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Day 2 – Bible Facts

The Bible is unique among “Holy Books;” it is rooted in and intertwined with actual human history. It is also the most read book in the world (3.9 billion)

The Bible claims to be “the word of God.” It records the interaction of God with historical people and nations. It reveals the meaning of life and the responsibility of human beings to their Creator.

66 books—The Bible is actually a collection of books, some long, some short. This book of books is the world’s all-time best seller and the world’s most translated book.

Two major sections

The Bible’s two major sections are the Old Testament and the New Testament. (What’s so new about the New Testament?)

The Old Testament has…

39 books
929 chapters
23,214 verses
593,493 words
Longest book: Psalms
Shortest book: Obadiah (3rd shortest book in the Bible)

The New Testament has…

27 books
260 chapters
7,959 verses
181,253 words
Longest book: Acts
Shortest book in the Bible: 3 John (fewest number of words / 2 John has more words, but one fewer verses.)
5 history books (Acts and the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
21 letters (epistles)
1 book of prophecy (Revelation)

The nine sub-sections of the Bible

The Bible’s books are arranged by TYPE, rather than chronologically.

Books of Moses and the Law

History books

about God’s chosen people, Israel

Wisdom books

Prophets’ books

beginning with the most major five first

Gospels

The Pentateuch:

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

History of the early church

Paul’s letters

Other letters

Apocalypse

Acts of the Apostles

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Revelation

There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Bible, and these evidences are many and varied. Most people today, unfortunately, have not read any of these books. In fact, few have even read the Bible itself! Thus, many people tend to go along with the popular delusion that the Bible is full of mistakes and is no longer relevant to our modern world.

Nevertheless the Bible writers claimed repeatedly that they were transmitting the very Word of God, infallible and authoritative in the highest degree. This is an amazing thing for any writer to say, and if the forty or so men who wrote the Scriptures were wrong in these claims, then they must have been lying, or insane, or both.

But, on the other hand, if the greatest and most influential book of the ages, containing the most beautiful literature and the most perfect moral code ever devised, was written by deceiving fanatics, then what hope is there forever finding meaning and purpose in this world?

If one will seriously investigate these Biblical evidences, he will find that their claims of divine inspiration (stated over 3,000 times, in various ways) were amply justified.

Fulfilled Prophecies

The remarkable evidence of fulfilled prophecy is just one case in point. Hundreds of Bible prophecies have been fulfilled, specifically and meticulously, often long after the prophetic writer had passed away.

For example, Daniel the prophet predicted in about 538 BC (Daniel 9:24-27) that Christ would come as Israel's promised Savior and Prince 483 years after the Persian emperor would give the Jews authority to rebuild Jerusalem, which was then in ruins. This was clearly and definitely fulfilled, hundreds of years later.

There are extensive prophecies dealing with individual nations and cities and with the course of history in general, all of which have been literally fulfilled. More than 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Christ Himself at His first coming. Other prophecies deal with the spread of Christianity, as well as various false religions, and many other subjects.

There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this. The vague, and usually erroneous, prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as the Koran, the Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings. Only the Bible manifests this remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation.

Unique Historical Accuracy

Learn more about Archaeology and the Bible

The historical accuracy of the Scriptures is likewise in a class by itself, far superior to the written records of Egypt, Assyria, and other early nations. Archeological confirmations of the Biblical record have been almost innumerable in the last century. Dr. Nelson Glueck, probably the greatest modern authority on Israeli archeology, has said:

"No archeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical descriptions has often led to amazing discoveries."

Scientific Accuracy

Another striking evidence of divine inspiration is found in the fact that many of the principles of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before scientist confirmed them experimentally. A sampling of these would include:

Roundness of the earth (Isaiah 40:22)

Almost infinite extent of the sidereal universe (Isaiah 55:9)

Law of conservation of mass and energy (II Peter 3:7)

Hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7)

Vast number of stars (Jeremiah 33:22)

Law of increasing entropy (Psalm 102:25-27)

Paramount importance of blood in life processes (Leviticus 17:11)

Atmospheric circulation (Ecclesiastes 1:6)

Gravitational field (Job 26:7)

and many others.

These are not stated in the technical jargon of modern science, of course, but in terms of the basic world of man's everyday experience; nevertheless, they are completely in accord with the most modern scientific facts.

It is significant also that no real mistake has ever been demonstrated in the Bible—in science, in history, or in any other subject. Many have been claimed, of course, but conservative Bible scholars have always been able to work out reasonable solutions to all such problems.

