JULIA PEDRO- SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES 2

CHAPTER 2
It's easy to underestimate the necessity, not just importance, of reading the Bible if one has not
seen a malnourished Christian who has no/limited access (voluntary or incidental) to the Bible.
However, those who have limited access to the Bible are not the only malnourished ones. Many
Christians who have many types of Bibles only use them as Ornamental decorations instead of
nourishing their souls with its contents. Nothing can ever replace Bible intake for no man can
know how to live a godly life without it; this automatically makes Bible intake the most
important spiritual discipline.
Bible intake, as a spiritual discipline, has many sub-disciplines and they go thus:
1. HEARING GOD'S WORD
Hearing the Word of God is one of the easiest of spiritual disciplines but it's of utmost
importance as it helps in our spiritual development. The major way to fulfil this spiritual
discipline is to attend a Bible-believing church. Another way is listening to sermons while
engaging in mundane activities like eating, driving, laundry etc. of other believers is a spiritual
discipline that builds faith. It's of essence to note that hearing God's word, as a spiritual
discipline, includes keeping the word, not just listening without our heart being involved.
In addition, if one is saddled with the responsibility, at any time, of reading the Scripture to
others, it's important to strive to make it engaging. One could source for materials that could
enhance this skill to ensure we're a blessing to others through this medium, which would,
ultimately, bring glory to God.
It's important to point out that when one is gathering with others in fellowship, our focus must
never waver; this means that despite being glad to interact with our brethren, our focus must still
be on reverencing and seeking God.
Hearing God's word must be given an important place as a key spiritual discipline.
2. READING GOD'S WORD
It's bothersome to know that a significant number of professing Christians do not read the Bible,
regularly. Since intake of God's word is a critical part of our journey to godliness and
Christlikeness, it must be given a prime position in our Christian journey. If we want to be
Christlike, the major tool the Spirit of God will use to accomplish that is the Word of God.
To have an idea of how fundamental the daily reading of the Bible is, imagine the possibility of
eating a large meal in one day that would ensure one no longer feels hungry for the next 6
months or take in enough breath in a moment and one would no longer need air for 2 days. We
face temptations daily and need encouragement, regularly, to keep moving on.
SUGGESTIONS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BIBLE READING
A. Find the time- The Bible can be read cover to cover, non-stop, in 71 hours which is more
than most people spend watching TV and leisurely surfing the Internet in a month. If most
people devote 15 minutes daily on reading the Bible, they would have covered the Bible in
less than a year.
Avoid making the selected time of Bible reading, in a day, the time we're about to sleep.
This is because little is retained when one is tired and sleep. Also, we need the words of
Christ to help us combat temptations, which is less often when we're asleep.
B. Find a Bible reading plan- it's easier, and more productive, to follow a plan than to
randomly read the Bible. In addition to the plan, reading three chapters daily and five on
Sunday ensures the whole Bible is read, in a year. You can also mix the books of the Bible
to read so that you'll find it easier to read through the entire Bible.
C. Meditate on a word, verse or phrase- after reading the Bible, it's important to take hold of
something that was just read and mull over it for a while. This ensures that the Bible goes
beyond a mere exercise to one that takes root in our hearts and makes us more like Jesus.
Reading the Bible starts with a determination to do it. A man who was blind, and had his
tongue alone to help him read the Bible, had Covered the Bible 4 times. This is a case of a
man who is determined to be disciplined to read his Bible.

