LIT

Last night at bible study before we started, Miss Beth asked a few people if they would share something they've learned so far. She and Melissa just needed to know if they are getting through to anybody. (Insert loud "YES!!" here!) It was awesome to hear the answers of some of the girls and nod in complete agreement to everything they said about why they were enjoying bible study, and what they were learning.

I didn't speak up, but if I would have, my answer would have been...

Growing up in church is a huge blessing. I see that now that I am older. But, that doesn't mean that those of us that grew up in church know everything or more about the bible than those of us that didn't grow up in church. That is so far from the truth. Yes, I went to Awanas and Sunday School and learned the books of the bible, and MANY bible stories, yes I did, but that's just it, I just learned them. Never really applied them, though. And here I am 15 years later, learning all those stories again and even the books of the bible again, and SO much more, and it is THRILLING. Y'all, it is a ride that I wish all of you could take with me.

For instance, last week, Beth took us through the WHOLE bible, from Genesis to Revelation. (All about the story of redemption and God's pursuit of man!) Absolutely amazing. Never, ever, have I done that, and boy was it fascinating. It was so nice to tie everything together and see the story of our Jesus from beginning to end. Thrilling. As she took us through it, she had us copy each part down on note cards, and then had us memorize them along with our other homework (Which took us through the whole bible again!). So now, I can tell you the story of the bible, beginning to end, without problem. Would I have learned that in church? I think not. Not dogging the church AT ALL, it's just not pulpit material normally.

She and Melissa have also taken us through where the bible came from, why bother studying it, the different languages, how the books of the bible were chosen, who wrote each part, the story of redemption and that really it is the "old covenant" and the "new covenant" instead of the the old and new testaments. And SO much more.

We are also going through two books that I would highly encourage you to get. They are extremely easy reads and are packed with information if you are interested in anything theological. On the Old Testament and On the New Testament by Mark Driscoll are definitely worth purchasing.

Last night we learned about all the different Bible translations and it was exciting to say the least. They were so right on last night when they told us that we'd need to take out a loan to get all the books they've recommended. I totally agree. On top of all the books they recommended, I am totally wanting more translations of the bible, too, but for now my checkbook will only allow Bible Gateway to translate for me.

The reason this study has meant more to me than anything, is because it has truly given me a desire and passion to know the WORD more. To know HIM more. To be a student of the Bible and to not stop learning.

Every other bible study I have done has been more about my "heart." Heart issues. Knowledge has been apart of those studies for sure. But this one is pure knowledge about the Bible, which in return is doing a work on my heart. And giving me a greater love for Him. You can't help but be in AWE of the one and only God of the Universe when you learn about the history of the bible, and how it is constantly changing lives. He has captivated my heart without a doubt during this study. And captivating is probably the word I would use if you asked me to sum the class up in one word. Captivating.

Not only is it an "Intro to Bible" class, it is a bible class on a way personal and intimate level. We are not only learning more about the Word, we are applying it to our lives and application is HUGE.

I have been to Tuesday night bible study during a normal semester, and sister, this is completely different. I mean, for goodness sake, we are asking questions during bible study. The ladies are checking our homework (accountability), and we are getting stickers, tattoos, chocolate, blow pops and even a book, as of last night. (That me and a lot of other girls won in a giveaway drawing. Fun!) Every Tuesday night on the way home, I thank the Lord for this amazing opportunity, and pray that I would absorb as much as He allows.

And I haven't even told y'all about the homework, but just know that it is GOOD, and it is one of my favorite parts because I get to search the scriptures for myself. For me, it is a bit difficult to actually finish, but I wouldn't ask for anything less. (And that's just because I'm busy and haven't given myself time to do it. We are SO working on that. And I'm happy to report I've finished it all so far! Glory to Him!)

This season/transition of my life has been a bit harder than I expected. As I said in an earlier post, I finally have realized that everything is different, and I am a grown up. It has been especially harder because I haven't met as many girls as I would have hoped to yet, and I am still living with my parents. (Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and living with them, I mean, they are reading this right now, but it is just a weird transition.)

During this transition, the Lord was so sweet in His timing to give me this bible study this semester. It has been the perfect thing, because it has made me dig into His Word and really truly find my fulfillment in Him. And be found in Him. I am so thankful.

I know that this is by far the choppiest post I've ever written, but I really don't know how to make it flow when I have so much flowing out of my heart. I wish I could type out EVERYTHING, but we'd be here all day.

So, that is what I would say if asked if I've gotten ANYTHING out of this study. YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR I HAVE!

I hope and pray that Beth, Melissa (and Curtis, too) know the impact they are having on us young things. I hope they know the eternal impact they are having. Oh, the seeds they have planted. It's like a tease of a class because we want so much more, or at least I do. I pray huge blessings over their sweet souls for the time they have poured over this study! Because it has been the most humongous blessing to us.

Until next time, I pray that He gives each and everyone of us a passion and desire to KNOW Him through His Word. Oh, that we would be LIT because His Word IS like fire! Glory!

Four weeks down, six to go...