If you find studying the Bible and enjoying it a challenge, you’re not alone.
There are many people who struggle with reading their Bible for several reasons. Here are just a few we’ve heard: I can barely find the time to pray let alone read the Bible. I don’t understand it. It’s boring, or I honestly can’t relate to what’s happening in the Bible.
These may be the facts, but the truth is, there is so much we can benefit from reading the Bible; especially, if we understand the value the Bible offers.
Prayer gives you the opportunity to speak to God. Reading His Word allows Him to speak to you.
When we understand the value of anything, we will make time for it no matter what. Think of it this way, if you are at work, and the court house called you and said you inherited $1,000,000 but you needed to come down right away. You would make miracles happens to get there because you value the $1,000,000.
Well, when we value the opportunity for God to speak to us, as being worth more than money and more than life itself, we will make the time to read His word.
When we encourage others to study their Bible, we give them the following 4 suggestions to help make their Bible reading purposeful, obtainable and most importantly more fruitful.
1. Find A Translation That Speaks To You.
When we stepped into the role as Pastors, we connected with another Pastor whose passion was church history. One day, we got together, and he helped shed some light for us as to why there are so many translations.
Many people think that using translations other than the King James Version moves us away from the original meaning. Well, in reality, the reason we embrace other translations is the total opposite.
As theologians discover more manuscripts or Dead Sea Scrolls, it helps them translate the Bible closer to its original meaning; therefore, creating revised translations. The reason we end up with revised translations is because unlike the Latin language, the English language is constantly changing or revolving over time.
We talk differently today than we did 2,000 years ago. Every translation is done at the point in time where evolution is and since the English language changes over time so does our English translations.
Therefore, not all translations will resonate with all people. For us personally, we use several Bibles, so find what resonates with you.
However, when we preach a sermon, we use various translations depending on the subject matter and the audience we are speaking to.
The point here is that it’s important for you to identify a translation you can understand, so that it’s easier for you to comprehend God’s Word.
2. Read The Bible As If It’s Talking To You!
Simply reading the Bible as if God is talking directly to you will make all the difference. When we personalize what God Word says to us, it becomes easier to relate to. As opposed to thinking we are reading about historic events that have no relevancy to us.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever, so what God did 2,000 years ago applies to us today. For example, when we read what Paul said to the church of Philippi in Philippians 4:19 (AMPC) it says…
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19 (AMPC)
We would read it as to say: “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your my every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
And we go as far as writing in our Bible.
Meaning that this verse is for me, Andre and for me, Timberley. And I know that MY God shall supply the Gray family needs according to His riches and glory. Yes, God did these things for Paul. But God is not a respecter of persons. Therefore, we know if He did it for Paul, He will do it for us.
3. What Part Of The Bible Should I Start With?
If you don’t know where to start reading, start with scriptures that were mentioned in the last church service you attended. Meditate on the message your Pastor gave and the scripture mentioned.
Or you can start with an area in your life that you need encouragement in. You can find specific scriptures that deal those areas, by simply using a concordance and looking up words as topics for study.
There are free resources available online, or through the use of good Bible apps such as Olive Tree, You Version Bible app, etc. You can even access concordances and Bible dictionaries through these various resources, and sometimes they are included in the back of your Bible.
4. Write Down Revelation’s God Gives You While Reading.
This is what separates one from simply reading the Bible, or Meditating on God’s Word.
By writing a verse that ministers to your Spirit, how it makes you feel, what you’ve taken from it, or how you can apply it to your life, will make the Bible not only more enjoyable to read, but more fruitful.
This is what it means to be a “doer” of the Word and not just a “hearer” or reader of the Word. The way we grow from God’s Word is by meditating on it, and applying His word to our everyday life.
Reading the Bible is not a race or a book included in a monthly book club. It’s the Word of God that feeds our Spirit. And like any good food, we need to marinate on it, taste the flavors and enjoy what it offers.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” ~ Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
When we read God’s Word, it allows us to hear from Him and when we listen it will change us. It will transform the way we think and the way we live.
In The End
Have you ever said to yourself; I wish God would speak to me and let me know what He wants me to do?
Well, you have an opportunity every day to hear from Him, if you choose to open His word.
Are you ready to hear from God?
~ André and Timberley Gray
Great article Pastors, I enjoyed it very much and it reminded me of Pastor Ed sharing with me years ago. God Bless you two and the Gray family, you have been a blessing to us.
Ron
Thank you brother Ron, your family is a blessing to us as well.
As someone who has been struggling to get into the Word lately and actually enjoy it (rather than just doing it out of duty), I really appreciate your tips! Especially #4, I really need to meditate on the Word more.
Alisha you are not alone, many of us read out of duty but when we meditate on the Word it allows God to speak to us. We are so glad you were encouraged by this post. ~ Blessings
I sat down tonight and watched the corresponding video that you made on how you color coded 1 Peter 3:1-5. And I got lost and overwhelmed. I actually started looking into getting a new Bible even though the Bible that I have I just got within the last year. I think that what stumped me the most was trying to use the color code system that you have instead of what I have chosen for my Bible. So, I stopped and took a break and then came back to read this blog post and now, I have a renewed passion for color coding my Bible.
Oh sister please don’t get overwhelmed. The reason we created a blank color code chart so that you can create whatever color code you want for your Bible. There is NO right or wrong way to do it. The video I showed was an example of how I interpret scripture and color code. Always go with what the Holy Spirit shows you. Hope that brings you a little more peace.
It brought me immense peace. I found that there were just too many topics that I was trying to color code. When I went back and used the color code that you created, I was actually able to understand the word more and better than before.
Oh that blesses me to hear. Thank you for sharing.