Thursday, November 4, 2010

Simply Studying

I have a very good reason for being late to the simple pleasures party this week. I interrupted my regularly scheduled blogging for my Thursday morning Bible study group.




That's a bit ironic since this week’s simple pleasure is Bible Study.


Whether I'm in a group or alone...
Whether I'm the student or teacher...
Bible study just makes me happy.

This week, I should be purely giddy because I’m over my head with it. Not only am I busy on the learning end for Thursdays, but I’m busy on the teaching end for a women’s retreat on Saturday plus my regular Sunday School class.

 That’s three different days
 on three different topics.
I honestly don’t know how pastors do it.

I do, however, know why they do it.
They do it for the simple pleasure.

It’s exciting to study the big picture and the color commentary behind the passages. It’s fun to pour over the work of folks smarter than I am and read what they have to say.

Even more fun than the big picture is breaking it down into many little pictures. 

I love to find the nuggets hidden within the verses.
and  apply them to my life.

(I probably should do this one again.)

I get my biggest kicks when I pull out a Greek or Hebrew word or phrase and plop it on the table for close inspection.

I love to study the definition…
and the usage…
and the tense…
and the mood...

I love to get to the root of it, and if I can chisel down to the root of the root? Well, that’s even better. I love to find the Greek or Hebrew synonyms that the writer didn’t use and ponder why God inspired that pen to write that specific word over all the others.

It makes me go hmmmmm…

You can imagine how jazzed I was to discover that the Hebrew root for meditate is exactly that, an onomatopoetic word for the sound made by groaning in deep thought.

hmmmmmmm…

Sometimes, I find the treasure in the English words hidden within the Greek ones, words like
dynamite
and energy
and poem.

Some make me think; others just make me chuckle.

Once, I discovered the word hormone hidden within a passage about uncontrollable temper. It gave me the full out belly laugh, and I could hardly wait to share it with my class of women all hovering around the age of 50.

The biggest problem is that God put so much good stuff in there. Once I start digging, I’m like a little steam engine hacking my way through solid rock. I find treasure after treasure and feel the need to share them…

Every single one…

My class recently studied the 8 verses which make up the familar passage from Ecclesiastes,
 To everything there is a season 

 It took us two months.  By the end, many had scribbled an addendum:

a time to move on

Not really. They pretty much go with the flow. Most of them are treasure hunters too.

This Saturday, I’m teaching a one day retreat, and the scripture they requested is the  Proverbs 31 Woman. I’m having a dilly of a time.

  You see... 
 Proverbs 31 has 31 verses.
In my translation, that’s 320  words.
To cover in one day.
Oh dear...

If you don’t hear from me by Monday, maybe someone should take pity on the women and call 911.

Bible study...
This week's simple pleasure

*****
Sharing with Dayle at
for her Simple Pleasures Party.

30 comments:

Denise said...

I love bible study too. I have an exceptionally gifted teacher. I think you two would hit it off. Thanks for always showering us with tidbits.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Oh, I absolutely love Bible studying. What a divine (literally) simple pleasure, and one so many overlook because they think it will be boring. Not so. It's so amazing how the Word of God stays fresh and alive. I always find something new between its pages.

I sure would love to hear you at the retreat. I know you'll leave the crowd thinking and smiling ... a wonderful combination.

So glad you linked up, my friend. There's no need to apologize for being late. The only ones late are those who find the linky closed. :)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

There's a reason why your blog is called Words on Wheels! :) You are certainly going to be busy these next few days. My boss loves words and when I type up his Superintendent's Notes to staff, I sometimes have to Google words I've never heard before just to see what he's talking about. Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. Best wishes, Tammy

Kathleen said...

I think I need to attend one of your classes. I think it would do me a lot of good.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

If I were in driving distance, Debbie, I would be there to hear you!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Hi Debbie. THis is great. I love what you wrote here and me too....I love the Word. Nothing gives more comfort than those living words that hold the power to change our lives. Great awesome post.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Wow! I think I would really enjoy one of your bible studies. I often heard pastors translate the meaning of words from scripture but never anyone in a bible study. I would truly prefer your method of study, as it seems it would give one much to ponder about.

Vanessa said...

I wish I could come to your retreat! I would just sit at your feet gazing up to you adoringly...although that would be kind of like idol worship so...strike that! :-) But, I do know what you mean about true Bible STUDY. I'm in my 5th year of Bible Study Fellowship and never have I experienced more rich study and teaching and my faith has grown leaps and bounds because of it. He wants us to be in the Word..after all, it is His love letter to us!
Vanessa

Karen said...

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, I'm adding three so I can be a woman of many words! Thought you would get a laugh out of that, since you said I was not wordy! I too would love to be in on P.31 woman. Have you ever seen Kay Dekalb Smith. She does a great skit for P.31 woman. Google her, she has a website. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, with the girls and the Lord.

