Monday, January 11, 2016

As we begin the program today I’d like to thank all who’ve prayed for this ministry: we’ve now passed the 7500 program milestone. Praise the Lord with us! Now let’s expand our study of Mark 6:31-56 by doing a “4S” study: spread, sort, structure and summarize. To begin, spread out all the information you find in these verses and then sort this information into main point. You’d then be well on your way to structuring the information into an outline. Start by giving the material a title. When I did this I came up with the title: Antidote to Burnout. The main points under this title were 1. Recognize your need - or watch the gauge on your internal energy tank. 2. Take steps to meet your need - or make time to rest and refill your internal energy tank. 3. Be prepared for obstacles - or recognize that it won’t be easy. 4. Just faith it - or believe that it can be done with Jesus. Such an outline will help you organize all the information from a passage of the Bible you had spread out before you and sorted into groups, and it will help you remember it better. It also will help you see the progressive steps you need to take if you are going to experience the antidote to burnout in your own life. If you are counseling someone or presenting a talk for a group on this subject, you will be able to communicate the truth more effectively. It will also help you to summarize the material in practical, Biblical applications based on what the Bible says. Try using this study approach in your Bible study: I call it the “4S” or step, approach; spread, sort, structure and summarize. This is a good way to establish a Biblical mind-set, heart-set and lifestyle.