2. The # 1 predictor of spiritual growth is reading the Bible It must be done daily. The Bible must be engaged in, reflected upon, and interacted with.

3. Studying the Bible 1. Get a Bible that you are comfortable with. (Study Bibles are great tools.) 2. My 3 favorite translations are: NLT - New Living Translation NIV - New International Version The Message Bible*

4. Studying the Bible 3. Quantity is important in frequency (daily), but not in the number of pages read. 4. Quality is very important. Mull over, interact with, and reflect upon what you read.

5. Studying the Bible 5. Pray for God to reveal what He needs to reveal to you before you read. (You may even use the Bible as your basis for praying about how and why you are reading it.)

6. Isaiah 55:10... so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

7. Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

8. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Mark 9:24)

9. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

10. Ephesians 6:11 & 17 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil... Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

11. 6. Writing down what God is calling you to do may be helpful.

12. 3 Suggestions Read or listen to the Bible. Bring your Bible with you to Quest and... The Bible on electronic devices is … GOOD!

13. Looking at Luke 9:23 (in 3 translations)

14. (NIV)Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (NLT)Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. (The Message)Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am.

15. Reading Luke 9:23 vs. Reading the Book of Jonah

16. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.

17. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said

18. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd,

19. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If

20. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you

21. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to

22. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower,

23. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must

24. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition

25. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross

26. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily

27. Luke 9:23 (NLT) Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.