One eight-year-old autistic boy made it into the news recently when told he couldn’t read this book during free time at school. And this controversial book is banned in approximately 52 countries (Note: I also found some information disputed this statistic.)
So what is this highly controversial and often misunderstood book?
The Bible.
The Bible is scientifically and historically accurate.
BUT it was not written with those purposes in mind. For example: the word dinosaur is not mentioned in Scripture. (Although many think, me included,dinosaurs are spoken of in the book of Job 40-41.) Armadillos, raccoon, and kangaroos among many other living creatures are not mentioned either. Not being mentioned doesn’t mean these creatures don’t or haven’t existed. Nor does it mean the Bible isn’t true if they are not listed.
The writings in Scripture spanned three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. God’s word was not written to be a world history book since North and South America, Australia, and Antarctica are missing. But the history contained in the Bible is proven to be accurate.
The Big Black Book was written so we come to know God.
It is God’s love letter to the human race. It supplies strength for us to live and gives us the direction for us to live well. The Bible provides love, soul food, and direction for the human spirit. (Things I need each day.)
God’s word is DAILY bread.
God says his word is living and active, true, and full of power. Here are some good verses to look up to see what the Bible says about God’s Word: John 17:20, John 20:30-31; Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12.
So how can we go about digging into the Lord’s word on a daily basis?
Here are a few ideas that will help with personal study and some ideas that will help you train your kids how read the Bible:
1. Pick a time of day and commit to it but be flexible. If one day doesn’t work out, figure out a time to work it in.
2. Choose one book or topic. If you pick a topic go to the back of your Bible , look at the concordance (looks like an index), and find the verses that match your chosen topic. Or you can go to Bible Gateway and plug in your subject. Start small. Read a couple verses at a time. Make it DO-ABLE.
3. When studying your chosen verse or topic ask yourself: or your child:
- What is this passage about? (facts)
- What did I learn form this verse? (principles)
- How can I apply this to my life? (application)
4. Reflect and meditate on what was learned through out the day. Talk about what you read and what God showed you in everyday conversation.
Before you or your child start reading, pray.
It’s Memorial Day and summer is approaching. My structured Bible study is over. So…now I have the challenge of reading God’s Word without the accountability of a group. I decided, I’m going to put 1-4 into action (with God’s help of course!).
What tips do you have for personal Bible study?
With faith, hope, and love,
Lori Wildenberg
co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting
author, speaker, licensed parent and family educator
Contact Lori for your next event, parent workshop, or parent consulting.
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About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
