Practical ideas for Bible reading
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You — Psalm 119:11
I would like to share some of the practical ways through which I engage with the Word of God, in the hopes that you might be encouraged to continue, rekindle or commence your own Bible reading and study.
1. Have a realistic and systematic plan: Set realistic goals and stretch them as the Holy Spirit leads. You could study the Bible by book, topic or guided by a Bible study plan. It helps your growth to read systematically. In all things, don’t stop reading because consistency is key.
2. Accountability Partners: Find someone to read or study with and permit them to hold you accountable. A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and when you are down, your friend can lift you (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). The YouVersion app facilitates this so well.
3. Conversation and meditation: Engage people who trigger Scriptural conversations and challenge you to read the Word more. It could be a fellowship, a blog, or anything. Share with people what you have learnt, and meditate on the Word to do it (Joshua 1:8).
4. Sermons: Listen to sermons with an open heart, but always remember that the Bible is the standard. The Bible says that the Bereans were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. As a result, many of them believed (Acts 17:11).
5. Scriptures as prayer points: This goes two ways. i) As you read the Bible, the SPEC method (online) can guide you to pray and practice what you read. Is there a Sin to repent of, Promise to claim, Example to follow and a Command to obey? This also helps to broaden the scope of your prayers beyond self, and aligns them to the will of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14–15). ii) When you’re faced with a situation, ask yourself what God’s Word says on the matter and pray as guided by the Word. Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)
6. Listening: Utilise apps that provide (usually free) access to the Word in audio format.
7. Self-Awareness: Understand yourself and leverage that awareness to deepen your connection with God. For instance, I am a contemplative thinker and a lover of words. I was given the idea that what if every thought of mine was linked to Scripture? What if every stray thought was intentionally brought captive into obedience to Christ? (2 Corinthians 10:3–5) This realization helped me to write and think more on Scripture. Tailor your approach to your strengths or interests, whether visual, nature-inspired, musical, or otherwise.
Finally, be encouraged that your desire to read and live by the Word of God is a noble one. Confidently commit it to the LORD and ask Him to help you. Invite Him in your studies and be reminded that the Holy Spirit is with us to help us.
Scripture
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16–17)
