"Read to Obey" - The only way to build your house on the rock is to study and apply the Bible daily.

     

  1. James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."  NIV
    1. What does God say is happening when we read the Bible but don't change our lives to do it?
  2. Philippians 4.9  Keep putting into practice all you learned ... Then the God of peace will be with you. NLT
    1. What must we keep doing if we want the God of peace to be with us? 
  3. STEP 1: Identify - As you read each paragraph ask God "What do you want me to do, not do, or know?".  Mark or highlight everything we are to do or know paying special attention to the clear commands.
  4. STEP 2: Pray over each markings - Asking "Am I doing this".  Then for wisdom and help in doing them.
  5. STEP 3: Apply one scripture - Put a star next to the scripture to focus on doing today.  
    1. Do it: Write down how you will be different today because of that scripture.  Write out your prayer for help to do it.
    2. Share with others what God has told you. (in person, calling, texting, emailing, or social media)
  6. STEP 4: Review some of your previous days markings so you won't forget but do.
    1. The more you do this the more you'll experience James 1:25.
  7. STEP 5: Prayer Time - Spend time in general prayer.  The P.R.A.Y. acronym may be helpful:
    1. Praise for who He is (his attributes) and thank him for what He has and will do.
    2. Repent of the sins committed and the commands neglected.  Ask for strength to turn from sin.
    3. Ask for the needs of others and myself in faith, persistence, and patience.
    4. Yield to his will on my requests and schedule for today. (“Not my will but your will”)
  8. Try using:
    1. The NLT (New Living Translation) version because it's outstanding for reading.
    2. The NLT Life Application Study Bible for it's application oriented study notes.
    3. Tecarta Bible app.  Not only you can highlight individual words, put notes on individual verses, but also subscribe for $40/year and have access many study Bibles and commentaries.

 

Practice "Read to Obey" by reading and marking Matthew 7:21-27.