In this busy life that many of us are living these days, we have to make time to get into God’s Word. I know that we have to get the kids off to school and extracurricular activities, clean the house, wash clothes, cook dinner, take care of the hubby’s needs (if you’re married), and do the work that needs to be done, whether that’s a day job or ministry. But again, we have to make the intentional effort to get into the Word of God – with as few distractions as possible. So, how about settling down and purposefully studying a book of the Bible?

If you were to do this, which book of the Bible would you start with (even if you’ve done it before in recent past - pick a new one)? The Holy Scriptures will never tire or wear out. And you can always learn more. I think a good prayer is perfect here. Meaning, pray and ask God which one He would want you to read and study?

For me personally, I felt the Lord leading me to the book of Hebrews recently. So I began reading and studying it, and I’ll tell you - it has been soooooo good and enlightening! Honestly, I just can’t get enough of God’s Word! It’s a feast and medicine for my soul all wrapped into one!

The Bible is our GPS. It’s our guide and roadmap to maneuver through this life effectively. So we can’t neglect its reading and study of it, just because we’re busy. We need to make time and dive into it and study it - and then apply what the writers have written. The writers were all inspired by the Lord to pen every word for us.

The Bible tells us so in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 saying, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

The Scriptures were also written to deliver (salvation), inspire, teach, correct and instruct us. It was penned to encourage, comfort, and heal us. Furthermore, it was written to help us get to know our heavenly Father better in every way and to unveil His plans, promises, and future to us – and help us do His will. It’s loaded!

Another reason to study the Word and a particular book of the Bible is to help you understand Scripture in its context. In other words, read it for its true meaning. When you do this, it really adds more value and understanding to what God was doing or is trying to help you grasp today. And the Holy Spirit is right there to lead and guide you into all truth. He will reveal and enlighten you as you gain a better understanding of what’s being said.

Also, know that reading Scripture in its correct context (i.e. reading the whole passage above and underneath, as well as reading the whole book that you’re studying) helps you to not only know its true meaning, but also helps you to use it and teach it correctly. How many times have you noticed individuals or even teachers who have run off with one verse and taught Scripture completely out of context or used it incorrectly? It happens! That’s why 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us, “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Furthermore, it helps you to be aware if someone tries to feed you false doctrine vs. sound doctrine (i.e. false teachers). Second Timothy 4:3 warns, “A time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.” So the key to not being deceived in these last days is getting into that book, sis. Receive God’s uncompromised, untwisted, sound word, and discern between what’s true or false as you dig deeper into it.

In closing, studying a book of the Bible is enjoyable, enlightening, directional, life-changing, empowering, and encouraging. I know that’s a lot of adjectives, but what are you waiting for? Make the time and go deeper. Remember to pray and ask the Lord to lead you to which one to start with and then grab a fresh notebook, pen, some highlighters, a good commentary, Bible dictionary, and then crack it open and get started.

Lastly, write in and let me know how things are going and what you’ve been discovering. I’d love to hear from you. Happy study time!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Which book do you think God is leading you to study, sis? Do you know, yet? If not, again, pray about it. Let me know how things are going with your study @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you! And if you need prayer about something, let me know and I will pray for you.

ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.

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