If you have ever felt
like hearing from God is as difficult as breaking through a thick wall, please
know there is a simple way to study that will demolish barriers. Using the
Listening Heart's seven question method below clears the way for you to charge in and take all of
the wisdom, encouragement, guidance, instruction and much, much more from the
powerful word of God. You can conquer your own promise land by listening to God’s
magnificent voice through his word.
First,
grab your Bible, pen, and paper and choose a passage of Scripture to study then
ask and answer these seven questions:
1. What is
the passage about? Make a list of facts. If it helps, write what you have
read in your own words (even re-writing Scripture brings enlightenment). You
can also circle, underline, or highlight text as you go. Take note of repeated
phrases.
2. What do
I learn from the passage? Many possibilities lie ahead for you on this one.
To narrow it down, if you had to write a main truth or principle about the
passage, what would it be? Besides the principle(s), is there an example to
follow or not to follow?
3. How can
I apply what I have learned to my life? Try to think of a current situation
in your personal, home, church, or business life which is similar to what you
have read. After you have thought this through, ask God to give you a way to
apply it to your life. Then do it.
4. What are
the warnings to heed or commands to obey? This question causes a search for
two things: 1. Warnings from God to save us from harm. 2. Simple instructions
to follow to stay in his will.
5. What are
the promises to hold on to? Thousands of trustworthy promises fill God’s
word. The answer to this question is easy to find.
6. How
could I use this passage to praise God? Look for the names, attributes, and
character of God as you study. Pray them back to God and praise him for who he
is.
7. How
could I use this passage in prayer? Can I own these verses by placing my
name anywhere in this passage? Can I
place I, my, and me where the Bible has our?
Write your own prayer using the passage.
The
more you practice this approach to Scripture, the more you will hear from the
Lord, and gain confidence in your listening skills. May God break down walls in
your life and open the way to adventure as you seek his will and grow closer to
him.
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