Back to School Time - For You
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” – Proverbs 18:15 (ESV)
“Pop-A-Squat,” my college-age granddaughter, Elizabeth, said as we approached a bench. “What did you say?” I asked. “Pop-A-Squat,” she replied. “Surely you know what that means.”
My face showed I did not. She explained, ““everyone” uses that expression to say “sit down.””
Whether it’s a slang term, such as “Pop-A-Squat,” or a Bible fact, such as “Shiloh” being an ancient term used as a reference to the Messiah, I love learning. And I’m well into my senior years.
We don’t have to be enrolled in high school or college to learn something each day. Our phones and computers connect us to a myriad of learning tools.
For me it began as a child with a set of green encyclopedias encased behind the glass door of a bookcase. The books were handled reverently. Never dog-eared. Never marked in any way. Always there for ready reference as I navigated my school years.
One of the first things my husband and I bought after we married was a set of encyclopedias. We considered these books essential to our household.
I’ve probably taken every speaking and writing course available at www.TheGreatCourses.com, and I love to learn from books. Sadly, our move from a house to an apartment required me to reduce the books that filled bookcases on a wall of my office, but I trust those who received my donations appreciate the blessing of books.
Since I’m retired, my emphasis is on learning more about Scripture and helping others understand God’s Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
I love using the Blue Letter Bible online app, which at the touch of my fingertip offers Scripture in several translations, a concordance, several commentaries, and dictionaries. You can add notes, bookmarks, copy to a clipboard, and more. Check it out.
Reading and understanding the Old Testament is essential to understanding the New Testament. So each day on my Facebook page I offer a Through-the-Bible-in-a-Year reading guide along with a short daily devotion. Just search Facebook for my name or “Friends of the Heart” (my speaking ministry) to jump onboard.
Of course we all have access to pastors and teachers in our churches and Bible study groups who open God’s Word for us. And nothing beats what we learn simply from rubbing shoulders with other Christians.
Yes, it’s back to school time for every Christian. After all, when we graduate to heaven and meet our Savior we want to know all about him.
Questions for Reflection:
- What is one topic you would like to learn more about? Google the topic and read.
- What opportunities for learning exist in your church (Bible studies, evening classes, special groups for support, service options)? Join one.
- Who is a mature Christian you might ask to mentor you? Or what person new to the faith might you befriend and mentor?