Unique Structure

The remarkable structure of the Bible should also be stressed. Although it is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 or more different men over a period of 2,000 years, it is clearly one Book, with perfect unity and consistency throughout.

The individual writers, at the time of writing, had no idea that their message was eventually to be incorporated into such a Book, but each nevertheless fits perfectly into place and serves its own unique purpose as a component of the whole. Anyone who diligently studies the Bible will continually find remarkable structural and mathematical patterns woven throughout its fabric, with an intricacy and symmetry incapable of explanation by chance or collusion.

The one consistent theme of the Bible, developing in grandeur from Genesis to Revelation, is God's great work in the creation and redemption of all things, through His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible’s Unique Effect

The Bible is unique also in terms of its effect on individual men and on the history of nations. It is the all-time best seller, appealing both to hearts and minds, beloved by at least some in every race or nation or tribe to which it has gone, rich or poor, scholar or simple, king or commoner, men of literally every background and walk of life. No other book has ever held such universal appeal nor produced such lasting effects.

One final evidence that the Bible is true is found in the testimony of those who have believed it. Multitudes of people, past and present, have found from personal experience that its promises are true, its counsel is sound, its commands and restrictions are wise, and its wonderful message of salvation meets every need for both time and eternity.

Bible Information from these pages:

http://www.christiananswers.net/bible/about.html

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t003.html

Online option for more on the Bible here:

Want to understand the Bible better? Start with God’s Story, a wonderful, multimedia summary of the Bible, chronologically from Creation to eternity.

Visit: http://www.christiananswers.net/godstory/home.html

Discussion Questions:

Day 1 – A Brief and incomplete History of the Bible

Do you consider the Bible to be a sound document? Is it true to the facts? Why or why not.

What holds the Bible together as one book?

What is the primary theme of the Bible?

Day 3 - The Language of the Bible

When I speak of the language of the Bible I am not speaking about the original language texts that were used to write the words the Bible contains though they are certainly important. The language of the Bible is more than words recorded in ancient cultures whose customs are strange and unfamiliar to us today. God is speaking to us through the Bible today, He is very present in His communication and He speaks through symbols, numbers, history, prophecy and pictures that are timeless and cross cultural. Even colors are used in His communication.

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and most or all of the New Testament was written in Greek. Surely there is merit to learning the original languages and studying the texts of the Bible from these sources, but it is not required and very often not feasible. The Bible has been and still is being translated into other languages, there are over 7100 languages at the last count, and the Bible as God’s word is His message and revelation to the whole world. There are many translations available in the English language and it is not my purpose to decipher which versions are the best or worst.

The Bible is actually a self –interpreting text when read and studied as a whole book. As far as which version is “the best”, the Bible says that in “in an abundance of counselors, there is safety (Proverbs 11:14) so I use a variety of Bible translations for detailed study especially when I come across difficult passages.

God speaks to the language and culture of the people and individuals who authored the various books of the Bible. Often when we read things in the Old Testament, we do not understand the times or situation into which God spoke and worked and we miss or misinterpret the message that God is speaking. Finding the context into which the Bible speaks can provide a wealth of understanding far above the translated words on the page.

Read verses in their context. Use a general rule to read at least four or five verses before and after a particular verse quote to be sure that you are getting a complete picture of the text.

God speaks in pictures, types and shadows.

Hebrews 8:1-5 explains that the gifts, sacrifices, articles and construction of the Tabernacle of meeting erected in the wilderness are a “copy and a shadow of heavenly things”. The layout and construction, even the specific materials used in the Tabernacle all describe the Kingdom of heaven and Jesus, our mediator and Savior. The priest’s robes, acts of worship and sacrifice all had clear interpretations of the operation of God’s plan of redemption in the Messiah. These “types” of images and illustrations are found all through the Bible and they comprise a timeless, cross cultural and multilingual communication from God. It is said that a “picture is worth a thousand words” and this is certainly true in God’s word.

What is a “type”? Typology is a special kind of symbolism. (A symbol is something which represents something else.) We can define a type as a “prophetic symbol” because all types are representations of something yet future. More specifically, a type in scripture is a person or thing in the Old Testament which foreshadows a person or thing in the New Testament. For example, the flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 6-7) is used as a type of baptism in 1 Peter 3:20-21.

When we say that someone is a type of Christ, we are saying that a person in the Old Testament behaves in a way that corresponds to Jesus’ character or actions in the New Testament. When we say that something is “typical” of Christ, we are saying that an object or event in the Old Testament can be viewed as representative of some quality of Jesus (from http://www.gotquestions.org/typology-Biblical.html )

God speaks through people not just in their recorded words but also through their lives and situations.

