Helpful Information about Observe, Note, and Express.
Observe
Read looking for the answer to a question. The Bible is a book of answers and what you get out of it depends upon what question you ask going into it. The question to ask going into a One Thing Study is, "God, what do you want me to notice most?" The answer is your One Thing.
Read from start to finish. Do One Thing Studies from the beginning to the end of the book you choose. Take your time. Consider going passage by passage.
Read the New Testament first. First-time readers are encouraged to start by reading one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) or the book of Romans. The Gospels tell about the life of Jesus Christ. Romans is the most theologically comprehensive book in the Bible. When you're ready, an excellent Old Testament book to read is the first book: Genesis. It describes the origin of humanity and displays the nature of God.
Read with understanding. Choose a translation that is easy to read. For example, the New Living Translation (NLT) is accurate and easy to grasp. However, read the translation that works best for you.
Read devotionally. Focus on the terms you know and phrases you understand. Don't be distracted by what you don't know or understand. That is a different type of study. Often, devotions are time-constrained, so maximize the use of your time and nourish your soul by focusing on words and phrases you already comprehend.
Read from start to finish. Do One Thing Studies from the beginning to the end of the book you choose. Take your time. Consider going passage by passage.
Read the New Testament first. First-time readers are encouraged to start by reading one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) or the book of Romans. The Gospels tell about the life of Jesus Christ. Romans is the most theologically comprehensive book in the Bible. When you're ready, an excellent Old Testament book to read is the first book: Genesis. It describes the origin of humanity and displays the nature of God.
Read with understanding. Choose a translation that is easy to read. For example, the New Living Translation (NLT) is accurate and easy to grasp. However, read the translation that works best for you.
Read devotionally. Focus on the terms you know and phrases you understand. Don't be distracted by what you don't know or understand. That is a different type of study. Often, devotions are time-constrained, so maximize the use of your time and nourish your soul by focusing on words and phrases you already comprehend.
Note
Mark a word or phrase. The smaller the One Thing, the better. This is important. Meditating on a word or phrase is much easier than thinking about a large section of Scripture. Dwelling on just a few words of Scripture throughout the day is a powerful experience. Psalm 119:11, 97
Mark something. Marking your One Thing allows for easy retrieval if you need to refresh your mind or share it with others. Stick with it even if the first reading is not productive. If nothing speaks to your heart, stop and ask God to help you hear His voice as you reread. If several things speak to your heart, ask God to help you focus on just one. Trying to meditate on too many things can dilute the impact of thinking about just one thing. You can always begin your following One Thing Study where you left off.
Mark something. Marking your One Thing allows for easy retrieval if you need to refresh your mind or share it with others. Stick with it even if the first reading is not productive. If nothing speaks to your heart, stop and ask God to help you hear His voice as you reread. If several things speak to your heart, ask God to help you focus on just one. Trying to meditate on too many things can dilute the impact of thinking about just one thing. You can always begin your following One Thing Study where you left off.
Express
Pray your One Thing with your nature in mind. Perfectionists need to be mindful of not always looking for ways to improve. Instead, be ready to give thanks or offer praise. Others need to be aware of not just going through the motions. You will get out of this what you put into it. As Rick Warren says, "We are as spiritually mature as we choose to be."
Share your One Thing with yourself in mind. When sharing with others, speak in the first person (I and me). Avoid using we, you, they, and them. Remember, this is about what God is saying to you, about you, not what He is saying to you for others.
Share your One Thing with yourself in mind. When sharing with others, speak in the first person (I and me). Avoid using we, you, they, and them. Remember, this is about what God is saying to you, about you, not what He is saying to you for others.
Resources
- Watch The Bible Is Alive (2:09) You Version
- Daily Audio Bible: an audio resource for those on the go.