From the Home Place

Well, it’s 17 degrees at 3:30 a.m., headed for 51 for a high. The wind gusts are to remain under 25 mph. I hope I remember how to walk with the winds under 50 mph!

With Miss Deb teaching in Guernsey for the rest of this week, Coffee and I are attempting to get some things done around here. With so many projects to get done, it is difficult to know where to start. I guess the best place to just start somewhere.

I fear that so many folks look at Bible study in the same way. With so much of the Bible to study, where does one start? Again, I say, just start. Pick a book and start reading; probably one of the Gospels is the best starting place. If you need more help, start with the Gospel of Mark. Remember our moto, “Read less for more!”

Don’t feel you need to read the entire Gospel, just read two or three verses and then study the key words of those verses. Be sure to have a pen and a notebook handy to write down all of your discoveries. At the end of your study time, explore ways to apply what you just studied. Bible knowledge doesn’t really affect one’s life until we are able to apply that knowledge. Most often, the application will involve doing something with or for another person. Tools required: Bible, notebook, pen, dictionary. So, roll up your sleeves and just get started!

After the sun gets up, I’m going to start with a repair on the roof and then move inside and get to work here. The problem is, I won’t have enough time to get any of the projects completed today, and tomorrow, I have to take a hundred-mile road trip and meet with some folks to plan a funeral that I am to officiate in Nebraska on Monday. Oh yah, there is also the 300+ miles we have to drive on Friday, after Miss Deb finishes teaching school. Yep, our lives are rather busy, and so is yours.

So, once again like Bible study, there is always something else I need to do that gets in the way of my study time, and that is part of the reason that I get up early each morning. Because our days are so very busy around here, I have to find time to spend with the Lord and His word. For me, getting up early is the easiest way to fulfill the priority of a quality time with my Master. Evenings may be easier for you, or perhaps just before or after lunch. It does not matter when you set aside a few minutes for reading, study and prayer, just find a time that you can consistently fulfill this very important element of your spiritual growth.

As we have talked about before, it is difficult to get to know someone unless you spend time with them; if you want to get to know God better, you have to spend quality time with Him. You see my friend, Bible study is much like household repairs, neither will get done by just thinking about doing them. We must make the effort if we hope to see results. Believe me, the effort invested in spiritual growth has a far greater return than the effort required for remodeling an old house. Both are valuable, both require time and effort, but only one lasts forever!

Digging into His word with you, Neal