Paul instructed the Church at Corinth that actions and history of Israel was itself a communication of God for our benefit

1 Corinthians 10:6-12

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. ESV

God speaks through His creation.

Many of the parables of Jesus related common practices to fundamental principles in the unseen Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven (Matthew 13:33)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure (Matthew 13:44)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant (Matthew 13:45)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net (Matthew 13:47)

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a master of a house (Matthew 20:1)

God speaks with numbers; He is a God of order. In Genesis the Spirit of God hovered over the chaos to bring order. Some of the numbers and their spiritual significance are listed below; this is not an exhaustive list. When these words appear in scripture, they often carry meanings associated with the subjects listed below. They can unlock knowledge that may not be obvious to the casual reading.

Number	Significance	Number	Significance
1	Unity; to be united	8	New things; new birth; new beginning; renewal
2	Separate; divide; Jubilee	9	Spirit of God, man, or Evil; fruit of the Spirit
3	Trinity and/or Resurrection	10	Law
4	Flesh; creation; natural man	11	Judgment
5	Grace; mercy; favor	12	Authority, Divine, human or satanic
6	Man; Satan’s influence	13	Sin, rebellion
7	Complete; finish	14	Salvation, deliverance

God always speaks in the present second

Matthew 4:4

"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes (is proceeding) from the mouth of God.'" ESV

Even though the books of the Bible were written over a long period of years and at different locations from different authors, God is always speaking to our heart. As we read or listen to the bible certain things will “quicken” or be highlighted to us as we go along. Soon we will become familiar with this type of process and it is often the Spirit of God speaking His written word to our Spirits in the present second. His word is alive and active performing the things to which they are sent.(Hebrews 4:12)

Because of God’s integrity, the words of the Bible are never contradicted or changed (God does not change) But at the same time God is constantly making things new ( John 13:34, Jeremiah 31:31, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 47:12, Isaiah 65:17, Ezekiel 11:19, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:2, Isaiah 62:2, Ephesians 2:15, Isaiah 42:10, Jeremiah 31:22, Revelation 21:5).

God speaks out of faith. He always tells the future from the present. God speaks into nothing and it appears (Romans 4:16-18). Without Faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11).

Two kinds of Knowledge

Jesus said: My words are Spirit. (John 6:63)

Even with the best resources and extensive knowledge of the ancient texts, history and context it is possible to miss and/or completely misinterpret the Bible. Without the Spirit of God teaching us our comprehension of the Bible will be severely limited.

Intellectual knowledge is one thing and it can be a very good thing. But the scholars in Jesus day studied the texts of scripture and they disciplined themselves in what they presumed were the most stringent rules for obedience, but they missed the whole point and purpose of the scriptures.

John 5:39-40

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life ESV

The Spirit of God is our great gift and He is our teacher, but we also must be willing to be taught. If we keep our offenses and arrogance and refuse to change our lives, our bible reading and study will have no effect on our lives. I know of several people who have read the Bible from one end to the other and they never changed. When we approach the Bible we need to consciously approach it as if God himself is speaking to us as we read.

God’s word is not a book of arguments; it is the book of the covenant. A covenant is not a simple contract or a set of rules; it is an exchange of persons. In the Bible, God is showing us how and equipping us to exchange our sinful flesh driven nature for Him. His language is more than words; it includes pictures, history, nature, and the common things of creation. Ultimately His communication to us is Jesus Christ Himself.

God's Supreme Revelation

Hebrews 1:1-4

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. NKJV

John 1:1-4

The Word Became Flesh In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ESV

Discussion Questions:

Day 3 - The Language of the Bible

What is a “type” in the Bible? Give an example. Why is this significant to us?

What is God’s ultimate revelation?

Is God speaking to us right now through the Bible? Explain.

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible

There are many great devotionals and Bible study resources out there. Many are free and can be found online or purchased in Christian bookstores.

Some Good online Bible sites

Online - The Blue Letter Bible at https://www.blueletterbible.org/ which includes many versions, devotionals, word studies, video resources and more.
On your computer -E-Sword - http://www.e-sword.net/ which is a downloadable bible program which includes many versions, reference libraries, and the ability to add in study notes on your own.
On your phone - YouVersion - https://www.youversion.com/ A free Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer. YouVersion is a simple, ad-free Bible that brings God's Word into your daily life.

My favorite devotional is “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. You can find it in many bookstores and you can find the devotional published online at: http://utmost.org/

Whatever resources you choose to use in your personal bible study, the attitude of your heart is by far the most important part. The following excerpt from the book, “HOLINESS, TRUTH AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD” by Francis Frangipane communicates this essential truth.

