Strong Challenge: Study

One thing I noticed about myself while completing this challenge is that, while I have a pretty good knowledge of what is in the Bible, I'm lacking a lot of the concepts from the old testament.  For most of my life I've read the same few books; mostly the gospels, 1 John and Genesis.


I was challenged to study more than that.  In the past I've attempted to read through Proverbs and Job, which are both quite long and dry, but they're there for a reason.  Proverbs is called the book of wisdom--it teaches young men how to live healthy lives, while Job chronicles the hardships that a faithful servant of God goes through.  Both of these books have a great deal of significance, but the discipline necessary to read through them was lacking.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully equipped for every good work."  Everything in this book is important.  Even if it has little significance to me now, understanding God's word is crucial for sharing it.  How better can I convince someone of my passion for the Gospel except through knowing and living it?  How better can I come to know God, and have communion with him except through spending time in his word and letting his love envelop me?