Resolved: To get the most out of your Bible reading

The new year is here!  Every January, many of us make resolutions to read the Bible more consistently.  This year, we wanted to help you carry through with that resolution.  Today’s post comes from the Summit Church.  They have given us a few tips for how to get the most out of your Bible reading.  We pray that you will each follow the Lord as He continues to guide your steps this year!

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1339714

Setting the Stage:

o    Set a time to meet with God each day.
o    Get alone in a quiet place to read and pray.
o    Focus on relationship and interaction with God.
o    Make sure you have a journal and a pen, along with your Bible.

Spending the Time:
o    Begin by praying. Ask God to make you receptive to his Word. Pray for wisdom and understanding.
o    Read the passage for the day. Read it slowly, noting any particular verses that stand out to you
o    Look back over the chapter and consider the following:
o    Is there something specific that you believe God is saying to you in this passage?
o    What is the general theme or central truth in this passage?
o    Write the central truth or re-write the key verse in your own words
o    What do I learn about God from this passage?
o    What can I learn about myself?
o    How does this passage help you have greater understanding of the gospel?
o    Consider how you can pray out of this passage
o    What do learn about the character of God, his purposes, and his deeds from this passage? Use those to adore and praise God.
o    Does this passage expose sin that you need to confess?
o    What promises do you see that you can hold back up to God in prayer? What purposes of God can you ask him to fulfill? What truths can you, by faith, claim as your own?
o    Make a plan for action. What steps do you need to take to put into action whatever God has spoken to you out of this passage?

Sharing the Impact:
o    Commit to this with a few others. Twice a week (Tuesday and Friday), email each other. Share something significant from the Scripture you read and a single prayer request. This will not only help you to be accountable for the reading, you will also strengthen and encourage other.
o    Consider making a weekly "date" with your husband or wife to share what God is teaching you. Share your favorite verse and why it is meaningful to you. Let this be a springboard for deeper conversations.
o    Plan a weekly family time where parents and kids can share favorite verses. If your children are too young to do the reading, you can simply share from the reading each week and have a time of prayer. This is an awesome time for you model with your kids a daily commitment to God’s Word.
o    Choose a verse to memorize each week. This can be an individual or family practice. Write the verse out on several index cards and place them strategically around the house, in the car, or at work. Repeat the verse several times a day. As a family, say the verse together at mealtime.

For some great options for Bible reading plans for this year, check out this incredible list compiled by Collierville First Baptist Church: click here.



What about you? How do you make sure that you get the most out of your Bible reading? What plan do you prefer to use? Let us know if you have any tips in the comments!

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