I started a new Discipleship class that I am very excited about.  

We met for the first time last week, and I received all the scoop on what is expected of us.

 It’s a lot, but I love spending time researching God’s word.  

I wrote last week about having an element or something that would keep you focused; or help you in your walk with the Lord.  Well, this is my something. Writing this article and my Discipleship class. 

It’s easy for me to stay in God’s word if I’m expected and held accountable to do it.  

I stay in God’s word because I need to write this article each week, and my Discipleship class expects me to turn in my homework after my reading of God’s word.  

So, find something that will keep you accountable to reading, and answering to God.  Just having your Bible doesn’t always motivate you.  

If you don’t have time to do a group study, buy a Bible study and do it on your own.  

You’ll be amazed at how much more you get out of what you’re reading.  

We have developed the “H.E.A.R” method at our church.  You “H”ighlight a verse that you read, “E”xplain what the text means, “A”pply how the text applies to your life, and “R”espond to the passage, as in a call to action, or a prayer.  

Once you get the hang of this, it really does not take that long to do it during your reading, and it really helps you engage yourself into the scriptures.  

You are only asked to write a few sentences for each of the four letters.  

I know, I know – everyone has some gimmick and maybe you have tried them all, just like all the latest diet.  But I have found, if I continue trying something new, even if it doesn’t work out for me, and I move on to the next one, I did find value in the trying process.  

Just like each new diet, I have tried; they have all kept me at a certain weight.  I might not have lost any weight but when I continue to try new diets, I don’t gain.  

I know this because I quit trying about two years ago and put on 20 pounds.  I am now back to trying. Once again, I haven’t lost anything, but I did stop the adage.  

Doing the H.E.A.R. will always help you expound on God’s word, or if it doesn’t suit you, try something else.  The key is to keep trying. Don’t give up.   

 Acts 20:24 states – “ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”  

Paul is not asking us to win the race, he is only asking us to finish the race, so keeping racing.  

Put one foot in front of the other each day for the glory of the Lord!

 

Karen Y. Stevens is the founder of Orange County Christian Writers Guild