Take out your bibles and turn to...
The next time your pastor says those words, stop for a moment and look around. People who were raised in the church or have been going for a while have a routine. Perhaps they unzip a neatly packaged leather case with a big cross on it. Inside they have a bible, notepad and pen...all appropriately placed and organized. What's your routine?
Are you a note taker? I have been at different times in my life. I take notes on my blackberry occassionally. Yes, I actually take notes. No I am not sending twitter updates! And no, I am not checking my fantasy scores either!
So my question today is this... "What do you do with your notes?" Do you ever refer back to them or review the notes?
Most of my sermon notes actually look like sermon outlines. I'm thinking that if God calls me to full time preaching, then I have LOTS of sermons ready to go! Think about it. Most of the notes on the big screens at church are bullet points already alliterated. Throw in a double greeting, a few connecting stories and a joke or two and you have yourself a sermon! Can I get an amen?
Seriously, how do you use the notes you've taken to help your walk with Christ? Here are a few reasons to take notes.
1. You retain information better when you write it down. The same thing holds true when memorizing scripture. If you write it, you will remember it.
2. You'll pay attention when you have to take notes. No temptation to read the bulletin or allow your mind to wander.
3. You can refer back and look up scripture on your own time. I would encourage everyone to not just accept the "cliff notes" version of the bible presented in the pulpit. Go home and look up the references. Study and pray over it. Allow God to further develop your thoughts regarding His word.
So next time your in church, don't forget your notepad or your smart phone. It can't hurt and you just might learn something!
