APPROVED STUDY

Study to show yourself, approved unto

God, a worker who needs not be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

II Timothy 2:15

We seem to spend a lifetime wanting and even seeking the approval of others. I began to learn this when I was in first grade. On report card day, my parents were all but standing inside our front door wanting to see without delay, my report card. I couldn't believe how they both read over that card, looking at grades and even at the character marks. I really wanted their approval and still, even today, want the approval of others. In these adult years, I recognize that above everyone else, I should want God's approval.

One way we can please God is how we regard His Word. We may read chapter after chapter in one sitting and hope God is pleased with our giving that time and effort. However, He is much more interested in the quality of our reading much more than the quantity. How often do we read a few chapters and close our Bibles feeling good about ourselves. So often after that, we maybe can't remember a thing we have read.

We have often heard folks encouraged to take one step at a time. Well, I'm trying to do that these days except taking one verse at a time. I select a chapter, read the first verse over and over if necessary to take in every ounce of meaning from it the Holy Spirit gives me. I may have to read it three or four times or more if needed. I don't move to the next verse until I've soaked up the first one.

That's not all the Bible reading I may do in a day, but that is a very determined effort to glean all I can from a chosen chapter. I may spend a few days on that chapter or more if necessary, but I want to squeeze everything out of it I can. I don't want to read only words on a page. I think God is pleased when I take His Word in a very serious and determined way. Try it...you'll like it.

Thank You Father for Your precious Word and for Your sweet Holy Spirit who is so happy and desirous to teach me while I am reading it. May He guide me to put into practice what I have read and learned...all for Your glory. In Jesus' name...Amen