May 22nd, 2019
The Chronological School of Biblical Studies (CSBS) is a beautiful school. Where else can you dedicate nine months to the Scriptures, learning it front-to-back? It’s amazing! I want to give you 6 questions to ask yourself that helped me to not only survive my CSBS, but thrive! Whether you're doing an CSBS now or planning to do one in the future, these questions will help you get the most out of your CSBS.
1. AM I GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?
In an intense and busy school like CSBS, it's common to find yourself working late into the night. But how many hours of sleep are you getting? The daily recommendation for sleep is around 7-9 hours a day. Not only do we feel better the next day, but this will also improve your ability to learn new information and remember old information. So make sure you get a good night sleep and definitely avoid all nighters! Your body and mind will thank you.
2. IS MY PHONE, COMPUTER, OR OTHER DEVICES DISTRACTING ME?
We’re so blessed to have the best and fastest technology right at our fingertips. But is your phone or your computer becoming a distraction? Make sure that your technology hasn't become a hindrance from getting the most out of your CSBS. Try turning your devices on airplane mode or place them somewhere where they won’t distract you from your studying.
3. AM I EATING WELL?
When you have a lot of work it can be super tempting to skip meals and just keep working. Or maybe you're so in the zone that you forget to eat entirely! Please don’t. You need to eat. Skipping meals will negatively affect your focus and it’s not good for your overall health. Best plan of action is to have at least three meals a day just like your mom always told you. You might need a healthy snack as well. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients and vitamins for your body and your brain.
4. WHAT'S MY "RESET BUTTON?"
We’re so blessed to have the best and fastest technology right at our fingertips. But is your phone or your computer becoming a distraction? Make sure that your technology hasn't become a hindrance from getting the most out of your CSBS. Try turning your devices on airplane mode or place them somewhere where they won’t distract you from your studying.
5. HAVE I BEEN TO CHURCH RECENTLY?
In CSBS, you’ll be fed Scripture constantly. That's why you're doing this school! But that shouldn’t stop you from going to church. CSBS is not meant to replace church. It's supposed to compliment it. By going to church, you get to worship God, hear His Word, and engage in the community of believers outside of the YWAM bubble. Church is a place where you can solely focus on God and put SBS on pause. Your soul needs it.
6. AM I RELYING ON MYSELF OR ON GOD?
There will probably be days when you feel like screaming, “I can’t do it!” There will be days when you don't want to do it. Nothing seems to help and you just want to give up. I know that feeling. I highly recommend going to God. Pray. That reliance on Him in tough times is so incredible and so beneficial to your walk with Him during CSBS. The truth is, our strength is not enough, especially in a tough school like CSBS. We need to be wholly dependent on the Father for everything for He is strong even when we are weak, tired, and unable to go further.