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“Obstacle # 2: The Obstacle of History—I seem to miss the meaning of the passage I read. I think it is because I do not understand the background or history of the Bible…
For me, it begins with prayer. Let me tell you what I say. “God, I know there are things here I am not getting. I need your Holy Spirit to teach me this. Please guide me.”..Pick a resource: it can be online, digital eBook, or bound. Ask your pastor or Sunday School teacher: “Is there something in the background of this passage that would help me understand this section?..
Tip # 4 Remember the Culture.
Culture is the system of beliefs, values, and ideas of a people in a certain time period…Eastern Culture will often times see things through a prism of what brings shame and what restores honor…
Tip # 5 Remember the Context.
Learn to read the Bible by paragraphs not just the numbered verses… If you ignore the Context, you will miss the meaning and teaching…
Tip # 6 Remember the Conflicts.
The sin nature of man is in Conflict with the righteousness of God… When you read a passage and the Culture is so different and the Context is not easily grasped, remember that man's will and desire is selfish. God will Correct those who are wrong. He will forgive and restore those who Confess their sin…Stay Close to Him. Keep your heart and spirit Contrite.
Tip # 7 Remember your Companion...
One of Comforter's (Holy Spirit's) task is to bring all things to our remembrance. He dwells within us and guides us to truth. When I am stuck on a verse or passage of Scripture, I pray. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and help me to see or recall what I an not seeing…When I am reading in another section, the Holy Spirit brings to mind what I was stuck on and shows me the Connection.”
(Used by permission by John O'Malley Overcoming Your Devotional Obstacles)
The next post will tell you how to overcome the Obstacle of Comparison.
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