An Easy Guide to Studying Your Bible
A 10 Step Method
“Pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper, I want to know your heart”
-Maverick City Music & Elevation Worship
First, I want you to ask yourself one question.
“Why do I want to read this bible?”
Whether you believe in God or not, everybody looks for comfort in something other than themselves. Right?
Well, like many people in this world I choose to find that comfort in Jesus.
When you go to open the Bible you may feel lost or like you feel so distant from God that everything around you just does not feel right anymore.
Something is missing.
Then you realize it actually might be God that is missing from your life.
I mean, who doesn’t want to be loved, chosen, and support by an almighty God who is NOTHING like humans or anything you know that belongs to this world because he is much bigger.
God cannot be measured by time, space, or matter. Therefore, you cannot put a cap on his abilities or the miracles that he performs.
I have felt lost many times in my life and realize every time that it is because I haven’t let God in for awhile.
So what is the first thing that I do? I pick up my bible.
When you pick up your bible, normally it is very heavy, with so many pages, and so many words, it’s overwhelming.
“Where do I start”?
Well, I am going to tell you what has worked for me and I guarantee you that once you find what works for you, you will be excited to pick up the Bible everyday to see what God has to say to you.
How to Study Your Bible:
A 10 Step Method
Step 1
First off, the Bible is not a book like any other. It is not a book to be read through from cover to cover. It is meant to be studied and meditated on. Therefore, it may take a day to meditate just on one chapter.
Step 2
So, when you are ready to start meditating on the word, it helps to know what kind of learner you are. Are you a visual, auditorial, hands-on learner, or a combo of two? Do you like simple or flashy?
Step 3
Whatever it may be, get yourself a bible that looks appealing to you.
Whichever bible you choose, just be sure to get a reflection bible. (I have the Tyndale Reflection Bible NLT. I absolutely love it! They have so many different colors and a good sized reflection column of every page. I know you would love it too!)
This is important because when you are trying to study something, you understand and learn it twice as much when you write it down then when you just simply read it.
This way, the reflections bible gives you a place to underline, highlight, circle, and write EXACTLY where you want to instead of writing over other words.
So that means get your pens and highlighters ready!
Step 4
This is not a must but a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED step.
Get yourself a daily devotional book to go with your bible. They are usually short and to the point. They include a message summary and a few scripture quotes and then a place to write down your thoughts. I don’t know about you, but I need a lot of explanation and to know context. If you are like me, this will be a game changer for you!
Below are a couple of devotional books that I use. You can purchase them right on Amazon with the links that I have provided. I promise, it is completely worth it!
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation (Only $12.00!)
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Only $16.00!)
Matthew Kelly and Sarah Young are absolutely amazing at what they do and to be honest, everyday the passage is exactly what I needed that day!
Step 5
Now that you have your supplies. Find a spot that is comfy and peaceful to you.
I like to sit on the couch right in front of the French door where the sunlight hits just perfectly.
Step 6
Now its time to read!
Always start with Prayer!
Thank God for waking you up this morning. Thank him for his everlasting love, grace, and mercy. Ask him for focus on his word and for your spiritual eyes, heart, and mind to be open to his word. Ask, that you may understand what he is trying to tell you and then start with your devotional.
Step 7
Start with your devotional for the day.
Read the passage from the author and then make your mark.
Write down what you think the passage is trying to tell you. Mark the words that stand out to you.
Then, I like to title the passage with one to two words conveying the main message. Then move on to the biblical quotes and do the same for those.
Like this:
Step 8
Next, depending on time.
This can take 10 minutes or it can take an hour. Everyday is different.
If you’re short on time, choose the biblical quote that stands out the most to you, this also applies to devotionals with single quotes. Find this passage in your bible.
Step 9
Once you find the passages in the bible, read the entire chapter because context can make all the difference.
As you read the Bible, mark up the page just like in the devotional book. Write what stands out to you and the message that you’re receiving.
Step 10
Once, you’re all finished reading and writing, end your session with a closing prayer.
Thank God for is word today and all that he has done for us. Ask him to help you to continue with his word and that you not only learn the word but also act accordingly.
Lastly, continue to think and meditate on what you read and know that you can talk to God at anytime during the day it does not have to just be when you are doing your bible study.
Talk to him! He wants to be your #1 supporter and your shoulder to cry on!
I pray that this blog will help you get into the word and I pray for your spiritual journey to be long lived and fruitful!
So Much Love,
Ki’ari