3. STUDYING GOD'S WORD

While reading the Bible can be said to be driving a speedboat across a river, studying the Bible is
like taking a slow cruise in a glass-bottomed boat; the former gives us an overview of the Bible,
while the latter gives us deeper insights into gems in the Bible. Thus, reading the Bible gives
"breadth", while studying the Bible gives "depth".
Apostle Paul, despite experiencing rare revelations, mysteries and visitations, still spent his last
days with the Scripture.
One of the major things that stops people from studying the Bible is laziness. Others are
uncertainty about how to go about it.
One of the joys of studying the Bible is firsthand discovery of insights; so it's important to find
ways to inculcate studying of the Word into our daily schedule in order to reap the numerous
benefits of Bible Intake.
CHAPTER 3
Many believers already practise the art of hearing and reading the Bible yet they struggle with
retaining what has been read. A lot of them believe they're too old, not smart, not learned enough
to be able to retain all they've read. Yet, this issue isn't a problem with only a certain
demographic of Christians- old, unlearned or having a low Intelligent Quotient- but cuts across
all demographics of believers. Young adults with top-quality education and a high IQ are not
exempt from this challenge of retaining what has been heard or read.
The major issue is the lack of understanding that reading and hearing are very important
disciplines but incomplete without other disciplines; they're like seeds necessary to get a tree,
while other disciplines are the water and sun God uses in producing the 'tree' of Christlikeness.
Studying the Bible is one of the four key disciplines necessary for effective Bible intake. The
three other disciplines are:
MEMORISATION OF GOD'S WORD
Many Christians shy away from memorisation of scriptures, possibly, due to bad experiences
while at school. However, their attitude will, very likely, change if a significant financial reward
is at stake. However, the benefit of memorisation outweighs that of any financial reward one can
receive.
BENEFITS OF MEMORISATION
I. Memorisation supplies spiritual power- Jesus was able to use the verses he had memorised,
as the Sword of the Spirit in overcoming the devil. The Holy Spirit will bring to our
remembrance, memorised verses, whenever we're trying to overcome, for instance, a temptation.
II. Memorisation strengthens one's faith- Memorisation of scripture strengthens one's faith by
reinforcing the truth. It's like reinforcing steel to sagging faith. Whenever one is down, recalling
memorised verses helps to bolster one's faith.
III. Memorisation prepares us for witnessing and counselling- A few years back, while I was
counselling a friend that was tired of his marriage, I brought up some illustrations, from the
Bible, on what was required of him and this brought peace. Other times, memorised verses were
used in bringing calm to troubled souls and healing to broken hearts/minds. Many have also been
able to win, hitherto, lost souls, to God's Kingdom by the use of memorised verses.
IV. Memorisation provides a means of God's Guidance- The Holy Spirit doesn't just use
memorised verses to help us counsel others but also to help guide us in our walk to being
Christlike. For example, there were times an unchrist-like thought came to mind and I used
Philippians 4:8 to kick it out.
V. Memorisation stimulates meditation- Memorisation makes it possible for Meditation to
thrive (Me-Me).

TOOLS TO HELP WITH MEMORISATION

I. Have a plan- there are many resources- digital and non-digital- that are available to assist one
with scripture memorisation. One could also write out verses on a particular area the Lord is
speaking about. For example, one could select 15 verses on trusting God and commit them to
memory, if that's an area God is focusing on in one's life.
II. Write out the verses- make a list of the verses in a sheet of paper, or on an e-note.
III. Draw picture reminders- if one is memorising 6:17, one can draw a helmet and a sword.
The pictures are for your view so not knowing how to draw well, shouldn't serve as a hindrance.
This tool is particularly helpful when memorising a string of verses.
IV. Memorise the verses word-perfectly- memorisation should involve every word in that
verse as it would serve as a tool to measure yourself.
V. Find a person of accountability- Scripture memorisation is the spiritual discipline that one
needs help from others the most. So, a friend, spouse, colleague, parent etc., can serve as an
accountability partner.
VI Review and meditate daily- Reviewing of memorised verses is key. There are verses I had
committed to memory and even done a little review on that I can no longer recall. This shows
how important constant review is. There is a Scripture memory app that I have which involves
memorising a verse(s), testing your memory and then reviewing the memorised verse, regularly.
So, it would move a memorised verse back to the "due section" within a day, then 3 days, and so
on. This would ensure reviewing takes place.
Finding a way to incorporate reviewing of memorised verses into one's daily routine is a fantastic
idea as one can be cleaning and going over verses one had memorised or struggling to sleep and
going over verses.
In all of these, we must not lose sight of the goal- godliness/holiness.

MEDITATING ON GOD'S WORD- BENEFITS AND METHODS

The devil has used false religions to promote the wrong kind of meditation, which involves the
emptying of one's mind. On the other hand, godly meditation involves filling one's heart with
God's word and truth.
Meditation can be said to be deep thinking on the truths found in the scriptures or about life from
a scriptural perspective for application, prayer and understanding.
An apt illustration distinguishing hearing, reading, studying and memorising God's word from
meditation is this: a teabag represents God's word and cup of water represents the Word of God.
Hearing God's word is like one dip of a teabag in a cup of water which adds some flavour of the
tea into the water. Reading, studying and memorising God's word are like additional plunges into
the cup of hot water. Increase in frequency of this results in an increased input of the tea's flavour
in the water. However, meditation is like completely immersing the teabag in the water and
allowing it steep.
Thus, meditation is like letting the Bible brew in the brain. This colours our thinking with God's
word, truth and His Ways.

