, but we do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. God wants every person to be able to understand what He is saying.
One simple method of personal Bible Study is the “Stop – Look – Listen” technique. Many of us grew up with our parents teaching us to “Stop-Look- Listen” as we cross a street. This little childhood phrase can guide our steps safely across the street, and in our personal Bible Study. It is easy to remember, and we can “take it” with us anywhere!
The Stop! Look! And Listen! Bible Study has been written to
• give you simple tools, that are easy to remember as you study the Scripture in some depth
• slow you down (STOP) in your reading.
• teach you how to observe and analyze (LOOK) what you are reading.
• have you think about how to apply (LISTEN) the Scriptural truth
you have learned.
• dramatically enrich your understanding of what God is saying to you.
As young children we learn to read one….word…..at….a….time. Every word seems full of wonder and interest. A sentence like, “I will huff and puff and blow your house down,” can bring joyful delight, laughter, and animated discussion for a young reader.
We tend to lose the joy of looking at each word as the years pass and we strive to be the fastest reader, or just to finish as quickly as we can, to get on to our busy lives. Unfortunately for most of us, the habit of speed reading transfers into our Bible Study.
While we might get through the passage quickly, speed replaces comprehension, and we may miss out on Divine truth and God’s message to us. We don’t slow down long enough to be able to see what we do not really understand. If this sounds like your reading habits, the Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study technique is just for you.
Let’s begin to look at the steps of “Stop! Look! Listen! This technique can be used to study a few verses of Scripture, a chapter, or an entire book.
STOP!
Stop! First, always stop and pray before you begin. Ask God to give you the time and attention span to study His message to you. Read the Scripture several times during this study. Reading it just once or twice is not enough!
Slow down and look every word. What do you already recognize and understand ? What don’t you understand? Stop! Begin to gather information and look in detail at Scripture. Make a written list of what you do not know, or what looks interesting to you for further study.
For an example: Roman 12: 1-2 (NKJ) is a very familiar section of Scripture, but there are several words that you may not fully understand:
(1)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2)And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Stop! Do you know what “beseech,” “ holy,” “conform,” “transform,” really mean as applied to these verses? Make a list of any words that need a closer look.
LOOK!
Look! This is the research/study section. Begin by reading the portion of Scripture again. You will spend most of your study time in this phase. “Look” means to search, examine, consider. Pay attention to what is happening.
Research the word list that you wrote in the Stop! section. Words that you do not understand should take your directly to a Bible Dictionary or other resource for clarification.
Part of carefully crossing a street is to “Look Left and Look Right.” This applies to our Bible Study also. See what is on each side of the verses that you are studying. This gives you a more complete picture of what is happening. “Look Left” - what came before? “Look Right” - what comes after your primary verses? How do these impact the story and your understanding?
LISTEN!
Listen! This is the goal of any Bible Study. Listen means not only to hear, but to take heed, take notice, pay attention to, to mind, and to follow. Listen to what God is saying to you through the written Word and His Holy Spirit. How can you, how should you, apply what you have learned to your life today?
Listen! We study to see what God has to teach us. We study to change our life to be more of what God wants us to be. Scripture will speak to you personally.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN – three other points:
• Remember: Bible Study is not for “sissies.” Bible Study is just that - “study.”
• Use a translation that is a word-for-word translation from the original language. A paraphrase translation has a definite place in your personal library, but is not the best to be used for ‘study.’ Choose from the KJ, NKJ, NAS or NIV. Ask your Pastor, or someone else that you know is involved with serious study of Scripture, if you have any questions.
• K.I.S.S. Keep it Sacred Scripture. Scripture is inspired and without error. Nothing is added. Nothing is missing. As you listen to God, and apply the Word to your life, remember that footnotes and study notes were written by man and are not the words of God. They are guidelines, but not necessarily truth. Keep it Sacred Scripture; if you cannot find it in the 66 books of Scripture then it is not Truth.
In the months to come, Women’s Study Hall will present a series of articles on the lives of women of the Scripture. As you read the articles you now have some tools to spend your own time in serious investigation of Scripture.
“Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work, but we do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. God wants every person to be able to understand what He is saying.
One simple method of personal Bible Study is the “Stop – Look – Listen” technique. Many of us grew up with our parents teaching us to “Stop-Look- Listen” as we cross a street. This little childhood phrase can guide our steps safely across the street, and in our personal Bible Study. It is easy to remember, and we can “take it” with us anywhere!
The Stop! Look! And Listen! Bible Study has been written to
• give you simple tools, that are easy to remember as you study the Scripture in some depth
• slow you down (STOP) in your reading.
• teach you how to observe and analyze (LOOK) what you are reading.
• have you think about how to apply (LISTEN) the Scriptural truth
you have learned.
• dramatically enrich your understanding of what God is saying to you.
As young children we learn to read one….word…..at….a….time. Every word seems full of wonder and interest. A sentence like, “I will huff and puff and blow your house down,” can bring joyful delight, laughter, and animated discussion for a young reader.
We tend to lose the joy of looking at each word as the years pass and we strive to be the fastest reader, or just to finish as quickly as we can, to get on to our busy lives. Unfortunately for most of us, the habit of speed reading transfers into our Bible Study.
While we might get through the passage quickly, speed replaces comprehension, and we may miss out on Divine truth and God’s message to us. We don’t slow down long enough to be able to see what we do not really understand. If this sounds like your reading habits, the Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study technique is just for you.
Let’s begin to look at the steps of “Stop! Look! Listen! This technique can be used to study a few verses of Scripture, a chapter, or an entire book.
STOP!
Stop! First, always stop and pray before you begin. Ask God to give you the time and attention span to study His message to you. Read the Scripture several times during this study. Reading it just once or twice is not enough!
Slow down and look every word. What do you already recognize and understand ? What don’t you understand? Stop! Begin to gather information and look in detail at Scripture. Make a written list of what you do not know, or what looks interesting to you for further study.
For an example: Roman 12: 1-2 (NKJ) is a very familiar section of Scripture, but there are several words that you may not fully understand:
(1)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2)And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Stop! Do you know what “beseech,” “ holy,” “conform,” “transform,” really mean as applied to these verses? Make a list of any words that need a closer look.
LOOK!
Look! This is the research/study section. Begin by reading the portion of Scripture again. You will spend most of your study time in this phase. “Look” means to search, examine, consider. Pay attention to what is happening.
Research the word list that you wrote in the Stop! section. Words that you do not understand should take your directly to a Bible Dictionary or other resource for clarification.
Part of carefully crossing a street is to “Look Left and Look Right.” This applies to our Bible Study also. See what is on each side of the verses that you are studying. This gives you a more complete picture of what is happening. “Look Left” - what came before? “Look Right” - what comes after your primary verses? How do these impact the story and your understanding?
LISTEN!
Listen! This is the goal of any Bible Study. Listen means not only to hear, but to take heed, take notice, pay attention to, to mind, and to follow. Listen to what God is saying to you through the written Word and His Holy Spirit. How can you, how should you, apply what you have learned to your life today?
Listen! We study to see what God has to teach us. We study to change our life to be more of what God wants us to be. Scripture will speak to you personally.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN – three other points:
• Remember: Bible Study is not for “sissies.” Bible Study is just that - “study.”
• Use a translation that is a word-for-word translation from the original language. A paraphrase translation has a definite place in your personal library, but is not the best to be used for ‘study.’ Choose from the KJ, NKJ, NAS or NIV. Ask your Pastor, or someone else that you know is involved with serious study of Scripture, if you have any questions.
• K.I.S.S. Keep it Sacred Scripture. Scripture is inspired and without error. Nothing is added. Nothing is missing. As you listen to God, and apply the Word to your life, remember that footnotes and study notes were written by man and are not the words of God. They are guidelines, but not necessarily truth. Keep it Sacred Scripture; if you cannot find it in the 66 books of Scripture then it is not Truth.
In the months to come, Women’s Study Hall will present a series of articles on the lives of women of the Scripture. As you read the articles you now have some tools to spend your own time in serious investigation of Scripture.
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