Practical QTSample

 #10 How to chew

As you read the previous section, you might have been left with the thought: “OK Theo and Eugene, you've convinced me — I need to internalise Scripture (Eat the Book), but where's the practical part?”

Fear not: in this section I will try to give one or two suggestions about how to chew!

Paul, writing to Timothy identifies Scripture as a tool for ministry and our personal growth as Christians.  When we read Scripture (as opposed to any other devotional literature) we feel, as it were, the very warmth of God's breath.  The words of Scripture impart the beat and thrust of the heart of God to you and me in a way that no other literature can.

But how do I read it effectively?

One of the ways of doing that is to follow the “Kairos” method (Kairos means special or appointed time).  Start by reading about a chapter or two a day.  Some sections of the Bible are more densely packed than other sections.  If you're reading from the long narratives of the OT you might want to read two chapters, if from the gospels then maybe only one.

Read slowly and thoughtfully, putting yourself into the story.  Imagine the colours and sounds. Imagine the people and their responses.  Then divide a page (I use an A5 page) into five rows (not columns) and put the following headings into each rectangle.

1. Summary of passage
2. What does it say about God?  (Father, Son, Spirit)
3. What does it tell me about myself? (Does it convict, comfort, guide, or give an example)
4. What must I do?  (Give thanks, Pray, something more specific)
5. Which verse would I like to remember through today?
    

(You might even want to photo-copy this as a template and put the templates in a file and then work your way through Matthew or Luke over the next few weeks as an experiment).

You then fill in each rectangle thoughtfully and prayerfully.  Doing it regularly over a couple of weeks really sharpens your focus and teaches you to chew!