SCRIPTURAL PROMISES ON MEDITATION

I. JOSHUA 1:8- THE PROMISE OF SUCCESS
This passage directly links success with meditation on God's word. This success isn't one
according to the standard of the world but God's Own Standard. God loves to bless obedience
and meditation inspires obedience which automatically, results, in being blessed by God.
Meditation allows the fire of God to warm us up in a way hearing, reading and studying can't.
For example, if a man comes in very cold and walks by a fire, he may feel warm for 2 seconds
but goes back to being cold. If he repeats this, he goes through the same experience. However, if
he stays before the fire and allows the fire warm him up, the warmth is sustained as his flesh and
bones gets heated up by the fire.
This illustration shows that the method of Bible Intake is why many find it difficult to memorise
Bible verses and not their level of intelligence. So, failure to linger, through meditation, is why
many easily become cold.

II. PSALM 1:1-3- THE PROMISES

Flourishing is one of the promises of meditation. Others are stability, perseverance, fruitfulness
and prosperity. When we delight ourselves in God, we think about things that concern Him.
Another illustration to highlight the importance of meditation is this: heavy rain falling on very
hard soil for a very short period of time will not cause the soil to absorb much as most of the
rainwater will flow away which is the similar to reading and hearing God's Word. However,
meditation opens up the soil for the rainwater to have a penetrative effect.
Thus, hearing and reading the Bible is exposure to scripture, while meditation is absorption of
scripture which is what transforms our lives and makes us more like Jesus.
The Psalmist, in Psalm 119:98-99, directly linked having higher wisdom than his enemies and
better understanding than his teachers, to meditation on God's Word.
In this age, where there's a deluge of information like never before, one needs to exercise great
discipline to practise meditation.
III. JAMES 1:25- NEW TESTAMENT PROMISES
Meditating on God's Word leads to the blessing of one's deeds by God. Meditation breeds
obedience to God as it ensures we're not forgetful hearers but effectual doers.
In all of these, it's important to not lose focus of our primary goal, which is godliness.

HOW TO MEDITATE
1. SELECT AN APPROPRIATE PASSAGE
When one has selected a passage and read it, a keyword, verse or concept that seems to beckon
can then be explored.
One could also focus on a particular topic in the passage one read.
The important thing is to read big but meditate small.

2. SELECT A METHOD OF MEDITATION

Meditation involves focusing one's thoughts on a verse, word, phrase etc.