Unknown said...

I've been getting up at 5:45 in order to study His word. As much as I am not a morning person, it is so worth it to know Him more.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by, Debbie. Glad to see you like laughter too. We need to spread more of it.

I could see how Bible study could definitely be a pleasure. Thanks for sharing. Much love!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I would love to be a fly on the wall at your retreat, or just a lady in a chair! Have a precious weekend, I know it will be. Praying just now for you.

Sharon said...

Debbie - Bible Study - This is your pleasure, this is your GIFT! I can hear the fervor in your voice as you talk about God's Word. Only the Bible, the LIVING Word of God, can be so relevant, exciting, and instructional. And how God blesses those who study its depths. Have the greatest time the next three days.

I'll be praying for the retreat - you're going to do wonderful. And those women will not need 911 - they're going to want to hit the "redial" button, so they can hear you again! God is in you, Debbie - and He is with you. He has great purposes for you - they're coming, I feel it!

My simple pleasure is watching you, as you thrill to God's Word. And celebrating in the SURE knowledge that He has PLANS for you...

I'M JUST SAYIN'!!!!! :)

The Charm of Home said...

Oh this is so true! My grandfather taught the bible lessons for the adults at our church for years and he would dissect the lesson in this manner. Bible passages are really amazing.
Thanks for visiting.
Sherry

Maria said...

O.K. I'm in love! Yes, indeed, you now have a new follower! I, too, love taking words apart and figuring out where they came from and their true meaning. Thank you for the kind words on my blog, but I'm the lucky one who has discovered a true treasure today!

Southern Gal said...

I've been called a nerd because I haul around my Greek-Hebrew Study Bible. But I love knowing what words mean in the context they are given. A beautiful Simple Pleasure!

Entertaining Women said...

Have you done the study, In the Dust of the Rabbi? It is such a magnificent study. Also have you done 'The Truth Project' by Dal Tackett I may be spelling his name incorrectly) www.truthproject.org. These are two of my favorites in the last year or so. Thank you for stopping by my post. Please, come visit any time. Cherry Kay

Kelli said...

My kids love a song about the bible..."God's word is exciting, surprising. Read it now and your life will change, Oh how your life will change" It is so true and it makes me "giddy" to to see what God is going to tell me each time I open up His word. AWESOME! Praying for you as you prepare to teach!!

Kelli said...

I wish I could come to the retreat!!!

Chatty Crone said...

Well you certainly will be on wheels for three classes! Love Bible studies and would love one being taught with someone so inspiring as you. It makes a huge difference.

Love,
sandie

Renée said...

Our days are different when we study the scriptures. I know you will be a wonderful presenter. Wish I could attend as I know it will be extra special. May you be an instrument in the Lord's hands as you share with the women you are serving, and feel richly blessed.

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Found your blog through Patti...loved this post. I look forward to checking back with you. You have a lovely blog.

Blessings.

Amy Kinser said...

I would love to sit in on one of your Bible Studies that you teach. With the way you tell a story, I know you would deliver the Word in a captivating way.

I have never taught older ladies, but I do love teaching the Word to teenagers. I love teaching them how to apply it to their lives. I love thinking God could use me with a hormonal, moody teenager.

hmmmmm....

God bless you, my friend. May God fill you to overflowing with His wisdom as you teach Proverbs 31 at the retreat and then your class on Sunday.

Kathy said...

this is wonderful! My husband is a Preacher and we have been studying the Bible verse by verse beginning in Genesis on Wednesday evenings.
We are in 2 Chronicles 32 now. The wonderful thing is that each participant have been growing and understanding the wonderful things God has put in His word for us! I would love to be at your study! Hope you all have a very blessed time,
Kathy

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

One thing I know, it will be interesting, it will be informative, it will be inspiring and it will be fun. Wish I could attend too.

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Carolyn said...

I love Bible Study too!! Our very own love letter from Him! As much as we love getting letters (real letters), how much more awesome it is to have a letter from our Father to ponder and meditate on! Wish I too could attend your study this weekend!

Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

SJ @ Creative DIYers Club said...

Hooray for Bible Study! I love reading it, too :) Thanks for stopping by and leaving a positive comment.

Jules said...

I am so happy that you share what you do and what He is doing on your blog! I am still laughing over the comment you left at bles-id about the "JO" instead of "JOY" ... yes, that Y makes a big difference, and I am praying that you receive buckets of it this season. XOXO jules

Anonymous said...

ITA about Bible study as a simple pleasure. My favorite day of the week is when our group meets at my home. I learn something new every single week and knowledge is so....sustaining? Yes, sustaining.

Angel said...

I agree that digging into the Word is like going on a treasure hunt. And I wish I was close enough to go to one of your Bible studies! It sure would be fun hearing you yak in person :)

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