When our children were growing up, I told them to ask three questions while listening to a speaker or reading a book. 1. What’s the point? 2. What’s in it for me? 3. What’s the specific action I need to take in order to apply the point to my life?
And when it comes to identifying and applying Biblical principles, Rick Warren developed an acronym titled SPACE PETS
Space Pets
Sin to confess
Promise to claim
Attitude to change
Command to follow
Example to follow
Prayer to pray
Error to avoid
Truth to believe
Something to praise God for
In each chapter of the Bible, you can identify one or more of these nine items. Then prepare an action plan to incorporate the item or items into your life.
In addition, here are four questions to consider:
1. What’s one thing you think God wants you to understand in this particular chapter, and what do you think God wants you to do about it?
2. Did you find a specific scripture verse that especially resonated with you, and how can you apply it to your life?
3. What one point encouraged you, and how could you use it to encourage others?
4. The One Thing: For me, the single most important thing that I learned from this chapter is…..and as a result, I will….