METHODS OF MEDITATION
1. Emphasise different words in the text- This involves taking each word of a verse and
turning it like a diamond to examine every facet of the verse.
For example: Psalm 27:8a would go:
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
When thou saidst, seek ye my face
This method helps when concentration is a challenge.
2. Rewrite the Text in your own words- With a pen and paper or with an electronic device, one
can rewrite the verse as if one is trying to explain the verse to a friend, using a different set of
words. This helps one to mull over the verse to find appropriate synonyms to paraphrase the
verse with.
3. Formulate a principle from the Text- what does it teach? - This is a kind of summary of
the message in a passage. For example, Proverbs 4:14-19 can be described as "Avoid the path of
the wicked to make unhindered progress."
4. Think of an illustration of the Text- what picture explains it? - Illustrations are word
pictures such as songs, personal anecdotes, a quotation, an analogy or anything that throws more
light on the Text. The sentence of an illustration usually begins with" that's like... ". Jesus used a
lot of illustrations while on earth.
The first thing to do when trying to picture a passage is to consider whether there's a story in the
Bible that illustrates the verse you're meditating on; if it's a story that's being read, consider if
there's a verse that illustrates it.
5. Look for applications of the Text- Find ways to apply what you read. Meditate on the verse
and find something to do, pray about, share with someone, stop doing, to believe etc. This makes
you a doer. Live by this motto: "I will not close my Bible until I know what the Lord wants me
to do with this verse". This will cause you to meditate.
6. Ask how the text points to the Law or the Gospel- The Bible presents us with God's laws-
what God expects us to do to be holy- and God's Gospel- the good news of God's Provision of
His Righteousness through Jesus. As you meditate, you look for how the Text points to the Law,
the Gospel or both.
7. How the Text points to something about Jesus- Although similar to the previous method,
this one focuses on looking out for the Person and Work of Jesus. Does it point to something He
accomplished by His Life or Death or what He would do at His Return? It's basically about
thinking Christo-centrically.
8. Ask what question is answered or what problem is solved by the Text- For example, Psalm
34:1 states "I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Questions like: Does God expect us praise Him continually? Should we only worship Him
sometimes? When sad, can we be excused from Worshipping Him? Etc.
9. Pray through the Text- We can pray through a text. For example: Proverbs 1:23 states "Turn
you at my reproof: Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto
you."
One could the pray this way: Lord, baptise me with your Spirit once again. Let Your Holy Spirit
shed light on the pages of the Scripture that I may have a deeper understanding of Who You are
and what You expect from me.
It's important to note that the Holy Spirit is our Senior Partner whenever we're reading, studying
and meditating on God's Word, as He sheds Light that gives deeper understanding of God's
Truth.
10. Memorise the Text- When you're memorising a verse, you tend to give it some reflection
which stimulates meditation.
11. Create an artistic Expression of the Text- You can create a sketch, poem, chant or song
from the verse. One could, thus, create a new song unto the Lord (Psalm 96:1). Sounds exciting,
doesn't it?
12. Ask the Philippians 4:8 Questions of the Text- Breaking Philippians 4:8 down into
questions helps in enhancing meditation. For example: What truth does this verse exemplify,
what is pure about this verse, what is of good report about this verse etc.
13. Ask the John Hall Questions of the Text- These are specific questions for meditation,
created by an Anglican BISHOP, named John Hall. They go thus:
i. What is it (define and/or describe what it is) you are meditating upon?
ii. What are its divisions or parts?
iii. What causes it?
iv. What does it cause; that is, what are its fruits and effects?
v. What is its place, location, or use?
vi. What are its qualities and attachments?
vii. What is contrary, contradictory, or different to it?
viii. What compares to it?
ix. What are its titles or names?
x. What are the testimonies or examples of Scripture about it?
The first question is the most difficult but also the most important. For example: For James 1:8,
question 1 can be answered thus: double-mindedness coming with instability.
It's more productive to meditate when you're answering questions than just randomly thinking
about a verse. It helps one meditate when one is distracted, sleepy or tired.
14. Set and discover a minimum number of insight- This method, in particular, would be
helpful for people who are competitive in nature, those who thrive on challenges and those who
enjoy achieving set goals. It involves setting a number of insights that one must achieve from
meditating on a verse. Setting the bar reasonably high, where the person would easily reach but
wouldn't think impossible, would have the person burrowing deep into gleaning almost every
grain from that verse.
The scripture was inspired by an Infinite Mind and thus, there are infinite observations that can
be gotten from the scripture. Keep pushing!
15. Find a link between all the chapters or paragraphs you read- If you read a chapter or
different books at a time, find the common thread amongst them. It could be a challenge in your
life that's being addressed, it could be about Jesus, relating to the law or Gospel etc.
16. Ask how the text speaks to your current issue or situation- Ask the Holy Spirit to open
your eyes to see.
17. Meditation mapping- using mind mapping for meditation helps to flesh out the verse under
consideration.
It's important to note that one shouldn't rush but take one's time to get the best out of this
exercise. It's also imperative to include meditation as part of one's daily encounter with the Bible.
So, if reducing number of verses to be read to increase meditation needs to be done, that would
be better.

APPLYING GOD'S WORD- BENEFITS AND METHODS

The application of God's Word is of utmost importance. The Bible reiterated the blessedness of
being a doer not just a hearer, only.
METHODS FOR APPLICATION
I. Expect to discover an application- When one opens the Bible with the expectancy of finding
some truths to apply, chances are very high of having that expectation met.
II. Understand the Text- It's important to understand the context in which a verse came about
before applying it personally.
III. Meditate to discern application- The Word memorised becomes the Word applied through
meditation. Hearing, reading and studying the Bible without meditation would application to
situations difficult. It's from meditation that one sees various ways the verses can be applied,
personally and corporately.
IV. Ask application-oriented questions of the Text- There were recommended questions that
would help in application and they go thus:
- Does this text reveal something I should believe about God?
- Does this text reveal something I should praise or thank or trust God for?
- Does this text reveal something I should pray about for myself or others?
- Does this text reveal something I should have a new attitude about?
- Does this text reveal something I should make a decision about?
- Does this text reveal something I should do for the sake of Christ, others, or myself?
V. Respond Specifically- It's necessary to commit one's self to, at least, one action per Bible
Intake. It could be praising God more, showing more love, improving fellowship with the
brethren, forsaking of sin, asking for forgiveness etc. Some people attend a lot of Bible Studies
but their spirit is lean which shows in their prayer life, relational life, lack of growth in
Christlikeness etc.
In all of these, there's a method of meditation and application that comes from only God, so it's
imperative to ask Him to give and teach us.
Once one is an applier of the Word, it permeates every area of one's life and sends out the right
fragrance to the discerning. This should encourage us to discipline our minds to deeply feed on
the Bible.