On the twelfth day of Christmas,
the Lord God said to me,
“Study my teachings.”
Reflect
I go through ups and downs in how I study the Bible. Sometimes I participate in a group Bible Study, and other times, I study by myself, and there are times when I don’t study at all. I think my four-year commitment to the Education for Ministry program, which is taught through the University of the South School for Theology, was the most disciplined time of study I’ve ever undertaken—and I loved it. If you have the opportunity to participate in Education for Ministry, take it!
During this time every year, I make a list of goals for the upcoming year. Being a list-maker by nature, I categorize my goals. I open my goal file regularly and so enjoy checking off goals as I accomplish them—such a good feeling! At the end of December, I turned fifty, so my goals for this upcoming year revolve around the big 5-0. One of my goals is to do fifty fun things; another is to take fifty topics I’ve always been curious to talk and pray over with Jesus and see what he may have to say about them.
Think
- How do I study God’s teachings? How can I incorporate studying God’s Word into the life of my family?
- Why should I study God’s teachings?
- What are my goals for studying in 2017?
Do
What To Do: Think about what you want to study or questions you’d like to share with God. Maybe you want to download an app for your phone or tablet that will send you a daily reflection and verse to study. Maybe there is a new group at your church or school for you to join, you might want want to do a family Bible study. Think and pray about what may work best for you and then get started!
Forward Day by Day may be a good way for you to begin a daily devotional habit. This quarterly meditation booklet contains daily bible readings and thoughtful meditations written by men and women from all across The Episcopal Church—both clergy and lay. Over half a million people read Forward Day by Day every day, praying and studying the word of God together. Visit www.forwardmovement.org to join them, and Jesus, as we learn and love together.
Sing
The wise men who found Jesus and his family had been studying and searching for him for a long time. Sing along and think about the ways you are studying and searching to know Jesus in new and different ways in your own life.
(“We Three Kings,” Kings College, Cambridge)
Sing along with our “12 Days of Christmas” song.
Pray
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving us your word for us to study. Thank you for the miracle that it is a living document, able to speak to us in different ways and at different times in our lives. Encourage us to study your word to learn your will for us and to guide us to be your love in this world in all that we say and do. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
Dig Deeper
Old Testament Readings: Psalm 119:15-16; Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 4:10-13
New Testament Readings: 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 4:4; Luke 1:37
Daily physical exercise strengthens our bodies.
How might reading the Bible every day change me?
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Your 12 Days of Christmas was beautiful. The selection of prayers, choirs, and sermonettes really helped me learn and enjoy the spirit of the season. Have a blessed New Year and season of Epiphany. Your friend in Christ, Bonnie
I have tried many apps but Forward Day by Day is my favorite. The online component on this blog and Twitter allow me to feel connected no matter where I am. Thank you for reminding us that Christmas is a season!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and inspiration; I too, found EFM a life-changing course! These 12 Days of Christmas have been a very satisfying wrap on our blessed Christmas, thanks to each of the participating authors!!!
Forward, Day by Day is my stand-by along with other seasonal readings plus Jesus Calling, a gift from fellow EFM classmates! Studying and praying alone are satisfying but I miss the group interaction!
Thank you all!!!!