Bible Study Blog

   It has been on my heart to do something a little different with my blog this year.  I guess you could call it an experiment, but optimistically it will be a good one.  I am going to try out doing a Bible Study Blog.  My idea is this:
   I will be going through the Bible like normal during my quiet times and then will blog about what I am learning, what I am struggling with, what words captured me and what words I just really don't understand.  The blog will be somewhat a journal entry from that passage.  My prayer is that in my doing this, someone (maybe even many someones) will read scripture along with me and find encouragement, truth and strengthened faith from doing so.  It will be a "Bible Study"blog in that anyone can follow along with me, share their input and knowledge and ask questions just like that of an in-home Bible study.  My promise is to be real and honest with my readers and to be open to what the Lord will teach me.
   Now hear me out- I do not in any way consider myself a teacher. I also do not consider myself an expert in the Bible.  I am simply a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ who longs to study His words and learn His truths.  I will probably make misinterpretations, say the wrong things or change my perspective after writing some things and I want to apologize in advance for any of those offenses.  However,  I believe that when the Lord teaches us something we should share it for His glory.  When the Lord does something in our lives, whether it be a miracle or a kindness or a mercy we are to spread those blessings for the glory of our Father.  I am too quick to hoard His blessings.  I am too quick to take take take from Bible studies and friends and mentors without giving back.  A lot of this sin comes from fear, but most of it comes from selfishness.  He teaches me something new in His word that lights me up and encourages me and strengthens my faith and what do I do with it?  At best I may thank Him many times in my prayers, maybe tell my husband/close family members and maybe even write it down in a journal.  But that excitement and fire soon passes, maybe to be forgotten or at the very most to be remembered fondly but then what?  The Lord has done loving beautiful things for me and I have kept them to myself.  I have kept HIM all to myself.  When that is not at all what He has called me to do.  He has called His children to be fishers of men.  To make disciples of all nations.  To study His words and use them for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.  Frankly, I have not been doing that.  Also, in all honesty I'm not sure if me doing this blog is going to do that either.  I hope it does.  I hope this blog is used for His glory and the spreading of His truths and encouragement of the study of His scripture.  But it is very likely that the only people that will read this blog are a few of my close family and friends whom I'm sure are far beyond my years of studying the scriptures.  BUT, I have to try.  I have to do something.  At the very least, I will be motivated to stay in the Word and held somewhat accountable if I don't. (And thats not a bad "very least" if I do say so.)
   So, here goes it.  Here's to taking a chance and seeing what the Lord does with it.  I pray you will dig into scripture with me and be encouraged.  I pray the joy of our Savior will grasp you as you get to know Him more.  I pray your faith is strengthened and your lives are changed as you learn of the Lord's unending love for you.  So, "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:19-25)