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WANT TO EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE?

9/9/2020

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I used to think reading scripture was something to do to check off my "spiritual to do list." Now I think of it as an experience and an invitation into a conversation with Yahweh God. My thoughts on reading vs experiencing scripture changed when I came across this fantastic book; Meeting God in Scripture (forty guided meditations) by Jan Johnson. This book is a great introduction to the ancient spiritual practice: Lectio Divina.  Grab the book if you can or ask Tamara from a copy. Here's an overview:

  • BE STILL: close your eyes, focus on your breathing, & take three deep breaths.
  • PRAY: Ask God to help you focus on scripture. Place your distractions aside (ask God to help you focus).
  • READ: I'd suggest following a reading plan. Read your scripture a first time. Re-read the  passage OUT LOUD, slowly. Take time to let the words "fall on your ears." Be open and attentive to what stands out to you.
  • REFLECT: If you're reading a "discourse" passage try to notice what stand out or "shimmers" for you, trusting that this is the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If you are reading a story try to "watch the action like a movie in your head." Use your imagination and the cues in scripture to place yourself in what's happening. What are you seeing & smelling? Your goal is to let God speak to you, not to perfectly reconstruct the event. Put yourself in the scene ... and let God speak to you while you're there.
  • RESPOND: Spend time responding to what God has spoken to you. Ask God a question (write it in your journal). You may wish to protest what God has come to you. Or simply thank God for speaking to you. The point of this is to respond to God in some way. Be honest.
  • REST:  Now simply BE PRESENT WITH GOD. You may wish to contemplate or absorb your conversation with God. Notice how your conversation with God has affected you. You may find yourself worshiping God.
  • TRY IT ON: An invitation to take some form of action that embodies the truth revealed to you through your conversation with God. You can also ask God to show you a way to experiment with living out something from the passage, even in a small way.

A FEW MORE TIPS AS YOU READ SCRIPTURE:
TIP 1: Try to read every day. But when you miss a day or two or five - don't give up! This is normal for everyone. Just start reading again. It's like eating, if you miss a meal, you don't stop eating all together. You have a snack or eat an even BIGGER meal the next time.
TIP 2: Find a regular time and place to read. A time you usually have free most everyday & a place (maybe a favorite chair) away from distractions. You'll want to put your phone in airplane mode - because it WILL distract you.

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READING THE BIBLE

9/12/2019

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  • The Bible is such a big book how do I read it?
  • Do I read from beginning to end?
  • I've never opened the Bible, where to I start?
  • I tried reading the Bible once, but got overwhelmed... can you help!?

These are a few of the questions / comments I hear regularly about reading the Bible.
I'd be more than happy to sit down with you & talk about it further. But until then, below there's a few tips & video's that will help guide you as you start.

TIPS:
  • START in the Book of JOHN (it's in the New Testament)  (NOT 1 John, 2 John, 3 John)
  • Download the Bible App - it's free!
  • Ask a friend to read with you and discuss it. (BSM staff would be happy to do do this with you).
  • Read one chapter a day (or less).
  • Keep a list of your questions.
  • Pray before you read: "God, help me to listen to this chapter with my heart and hear from You."
  • Use SOAP.
FREE BIBLE APP
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USE S.O.A.P. DAILY!

3/21/2019

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This afternoon, Ryan Gentles discussed how to read scripture using SOAP daily.
S - Scripture:
Write down the Bible passage you'll be studying.  This can be just one verse or several verses. Read it aloud & / or write it out, which will help you focus on and absorb it.

O - Observation:
Examine the text and write down what you notice.
Who wrote it?
Who is it written to?
What word or phrases jump out at you?
Is there something that you've never noticed before? (write it down)
What's happening around the verses that you've read? (immediately before and after?
Are there any words, phrases, or ideas the repeat or contrast throughout the passage?

A - Application:
How does this passage work into your daily life? Re-read the text, take a few moments to think about it again. Close your eyes, breath in & out deeply, relax. What comes to mind?
What is God saying to you?
How does it apply to your life? 
Is there an action you need to take?
Do you need to confess something or make something right with someone else?

If there's an action, try to make it SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time - bound.

P - Pray:
Spend a few moments silently listening before your respond to Yahweh God out of what you've heard from him.  Learn more about  prayer. Consider writing your prayers down to keep your mind from wandering.
PRAY
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    BSM staff offerings for discussion. We really want to know what YOU THINK.

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BSM of Montgomery County, TX
1715 Avenue J
Huntsville TX 77342
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BSM Montgomery is a collaborative partnership through Texas Baptists, Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association.
Funded by local Church partners and individual donors.
  • HOME
    • CALENDAR
    • BSM FAQ's
    • STAFF
  • FALL 2021 KICKOFF
    • ACTIVITIES FAIR 2021
  • FIRST STEP
    • EXPLORE GOD
    • EXPLORE FAITH QUESTIONS >
      • DOES TRUTH EXIST?
      • WHO IS GOD?
      • JESUS THE ONLY WAY?
      • DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD?
      • WHAT GOOD IS CHRISTIANITY?
      • FOLLOWING JESUS
      • IS DOUBT OK?
      • THE GOSPEL
      • THE AFTERLIFE
      • WHAT'S YOUR WORLDVIEW
      • DATING
      • PREGNANCY
      • INSECURITY
      • EATING DISORDERS
      • ALCOHOL & DRUGS
      • GRIEF
    • EXPLORE LOCAL CHURCHES >
      • FBC Conroe
      • FMBC
      • TWFBC
      • West Conroe BC
      • Alana Lane BC
      • CrossRoads BC
      • FBC Grangerland
  • NEXT STEP
    • GO
  • BLOG