One of the best ways to start reading the bible is to follow a reading plan.
No need to complicate things. Make it simple.
I am thankful that CrossPoint produces a reading plan for us so that when I wake up in the morning, I don’t have to think about what to read. It’s already been determined. And for those of us who have been following reading plans for years, it always seems that the Holy Spirit works through that day’s reading.
For example, let’s pretend that in our reading plan for today, Philippians 4 is on the schedule.
One of the things I always mention to people is to pray before you start reading and ask God to bring to your attention anything that stands out. As you read, underline the verses or the words that God brings to your attention. Think of this as an invitation from God to go deeper into these verses or words that stand out. God is inviting you to know Him through your curiosity.
The next step is to write out these verses. Follow the Reading It Right bible study method that asks four questions:
Summarize (teach)-What is the basic teaching of this passage?
Expose (rebuke)-What does this passage expose in my own life?
Change (correct)-What is one thing I need to change?
Prepare (train)-What will happen to me when I apply this passage?
So if I chose in Philippians 4, verse 13, my Reading it Right bible study might look something like this:
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Summarize (teach): God knows my needs and has provided for those needs because of who He is.
Expose (rebuke): Is my heart grateful for all the needs that God has given me? Or is it envious of the wants that I lack?
Change (correct): I need to praise God for giving me everything I need. Cultivate a heart of gratefulness and appreciation for the needs I take for granted.
Prepare (train): Joy. Seeing God as my Ultimate Provider of all things takes the burden off my shoulders. Joy in knowing that He knows what I need and He will supply it because of who He is.
And that’s it. That is how we can develop a daily, personal relationship with God. Find a reading plan, pray for an open mind while reading, write out verse(s) or words that stood out to you, answer the four questions from the Reading it Right bible study method, and apply the outcome.
To take it one step further, and make it more personal to you, memorize this verse as it applies to your current situation. Another example:
Fear of not having enough money?
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Fear of being single or alone?
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Fear of your unknown future?
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
To memorize scripture, apply it to your current situation! It is much easier to recall events in my life and the scripture I memorized during those periods than to memorize random scripture that did not apply to me at the time.
May the Lord transform you in your reading plan, your prayer time, your bible study method, and your scripture memorization. Glory to God!
Shawn Powell | CrossPoint Russell