Lisa Burgess, Author at Do Not Depart

How to Make a Bible Notebook

June 14, 2011 by Lisa Burgess 101 Comments

UPDATE: Want more information on building a Bible notebook? Please see our newest posts and printables here.

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Why do you study the Bible?

If you’re like me, you have many reasons. To know God more. To be transformed into his image. To learn to love others better. To build a stronger faith in Jesus. To reflect his glory. To solidify truth in your heart.

But if you read the Bible and immediately forget what you learn, how effective is that (James 1:23-24)?

God often commanded the Israelites to write things down, and their faithfulness to the written Word means we have accurate scriptures today.

We all know that one effective way to retain what you read is to write it down. In a place you can find again.

Creating a personal Bible notebook works for me. While I still keep separate notebooks for specific purposes (like my Philippians memory book), I use one 3-ring binder to hold the bulk of my daily studies.

For example, eight years ago I began copying by hand and journaling one verse per day from my daily Bible reading. I wrote what the truth revealed about God and how it applied to me at the time.

Now that I’m going through the Bible for the fourth time with this method, I am benefiting from having all my previous notes sorted by book/chapter so I can easily flip through my notebook and be reminded of what I learned from the past three readings.

Having easy access to lessons God has already taught us through his Word in past situations builds our confidence in his faithfulness in our current and future circumstances.

Things you need:

3-ring binder
Notebook paper
Insertable tab dividers
3-hole punch
Sheet protectors (optional)

Decorate your binder to make it personal, then pack in plenty of paper and several dividers.

Next, decide on the categories you want and make tabs for each. I use these.

Tabs:

Bible Notes
Memory Verses
Greek
Prayers
Book Studies

The Bible Notes section includes my daily verse journal that I write by hand on loose-leaf notebook paper. I also keep an extra copy of my Daily Bible Reading plan here.

Under the Memory Verse section, I keep a printout of all the verses and chapters that I’ve (tried to) learn. Then each day I review one sheet before I begin working on my current verses. This assures all the verses get reviewed periodically.

I started the Greek tab when I took a Wednesday night class on Greek from a retired university professor at church. I write down interesting words and definitions that bring new light to scripture as well as words that I want to study more later. I keep a copy of the Greek alphabet here and a list of key words that I don’t want to forget.

The Prayer section holds both prayer lists as well as prayers I’ve written for special occasions, such as the beginning of a school year. Having a record of requests, answers, and praises will motivate you to continue seeking the Lord.

The Book Studies section includes notes from books I’ve studied on my own as well as with friends. This is also a great place to capture book suggestions for future studies.

You could also include sections for sermon notes, blog posts, writing ideas, quotes, devotionals, photos, drawings, song lyrics, Bible maps, etc.

Use pockets in the front and back of your binder or use sheet protectors to store church bulletins, loose notes, or small clippings you don’t want to lose.

Keeping everything in one place, at your fingertips, can make your study times more fruitful, less scattered, and more faith-building.

How do you keep track of what you’re learning? What works for you? For your kids? Please share!

Philippians :: Week 4 :: God’s Purpose

June 10, 2011 by Lisa Burgess 18 Comments

God’s Gospel-Purpose for Us

We know that believing is a blessing. And has purpose.

But suffering? Really, Paul?

The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. And his Philippian audience knew it. Not only was Paul writing this letter while under house arrest in Rome, but earlier in their very town of Philippi—a wealthy Roman colony—he and Silas had been dragged into the marketplace, stripped, beaten, and locked in stocks (Acts 16:19-24).

So when he writes “it has been granted to you” (1:29) to also suffer, he knows what he’s talking about.

And he expected them to suffer well. For a reason. Us, too?

There is a way to live that shows God’s good news (i.e., gospel) really is good. Stand united; keep the faith; suffer with confidence. Then it will be clear that we’ve been delivered (1:28).

But how?

Do we flinch when danger shows up? Do we get scared at the possibilities of all the things that can go wrong in a life—even “little” things like a stomach bug or a car breaking down or an overscheduled week?

Here are three ways Paul helps us consider it a favor when we face enemies:

1. Don’t be a loner.
Stick with the team.

Can we live in agreement? Can we be so single-focused on Jesus that people will look at the church and think, “That’s amazing!”? Yes, we can!

