Big things are going on downstairs. In case you missed last night here are the principles for daily reading your bible.  (p.s. if you didn’t get a bookmark, I have more!  Just come swing by and I’ll hook you up!)

• PRAYER – Before you ever open the bible to read it, pray.
  • Ask God to “Open your eyes, that you will see wondrous things from the Bible.” (Psalm 119:18) Reading scripture starts with asking God’s help. “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21)
• ATTENTION – Give you undivided attention to the word of the Lord!
  • Most people I know have about a ten second attention span,. What about you? Getting focused is one of the hardest disciplines in reading the scripture. Shut off the T.V., go to a quiet place, put duct tape over your brothers or sisters mouth. Whatever it takes, give God your undivided attention.
• SUPPORT – Get support for words you don’t understand, names you don’t know, places that are unfamiliar, and tough passages as you read.
  • Get some encouragement for when your eyes hit the hard stuff. So many passages of scripture have many meanings. Use all the tools in the toolboxes; Bible dictionaries, biblical maps, commentaries, and sermons are all helpful in understanding passages of scripture. Never “pass over” anything!
• SPREAD – Encourage someone else to follow and read the same passages/books you are.
  • Take the New Testament challenge! Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to engage in the same reading you are. This leads to discoveries you might have missed and can result in some of the best conversations about what you both are learning.
• ENERGY – Give all your energy to put into practice what you have been learning.
  • “Be doers of the word!” (James 1:22) The true joy of reading the bible comes in application of what you have read.
• DEVOTION – Devote yourself to God’s word and never give up!
  • Just as you started in prayer, end in prayer. Remember this is a daily process so ask for God to help you out tomorrow as well. If your in the New Testament challenge, remember just one chapter a day, all year. Run the mile before you run the marathon!

Go Deeper!  7:12 is here for you every week to help you study the bible.   Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. we are learning principles to help study the bible.  Be there!