Keeping Your Way Pure

The Scriptures tell us that the Lord is our keeper. To be kept by Him, however, does not mean we will not face temptations, for even Jesus was tempted. Rather, it is in the midst of trials and temptations that God keeps us. And the way He keeps us is through His Word. Therefore, if we would be holy, we must know intimately the Person whom the Bible calls the Word.

TREASURING THE WORD

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.—Psalm 119:9–11

The question is not, “How can a young man become pure?” as though purity of heart was impossible for a young man. Rather, the question is, “How can he keep his way pure?” Purity of heart can be reached and maintained if we abide in fellowship with God’s Word. No matter what our age may be, we keep our way pure by “keeping it according to [God’s] word . . . [which] I have treasured in my heart” (Ps 119:9, 11). There is a place beyond knowing a few Bible verses, a place where the living Word of God be-comes our most treasured possession. To treasure the Word is to love it, even as it pierces “as far as the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). To treasure the Word is to remain fully vulnerable, even as it judges “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). It exposes our motives. It is the lamp of the Spirit which illuminates the darkness of our hearts with light. It sets us free from the strongholds of hidden sin. It wounds, but it also heals, penetrating deeply into the very core of our being. The Word of the Lord, united with the Holy Spirit, is the vehicle of our transformation into the image of Christ. Holiness comes to him whose treasure is the Word.

THE WORD IS GOD

Many read the Scriptures simply to reinforce their current beliefs. Although they read the entire Bible, their mind only sees certain doctrines. Instead of believing what they read, they merely read what they already believe. Rarely do they ﬁnd new truths in the Word. Baptists see from their perspective, Pentecostals and charismatics each have theirs, while Catholics and other denominations often have a completely different emphasis. The same way the Jews were “baptized into Moses” (1 Corinthians 10:2), so Christians are often baptized into their denomination. When they are fully indoctrinated, their minds have been immersed into a pool of teaching that leaves them more conformed to the image of their sect than to the likeness of Christ. But if we would grow in Christ’s likeness, we must be baptized into Christ’s Spirit, not the spirit or slant of any particular denomination. When one is baptized in Christ, his spirit is actually clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). It is Christ’s image in holiness and power which a true disciple seeks. We cannot allow ourselves to be inoculated with a dozen or so special Bible verses that merely get us “saved” but leave us immune from the fullness of God! You are a disciple of Jesus Christ: the reality of God’s kingdom is found in the combined meaning of all Jesus taught. Therefore, you must treasure every word! The Word is God. The Scriptures are not God, but the Spirit that breathes through the words is God. And this Holy Spirit should be honored as God. Therefore, as you seek the Lord, place your Bible at the foot of your bed, and kneel as you read: are you not seeking to meet with the Almighty? Pray that you will not merely read intellectually. Rather, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart through the Word.

To be a true disciple, you must tremble when God speaks (Isa 66:2). Prepare your heart with reverence and worship. As you kneel in humility before the Lord, the Word will be engrafted into your soul, actually becoming a part of your nature (James 1:21).

Again, do not read only to reinforce your established doctrines, although prayerful consideration of another’s understanding may be of value. Be prepared to take notes, to write down what the Spirit says, being ever mindful that it is the quickening Spirit, not the letter, that brings life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Read with an attitude of willingness, humility and repentance, and even if you cannot fully obey the Word, keep it, holding it in your heart. Right here is where most people fall short. For if the command seems impossible or unreasonable to their minds, they disregard it. But Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me” (John 14:21). Many times, before you are able to obey the Word, you must make yourself keep it. God must work in you “both to will and to work” (Phil 2:13). First God makes you willing, then He makes you able. In this process, let the Word pierce you, let it crucify you. Suffer with it, but do not let it go. View every Bible command, every “Thou shall be” as a promise God will fulﬁll in your life as you steadfastly keep His Word. And as you keep the Word, treasuring His commandment in your heart, the Word itself will effectually work within you, bringing grace and transformation as you believe. Each of us needs to stockpile in our minds as much of the Bible as we can. During the ﬁrst ten years of my walk with God, I began my daily study by reading ﬁve chapters in the Pentateuch (the ﬁrst ﬁve books of the Bible). I would then read aloud ﬁve psalms, seeking to express in my reading the emotion and faith of the psalmist. I would carefully study one chapter of Proverbs and three chapters in the Prophets. Then I would read three chapters in one of the New Testament Letters or Epistles and ﬁnally one chapter in the Gospels. In all, I studied about eighteen chapters a day. Reading in this way kept me balanced in the various truths of the Bible.