We’re not designed to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps when troubles come, but rather to lock arms with like-minded believers (1:27).

2. Don’t let enemies intimidate you.
Place your confidence in Christ.

We reflect glory to God when we’re not intimidated by our problems (1:28). Not because we have all the solutions, but because the Lord has and will continue to rescue us. Not from troubles. But through troubles.

God was faithful to Paul in his conflicts. He’ll be faithful to us in ours.

3. Don’t despise suffering.
Consider it a blessing.

This one is hard. But when Paul said that sufferings had “been granted to you,” he used the Greek word charizomai, which literally means “to grant as a favor, gratuitously, in kindness” (1:29).

Paul counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ (3:8), not a curse to shrink back from. The value of knowing Christ is worth it all. We see that throughout Philippians.

So let’s ask the Lord—no, plead with the Lord—to give us more unity, courage, and gratitude so the world will look at us and say, “Wow, God!”

It’s God’s gospel-purpose for us.

How do you overcome fears and sufferings? What truths did you learn in Philippians 1:27-30 about God? About Paul? About your identity in Christ?

Please share what the Lord is revealing to you. It’s one way we can stand side by side for the faith of the gospel (1:27).

You need to decide! Five scriptures to the rescue

May 25, 2011 by Lisa Burgess 20 Comments

How many decisions do you make in a day?

You breeze through most without much thought. But occasionally one will paralyze you.

You want to make the God-honoring choice, if only you knew what that was! You’ve already prayed and prayed (right?). But now you’re stuck.

What do you do next?

Here are five principles from scripture that help:

1. Tune out distractions and tune in God’s voice

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
~ Psalm 119:130

Ask yourself if the world is shouting so loudly—through the internet, TV, shopping malls, friends, etc.—that it’s drowning out God’s answer to your prayer. First, turn off ungodly influences (Romans 12:2).

Then, press in hard to hear God.

If your hearing has gone bad from poor spiritual habits, build those back up. Search the scriptures for biblical principles that apply to your dilemma. Use reference tools to study verses in full context. Look for God’s character in the stories you read and see how you can best mirror His character with the choice you need to make.

2. Seek godly counsel from others

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
~ Proverbs 19:20

After you’re internally preached the Word to yourself, listen to external preaching from godly mentors around you. Who in your church has walked this path? Has God intentionally placed someone in your path? Is there a mature Christian in your family who can advise you? Are there experts in the field—in person, in print—that can give you additional information?

After receiving this extra input, ask God again for clarity in sorting through it.

Look for threads of similar advice and principles that you may have overlooked in your initial thinking.

3. Narrow down your choices

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
~ Colossians 3:17

After laying out your options, cross out the ones least likely to honor God, and circle the ones that could bring Him the most glory. Humbly confront your motives: do certain choices appeal more to YOU than to Him (James 4:3)? Eliminate options that are more about saving face and keeping control than about pleasing the Father.

Remember: choices that honor Him will ultimately be in your best interest too.

If certain choices are time-contingent, and the pace seems out of God’s timing—either too rushed or too prolonged—discard those as well. While waiting on the Lord may be difficult (Psalm 27:14), He can build up your strength during the wait (Isaiah 40:31). And His outcomes are always worth waiting for.

4. Do something

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
~ James 1:22

On the other hand, if you’re only waiting because you’re too scared to act, set fear aside and step out in faith (Joshua 1:9).

If you’ve sought God through prayer, Bible study, godly counsel, and appropriate pacing, place your confidence in Him and quit delaying the decision. Just make it! Trust that God is true to His word—you ask in faith for wisdom; He generously supplies it (James 1:5-6).

He is more than willing and able to accomplish His works through you (Philippians 1:6).

5. Give thanks for the results He’ll bring

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
~ Psalm 28:7

Instead of second-guessing the decision you’ve now made, give thanks for it. Look forward to how God will bless it. Believe that He will work good out of your choice (Romans 8:28). Rest in the peace He’s sent you to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

As you enhance your spiritual sensitivity to follow God’s guidance, making decisions still may not always come easily, but you can grow in your confidence that the Lord is leading you.

He will bless your obedience as you strive to honor Him with your choices.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6

What about you?

Do you have a hard decision you’re trying to make right now?
What helps you decide when you don’t know what to do?
Are there special scriptures you turn to? Please share!