THE BEGINNING OF THE WAY PT 5 GROWING IN THE WAY [2 of 4]

DAILY FEEDING ON HIS WORD - HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Disciples of Yahshua Messiah (Christ) should make a regular practice of feeding upon the Word of YAHWEH Elohim (God) daily

This is essential for our spiritual growth – it is more essential than eating our physical food

To feed on the Bible, however, means more than simply reading the Scriptures

It is to take the words of Elohim into your soul, so that they become part of you

You need to continually remember that the Bible is the Word of YAHWEH our Creator

It is not merely a historical or religious book It is a holy book – and more; it’s the very message of the CREATOR of all Heaven and Earth for YOU personally

Learn to value the Word of Elohim

Learn to love the Word It is YAHWEH’S love letter to you

YAHWEH Elohim has caused every word to be written in just the right way, so that it might be food and encouragement for your soul

Some of the writers of the Bible themselves have written in this strain:

“O how I love Your Torah - Your teaching! It is my meditation all the day.”

“How sweet to my taste has Your Word been! Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:97, 103)

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

Feeding on the Bible gives light to your mind, as well as food to your soul

It strengthens your faith, it helps to keep you from sin, it gives you instructions, and draws you closer to the Redeemer Master It guides you into all truth, and encourages you all along the way

So, make feeding on the Bible, your daily habit

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Set aside a time, especially each morning for this purpose

And close the day by reading a portion of Scripture

Decide what portion of Scripture you will study

Be systematic in reading

Aim at reading right through the Bible

This does not necessarily mean starting at the first book and reading through to the end

It is better to have a balanced diet of Old Covenant (Testament) and New Covenant (New Testament)

You may decide to read a chapter of the New Covenant in the morning and a chapter of the Old Covenant at night

Many believers aim at reading the complete Bible within one year

This can be done by reading an average of four chapters per day

One plan is to read two Old Testament chapters, one New Testament chapter and one Psalm or chapter of Proverbs each day

Some portions of the Bible you can read through more rapidly, such as the historical Old Testament books

You will want to read other sections more slowly and minutely, particularly the epistles of the New Covenant (Testament)

It is not how much you read, but how you read the Word that is important

Before starting to read, pray and ask the Master to speak to you, and to feed you

As you read, meditate on the Word, analyze it; see what the message is

Think it over Is there any promise, or command, or any instructions for you in this portion?

Any example to follow? Any error to avoid? What is the Redeemer Master saying to you through the portion?

It is a good idea to mark your Bible - underline any special words or verses - or mark key words or subjects This will help you to become more familiar with the Bible

You will find after some time, that you are able to find your way around the Book quite well Pray about what you have read Let your “spiritual cud” chew the food over throughout the day or night

It is good to memorize special verses

Then seek to obey and live out the Word

NEXT. . . THE BREAD OF LIFE