Introduction
The words Study and Meditation carry with them a whole host of presuppositions and attitudes. For some of you, the word Study conjures up feelings of excitement and possibilities and yet, with some the word reminds them of long hours spent in fruitless pursuit of elusive grades. For many the word Meditation seems like it has no place within our churches. It is even frowned upon by some because it seems like a mystical practice devoid of any real use. What are we to do with these words?
It is our hope that by week’s end we will have a greater understanding as to what Bible study is and how meditating on God’s Word can help bring us more than just a few moments of quiet and serenity. Study with meditation will transform us. As we begin this study this week I challenge you to turn off your T.V., your cell phone, and your PDA. Log off the computer and file away that brief.

Begin this study with a prayer asking God to help you concentrate on His word. Pledge to Him your desire to grow and change into the likeness of His Son, Christ Jesus. Pray that prayer right now.

Study

“The purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines is the total transformation of the person. They aim at replacing old destructive habits of thought with new life-giving habits. Nowhere is this purpose more clearly seen than in the Discipline of study. The apostle Paul tells us that we are transformed through the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2). The mind is renewed by applying it to those things that will transform it. ‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’ (Philippians 4:8) The Discipline of study is the primary vehicle to bring us to ‘think about these things.’” – Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline (62)

How do you view Study? Is it a task you enjoy or dread? Why?

What pressing issues or concerns might keep you from studying this week? How can you change your schedule or mindset to allow time for study and meditation?

Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8. Read them a second time. And a third. As you begin to focus on these verses, pray that God will begin to change you this week.