BIBLE READING

Start with prayer

Invite the Holy Spirit into your sacred time when you read the Bible. As your “helper” (John 14:26), one of his ministries is to teach you “all things” (John 14:26) and to “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL help when it comes to understanding and interpreting the Bible.

Pick a time:  Pick a time of day when you would like to spend time reading the Bible. It could be early morning, It could be during your lunch break at work, Or even at night before you go to bed. Try to read every day to get into the discipline of regularly feasting on God’s Word.

Pick some tools: Set up your chosen place so you have everything you may want at-hand: a pen, highlighters, your journal. But remember: you do not need anything but an open Bible.

5 minutes a day | start with 5 minutes a day. 

5 days a week | Determine a time and location to spend 5 minutes a day for 5 days a week. It is best to have a consistent time and a quiet place where you can regularly meet with the Lord.

5 ways to dig deeper | We must pause in our reading to dig into the Bible.  

Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text. Periodically review your markings to see what God is teaching you.Put it into your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly, then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words. Ask and answer some questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down some thoughts on how you would answer these questions. Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask, What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter? Personalize the meaning. When God speaks to us through the Scriptures, we must respond. A helpful habit is personalizing the Bible through application. Ask: How could my life be different today as I respond to what I’m reading?