“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Amplified Bible
My throne was a 75 gallon cardboard shipping drum used for our dirty laundry. It sat in my father’s study, which was central to all 3 bedrooms. Measuring about 23” x 42,” I found it fit my rear end quite comfortably, with my legs bent at the knees and my armpits resting on the rim. I started sitting there in Jr. High School when it became my Bible learning throne. It remained so for 8 years.
My Father, a Pastor,often sat at his desk, consisting of a chair between 2 filing cabinets witha varnished door sittingon top. Many times I’d walk past thatroom and see him, his back toward me. He seemed intense, but lonely, ashe poured through His Bible and worked on writing Sunday’s sermon. I’d often feel a nudge to pop in, plop in and ask, “so what’s yer sermon about dad?”
How was I to know that drum would become my sanctuary? My seminary.He would give me the subject and a brief outline, then I would ask questions. If I had a different idea on the subject, he welcomed it. We’d talk and banter, busting up Scripture to it’s smallest partsin order to understand that subject. If I argued, he’d say, you need to back up your position with at least 3 scriptures boy!
I don’t have any of his Bibles. I wish I did. He used The Scofield Study Bible, as I have ever since. When I got married, he gave me a new one. I’m now on my 5th and saving every one. Notes get scribbled and different colored markers mean different things to me. His favorite encouraging verse to me, all my life, was today’s Bible verse. It remains a favorite because, The Word really WORKS!
Last night at Bible Study, Jason and Randy both pointed me to a paper on how to read The Bible. As I read through the outline, I could hear my dad. Everything he continually said to me lay on this sheet. I am sharing it with you because, like a compass, it directly points to a place where you can rid yourself of dirty laundry and live an Abundant Life. I hope you will make it your study guide too. Give it a try!
