We know that as women we are to set aside time in our busy lives to read, study, and apply the verses. Dwelling on what is written is also important as it allows the Spirit time to teach and merge it with what is already known in the store of doctrine within us. This is a key part of learning. Paul references meditation (I Tim. 4:15) and uses key words like “dwell” (Eph.3:17), “think on” (Phil. 4:8), and “consider,” (II Tim. 2:7) These mean to mull over or ponder various facets of a verse, turning it over in the mind. Purpose toincorporate mediation in your study if you don’t already have it as a habit.
What might study look like? Read Ephesians 1:6 a few times: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Dwell on the passage for insights. Notice the immediate verses that surround the passage and then the general context of the chapter and book. You can define key terms and note how they are used, asking yourself questions. This activates the searching-seeking process: Do I understand this verse? Do I practically live this verse? Spend time pondering these.
To think and focus deeply on something takes a chunk of quiet time. Set boundaries to avoid distractions. Purpose to develop the habit of considering context and instructions given for its application. For those new to study, primarily stay in Paul’s epistles, as this is direct instruction to the Body of Christ. When studying outside of Paul’ doctrine, keep in mind ‘to whom it is written.’ For example, the Gospels are written for our learning (Rom. 15:4), but specifically to and about Israel. (II Tim. 2:15) Some things are inter-dispensational, that is, teachings that apply through all time periods in Scripture i.e. Paul strategically refers to Old Testament passages in his epistles to teach: Salvation by grace without works (Rom. 4) and warnings to the Body of Christ about man’s tendency to sin, referencing Israel’s sin history. (I Cor. 10)
Think on This: How do we slow down as the mind tends to be on overload all the time? Pray about this to the Father. Find ways to strategically shut windows of things in your mind that are being exalted to focus above: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) Pray, purposing to use free time for meditation i.e. when driving a car, getting ready in the morning, having coffee, etc. Choose a time to dwell on a verse, considering each word. God will do the work within you by the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. Set aside some time every day unto the Lord and then, trust the process. A YouTube series that has ten minute meditations on verses to encourage may help: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW_ZldaNFY0QfJjgWa

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