Studying The Bible

The Bible or Torah is the most sacred book to mankind.  It is the testimony of the covenant between God and Israel.  Therefore, there are basic Jewish laws regarding Torah Scrolls.  It must be treated with the utmost respect.   In Jewish tradition, The Torah is always to be held upright, resting against the right shoulder.  While carrying it from one place to another, those nearby must rise and remain standing until the Torah reaches its destination, or is out of sight.  While transported, it should be held in the arms by a person the entire journey.  A Torah scroll may never be placed on the ground or have an item placed on top of it.  It rest alone and higher than any other book.  It should always be placed upright; never upside down or on its face.  A Torah Scroll is placed inside a special ark.  Out of respect and reverence, one should never touch the parchment of a Torah scroll with one's bare hands.  Instead, a Rabbi or Scribe will use a ritual Torah pointer to follow the text. 

My friend, there are many various rules and regulations.  We could teach a lesson on this topic alone.  The point is for the Bible or Torah to be treated sacred and with reverence.  I have many Bibles that are special to me.  I treat each one with a special respect and adoration.  However, I do not hold to Jewish tradition where I avoid writing in my Bible.  Often, my memory fails.   I never want to forget God’s Word.  I write in all of my Bibles.  I highlight.  I underscore.  I circle.  I include personal notes.  The Word of God is an eternal guide.  It fills me with His presence.  It goads me into a right manner of living.  It promotes holiness.   It teaches me who I am and about the awesome I AM.

My college professor was a very wise man.  His name was Dr. RC Henry.  He was a graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology.  He challenged me beyond what I considered “possible.”   After graduation, I felt as though I lost remarkable study habits that I once learned as a student.  I grew very discouraged.  So, I met with him for counsel.  He recommended a drive to our local Sam’s Club or Wal-Mart.   He encouraged me to purchase a translation of the Bible in which I was comfortable reading.  He suggested one without reference or commentary.   He asked me to buy a pack of soft lead colored pencils and develop a color chart.   Dr. Henry instructed me to start with Genesis and highlight to the last chapter found in Revelation.  I exclaimed, “Dr. Henry, this will take me the rest of my life!”  He replied, “Exactly.”    I have highlighted many Bibles and found it to be an excellent method of study.  Below is a color chart I have developed for our personal study.  You may also wish to develop your own.  Simply STUDY it! 

Color	Meaning or Use
Yellow	Important and Memorization
Orange	Characters
Black	Underscoring
Turquoise	Significant to text
Blue	Sin (-)
Magenta	Righteousness (+)
Brown	Prophecy
Light Green	Prayer
Dark Green	Corner Words (Adjectives, Adverbs or Prepositions)
Red	God (Wrath or Judgment)
Purple	The Holy Spirit
Pink	Cities