Perhaps you cannot do as much, but just four chapters a day will complete the whole Bible in less than a year. Whatever approach you decide upon, combine Old and New Testaments in your pursuit.

I would keep my pattern diligently until the Holy Spirit began to speak or “breathe” through the Scriptures. When the Spirit spoke, I honored Him by following His leading, being careful to write down all that He taught. The next day I would begin my pattern again by kneeling before the Word, picking up my study where I left off. Carry a pad and pen with you at all times. At night, put your notebook at your bedside, for God will speak to His beloved, even in his sleep. We are called to abide in Him, not just visit with Him. Ultimately, we must be fully given to the words of Jesus. The Gospels must rise to preeminence above all other books in the Bible. Too often Christians preach Paul or another one of the apostles more than Jesus. Yet Paul taught, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16). It was the word of Christ that transformed all the apostles. The apostle John taught, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (2 John 1:9).

We are called to abide in the teaching of Christ! Yet, typically, Christians have spent little time in Christ’s words, choosing rather to read about Him than dwell within Him. We have “how-to” books for every facet of existence. We have come to believe that reading books is the essence of Christianity! We are ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). Dear ones, truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21).

Therefore, we must learn to abide in the teachings of Christ, even while we pursue our study of the rest of the Scriptures. Only Jesus died for our sins; our pursuit of Him must become the singular goal of our spiritual endeavors.

You must develop such a listening ear that the Spirit could speak to you anywhere about anything. Honor Him and He will honor you. Keep the Word in your heart and He will establish you in holiness before God. He will keep your way pure.

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible

How do we treasure God’s word?

“The word is God: The scriptures are not God” - Can you explain this statement?

Day 5 – Translate and Meditate

As you read and study the Word of God you will invariably come across words and situations that you do not understand. Sometimes scriptures will seem to be contradictory and confusing. Here is a sound method you can use to sort out these things and grow in knowledge and faith.

Translate and Meditate

When you come to a word or passage that is fascinating or confusing to you, it is a good idea to investigate that scripture and begin to study out that subject. One of the first things to do is to place the scripture in its context. Is it Old or New Testament, Is it a prophecy, letter, historical account, etc.? You can do specific word searches with bible dictionaries and/or a Strong’s Concordance which catalogues every word written in the Bible and defines it for you. The point is that you should stay with the subject until you get the revelation of Truth before you move on. It is not always required that you do an in depth scholarly study, but keep the word in your heart and receive it as a treasure even if seems difficult at first.

Translate, Study, and Meditate. Your study of the bible should not be confined to a single session of reading once a day (which in itself is a good idea), rather you can keep His Word with you as you go through your day.

Also, do not hesitate to ask the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our Teacher, when we ask of Him, He will answer. This may not happen immediately, but it will surely come. If you don’t know what to ask about, simply ask the Lord what He would like to lead you into. God is overwhelmingly in love with you and He desperately wants to teach you his ways. Enjoy the journey; God is the rewarder of those who seek Him.

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers. ESV

Psalm 145:4-7

One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.

Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness.

They shall utter the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness. NKJV

The quote below is from : http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/founders-ministries-blog/meditating-on-god-s-word.html

The Puritans thought of meditation this way as they described it as “preaching to yourself.” We take the Word of God that we hear and read, and we mull it over in our minds and then bring it to bear upon our lives in personal exhortations.

It is a word that is found often in the Old Testament, especially in the psalms.

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD (Psalms 104:34).

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways (Psalms 119:15).

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalms 119:97).

When we meditate we think about God’s Word. We dwell on it and then as opportunities arise, we preach it to ourselves. We inject it into our thoughts as we make decisions, as we admonish and instruct our souls to choose right things and walk down right paths.

This is the essence of meditation. It is evoking the truth, embracing it and embedding it in our lives. It is intentionally focusing on recalling God’s truth that it might resound in our hearts and become that grid through which we sift and measure our thoughts and actions.

Meditation is a crucial Christian discipline and a vital means of grace that we must treasure and practice. But it is a discipline that takes time and effort. Accessibility can never beat intentionality. Don't assume that having God's Word close at hand means you have it close at heart. Carve out time in your day to remember, time to ponder, time to preach to yourself. The world around us can too easily choke out what is needful and good for our souls. Don’t allow God’s truth to slip away from you. Be intentional and diligent and your meditation.

(Emphasis are my own)

Discussion Questions:

Day 4 – How to Study the Bible