you come across the word therefore, you should ask yourself what it's there for! In this way you will find tremendously important things. Am other very important word is walk, as it relates to a Christian. There is really no end to your study in this fashion on specific topics. A biographical study is further en lightenment for you. Take one of the characters in the Bible, making an outline study of his life. You may want to start with some of the fa miliar names, but don’t stop there. Challenge yourself with those of a lesser-known background. There are many names locked away in the Bi ble. Diligent research and study will bring some rewarding enlightenment. I like to study about Philemon who was a wonderful Christian gentle man. This doesn’t mean you will over look those of whom the Bible speaks a great deal. As an example, there are some wonderful statements about Joseph. I’m absolutely intrigued with what Pharaoh said of him, “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Gen. 41:38). Think about that. Could that ever be said of you or me, “A man in whom the Spirit of God is?” For my own biographical study of Joseph, I’ve taken that theme. If then traced the evidence would reveal the Holy Spirit at work in him. That will help you to see the fruit of the Spirit in everything he did. Although his brothers hated and despised him, Joseph loved them. The Midianites headed him off in the wrorig direction toward abject slav ery. This was a place of frustration. His attitude, however, was patience. As a trusted servant in the house of Potiphar, the ruler’s wicked wife caused Joseph much trouble. He was nonetheless faithful. Instead of com mitting adultery, he exercised self- control. Thrown i n t o prison, he helped those who were also unfor tunate. Although they promised to remember Joseph's plight, he still re
mained a castaway, while still pos sessing a real peace there. Finally, finding himself in a place of fame and honor, he continued to give the Lord all of the praise. This reveals the meekness of the Holy Spirit. When he was exalted to become prime minister, he was still gentleness per sonified. He could have been very cruel. How blessed it is to see the fruit of the Spirit shown in Joseph’s life! Again, as we consider this whole subject of Bible study, never forget that the best way to begin is to begin. If you never actually have started, I urge you to do so today. Don’t be discouraged. Keep it up. If you fall back one day, don’t stop it altogether; go back to it once again. “Study to show thyself ap proved unto God, a workman who needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” CHRIST'S HANDS Christ has no hands but our hands To do His work today; He has no feet but our feet To lead men in His way; He has no tongue but our tongue To tell men how He died; He has no help but our help To bring them to His side. We are the only Bible The careless world will read; We are the sinners' Gospel, We are the scoffers' creed; We are the Lord's last message, Given in deed and word; What if our type is crooked? What if the print is blurred? What if our hands are busy With other work than His? What if our feet are walking Where sin's allurement is? What if our thoughts are speaking Of things His lips would spurn? Then how can we hope to help Him And so hasten His return? — Annie Johnson Flint
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