Discovery from the Past

The other day I was in our “prayer room” (a little closet-like room inspired by “The War Room” movie, where I have dates with my children and sometimes pray—though I usually prefer to be outside). As I sat waiting for a child to bring his dessert for our our date time, I noticed an old Bible study notebook on the shelf and started flipping through it. The first section, labeled “My God Is…,” had passages I had copied from the first ten Psalms related to truths about who God is, what He does, and what He expects of us.

I don’t remember where I got the idea for that project—probably a college Bible class—but I do remember being surprised at how much I was able to learn about my God just from those ten chapters and how much closer to Him I felt, knowing that those truths about Him were from His own words to me! It was as though we were having a conversation—He telling me about Himself, His commands, and His desires to bless me, and I responding with praise and prayer.

How to Read the Bible—Remember the Why

Of course there are many wonderful methods of studying God’s word, and the important thing is not which one we use, but simply that we do read the word with understanding and obey it with humility. Lately the ladies of our church have been using Stepping Heavenward: a Bible Study Guide by Carson Kistner, and I am thoroughly enjoying its careful guidance through Scripture topics, excellent quotes, and helpful applications to biblical womanhood, marriage, and motherhood. Other times I have just read through the Bible, letting God’s word speak to me in whatever way stands out on that particular day. But taking notes specifically on things I learn about my God reminds me that He is the central subject of Scripture and that reading His word should be all about knowing, adoring, and obeying Him better! And what a wonderful Person to know . . . He is so good to us!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

– John 14:23

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

– Rom. 11:36

Bible Study Worksheet

I looked again through those notes I had taken years ago while reading through Psalms and trying to get to know my God better and realized they fell into several different categories:

• Things God is: His characteristics
• Things God does: His works
• Things God will not do: His promises
• Things God wants me to do: His commands

I had originally just recorded the notes and verses on regular notebook paper in a small three-ring binder. But after finding them the other day, I decided it would be fun to have a pretty printable that I could use again and again–maybe even printing out a whole bunch of sheets and binding them so that I can finish making notes on all the Psalms. Actually, you could use the worksheet for any passage you’re currently reading–and I’d love to help get you started by sending a free guide to those of you who’d like to try this “Getting to Know My God” method. Short and simple, it’s a three-page pdf including instructions, example notes, and a blank worksheet that you’re welcome to print out and use for your personal reading, homeschool devotions, or ladies’ class. Just sign up below and I’ll send it your way today!

Please let me know if the guide is helpful to you, and if you like, share in the comments what passages you’re working through as you get to know your God!