“What? Study?”

2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

Psalm 119:15-16

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my former students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 6 “we prepare” for “study.”

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

I remember when I was a young boy in high school, I really disliked studying. I rarely took advantage, in grade school and through my college years, of my DAD's persistent encouragement to study.

In high school my DAD would sit me at the kitchen table, and set the timer for me to complete my assigned chapters to study for a test. Later, when I was in college my dad sent me monthly study calendars so I could organize myself, and record my study hours.

While I am so grateful for my DAD's endless efforts to lead me towards better study habits, I just never saw much value or held any appreciation for study until later years. Perhaps, it was because I lacked the self discipline for the required focus needed to truly prepare myself and study.

What was missing then and even some still today, is my struggle of intentionality when it comes to study. Even when I know and understand the many benefits.

To “prepare”conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time. Learning to study for me has been a lifelong process. Some of us learn that lesson, sooner than later.
Looking back, it was often the thinking about studying that was actually worse than the actual study. For afterwards, or even in the middle of it, I would begin to see its purpose.

What are you studying today?

What can you do today to help you to see its purpose? How can you “establish” and prepare today for the benefits of study?

I find my morning devotionals a spark leading me to more study. It's that spark motivating my curiosity desiring more, leading to a deeper study of scripture reading. Yet, beyond scripture reading itself, it can be something even more, a combination of fellowship and study. It is in these intense study opportunities, providing the foundation for many conversations, fueled by studying together in a huddle or a small group, inspiring the scriptures to come to life.

Psalm 119:15-16 “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.”

I give thanks to God I had a DAD who was patient, and persistent as he planted the seeds of study habits with me. I’m sure there were days he thought the fruit of his efforts would never lead to my growth, but he persevered. And the results of his constant “preparation” took me from a distracted kid restless at the kitchen table, to a man becoming a high school principal, over a campus of nearly 3,000. I have humbly shared many times with others, “there is a God, because I became a principal.”

And even though my DAD never saw me earn my Doctorate at the young age of 61, my dad knew what he was doing. He was faithful in his steps with me. He saw a bright future for me, even when I was not so willing.

DADs, study may not be the first thing on your list, as you balance family, work, and play. But, making time for studying God’s word daily, digging deeper, and studying together with others, makes everything you are juggling more joyful. This helps you “prepare” better for each day.

DADs intentionally prepare for study today!

To God be the glory!