Read the Bible
There is growing interest in our progressive culture to read the Bible and find a deeper spiritual reality within it. This one book is consistently a best seller. After all, you are likely reading this page because you have an interest in the Bible. It far surpasses any other book in terms of sales and it’s popularity has only increased as the years have gone on. The spark that the Bible contains creates a strong following and desire to read it.
In order to create a consistent lifestyle of feeding ourselves on the Bibles truth we must practice this devotion. As a person starts to read the Bible for the first time it’s apparent that it is unique. The quality and power of the Bible is one key to help nurture our desire to read it. Once we realize that even with such a vast variety of authors the Bible contains one coherent and timeless message inspired by God, we begin to search it for deeper meaning.
How to read the Bible
Here are some practical tips to help you read the Bible:
- Pray as you read the Bible. God is alive, therefore the Holy Spirit can help you understand it. He has revealed himself generally in His creation but specifically in the Bible. Reading the Bible without having a heart yielded to God is pointless. Cultivate an attitude of openness and humility as you seek the Holy Spirit to bring revelation from the scripture.
- Read the Bible regularly. The teachings of God’s word are transformational. However, there are many idols in our culture that offer life-altering experiences and rewards. It is important to consume Gods truth and allow it to illuminate your understanding of the world. You don’t have to read it everyday, but you should desire to read it very often. If the desire is not there then pray for help and talk to a mentor or friend.
- Follow a reading plan. This is not obvious otherwise it wouldn’t need to be said. Lots of people feel lost in the Bible, it is fairly big, but they don’t have to. Using a reading plan or reviewing one chapter at a time can really help to create a sense of achievement and journeying. It also is a huge time savor and helps you cover topics and books you usually wouldn’t read.
- Use a journal. Buy a basic journal and use the S.O.A.P system. After reading, pick out 1 or 2 verses, write them at the top (leaving space to add a title at the end). This is your ‘S’. Then, write down an observation, your ‘O’. After that, right down a practical step you are going to take that day/week to apply this truth to your life, that’s your ‘A’. This is the last part, your ‘P’ is to write out a prayer. S.O.A.P, it’s easy right? Give your journal entry a title. You can even date it and create an index at the front to easily track and find old entries.
- Keep your planner and pen close by. We are human. Thoughts about work or relationships can often pop up in our minds. If this happens simply write it down in your planner and immediately return and start to read the Bible or journal again. This will allow you to get those nagging thoughts out your head and focus.
- Expect to be changed and meet with Jesus as you read the Bible. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is an exact presentation of the Father in heaven and came to the earth to show us how to love God and receive forgiveness of our sins. God wants us to meet with Him. He preserved His written word in order that the generations to come could find deep joy in finding freedom in its message. When we look at scripture it is important not to look for formulas, undiscovered theology or hidden messages. Look for Jesus.
EatJesus.com exists as a resource for you to help those God has placed in your life to feed on Jesus. Let’s read the Bible and eat Jesus!