By John Herring
Executive pastor, Northpark Baptist Church, Trussville
Direct publisher, Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study by NavPress
- Pick the right time — consistency is the key. Meet God at the same time every day.
- Choose the right place — find a place free from distractions and with good light.
- Use the right tools — the Bible, of course. But other tools could include: a study Bible written in a clear language that you can read, a concordance, a Bible dictionary, a notebook or journal, a pen and a highlighter. There are worlds of tools available via the Internet or Bible software packages you can load on your computer. Find the tools you feel most comfortable using and make sure they are all in your study place.
1. The Bible — have your Bible handy and have a daily plan for reading through it. A study Bible is a good choice because it has notes and cross references included in the body of the text. Remember the Bible was not originally written in English, so finding an English translation that fits your understanding is perfectly acceptable.
If you cannot quite understand the King James Version, try the New King James Version. If you want a scholarly approach, the NASB or the ESB may be good choices. If you would like a more contemporary translation, The Message is a good choice.
If you want to study the Bible online, biblia.com or Bible Gateway are great tools that allow you to view multiple versions side by side. YouVersion has applications (apps) for mobile use. With a mobile app, remember to download the complete translation to your phone or you will not be able to access it if you are on a plane or out of cell coverage.
2. Devotionals/devotional readers — these books typically contain a suggested daily reading along with a Scripture reference or a Bible verse. There are devotional readers for men, women, boys and girls. There are devotional books for executives, housewives, students and grandparents. If you need a little help jump-starting your daily quiet time with God, these books can be a great addition to your daily Bible study.
3. Journals — a wonderful way for you to chronicle your time with the Lord each day. Journals can be as simple as a loose-leaf notebook or as complex as computer-journaling software.
There is no right or wrong way to journal. Some study the Scripture and then record their thoughts. Others do the opposite. Personally I break my journaling into small sections. I start with prayer and may record a prayer thought. Then I will read my Scripture passage for the day. Next I move to my thoughts for the day in four areas built on an acrostic for the word “LIFE.”
L — Loved ones: What is God teaching me or how is my heart leaning for my loved ones?
I — Influence: How well or how poorly am I using my influence based upon my reading of the Scripture today?
F — Faith: What are my faith challenges based on this reading?
E — Experiences: Through my experiences, based on the reading for this day, what is God teaching me? How is He moving me?
_________________________________________________
SMART goals
“A good goal is …
S — Specific
M — Measureable
A — Achievable
R — Realistic
T — Time-bound”
“There is tremendous power in goal setting. Setting goals creates a synergy that can exist no other way.”
“The first step of goal setting is to make a list.”
“A dream that isn’t written down is just a wish.”
“A goal without a timeline is just an open-ended wish. It has no power.”
“It doesn’t accomplish anything if we ruin today by worrying about tomorrow.”
—Terry D. Newberry
“The Boss: Sometimes a Life Transcends a Lifetime”
_______________________________________________
Health tips from “40 Days to Better Living — Optimal Health”
By Dr. Scott Morris
Church Health Center of Memphis
www.churchhealthcenter.org
- Time yourself when you brush your teeth. You should brush your teeth for about two minutes, spending 30 seconds brushing each quadrant (upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right).
- You should floss your teeth every day. The best time is after you brush and before going to bed. Wax-coated floss helps with tightly spaced teeth.
- Critique your vision and make sure your sight is good and/or your prescription is updated.
___________________________________________________
“Nobody achieves anything great by giving the minimum. No teams win championships without making sacrifices and giving their best.”
—John Maxwell
“The 5 Levels of Leadership”
Share with others: