“I try to read my Bible, and I do fine for a little while. Then
I get to all those laws about sacrifices and I lose interest. Do you have any
suggestions for how to study that will help me get more out of it?” a friend recently
asked.
I have been reading and studying the Bible for almost 40
years. During that time I have tried a number of methods that have worked for a
while and then have become more like a rut than a journey with Jesus. But isn’t
that human nature? We need variety in our lives to stay healthy physically and
mentally. Why would it be any different spiritually?
I see great advantage to shaking things up a bit from time
to time. It keeps God’s Word fresh and creates opportunities for the Holy
Spirit to speak. So here are a few techniques I have found effective in
gleaning more from God’s Word:
Journibles: A
Journible is simply a notebook in which we write out our very own copy of
Scripture. Before reading a passage, ask God to speak to your heart through it.
Prayerfully rewrite the Bible text on the left hand page. On the right hand
page, journal what you sensed God saying to you through it. How does this passage
make me feel—comforted? Corrected? Blah? How might the principles behind these
verses apply to a challenge I am facing right now? What action is God prompting
me to take, if any? How does my thinking need re-shaped, according to this
passage?
Bible Study Books and
Guides: There are lots of Bible studies available both online and in bookstores.
In their books, Bible teachers like Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst, Francis Chan, and
Max Lucado provide probing questions and insights to keep us motivated. Christianity
Today offers an article on the Top
10 Studies on Books of the Bible. I personally like the LifeGuide
Bible Study series available from Amazon.com. These booklets offer both
topical and whole book studies.
One, Two, or Three
Year Reading Plans: BibleGateway.com
and BibleStudyTools.com
both offer numerous Bible reading plans. When followed faithfully, the readings
cover the entire Bible in the specified time frame. These plans usually have a
few “catch-up” days built in, which are great for those times when our crazy
lives don’t follow “The Plan”.
Devotional Helps:
The Upper Room, The Secret Place, SacredSpace.ie, Crosswalk.com and Walk Thru
the Bible are just a few of the resources available for our daily quiet time
with Jesus. Each of these publications suggests a reading, prayers, and soul-searching
meditations to strengthen our connection with God.
How we go about reading God’s Word isn’t as important as the
life-changing truths we glean from it. But, if we are honest, we all can use a
little motivation and guidance along the way. What works for you? I would love
to share your ideas with my friend!
Blessings!
Pam
