5 Practical Steps to Get Started
I think I’m supposed to read the Bible. I want to understand. But I don’t. So, I leave it up to the Pastor to teach me every Sunday.
Have you ever said those things?
When I was curious about who God really was I did a lot of research. And I tried to do it all. I read my Bible, bought a ton of books, and watched videos. I did anything I could to help me understand what God was saying, and to help me connect with His heart.
Then I learned if I really wanted to KNOW God I had to know His word and spend time with Him.
I found a few things that worked for me and created a list that will hopefully help you.
TIP 2: GET PLUGGED INTO A LOCAL, BIBLE TEACHING CHURCH.
There are probably some incredible teachers and preachers right in your neighborhood. Plus, being connected to a local church is necessary (Hebrews 10:25) for your growth, protection and accountability in your faith journey.
TIP 2: DEVELOP A DAILY DEVOTIONAL ROUTINE
Practicing a Daily Devotional routine includes four basic steps:
- Set aside time to read.
- Meditate on your reading.
- Pray about what you’ve read.
- Be still and listen for what He might whisper to your heart.
For more about developing a daily routine read this post to learn how to develop a Daily Devotional Time.
TIP 3: INVEST IN TOOLS TO DEEPEN YOUR PERSONAL STUDY TIME
Have you ever thought about how incredible it is that the God who created the heavens and the universe, the God who holds the sun, moon and stars in place wants to speak with you?
He not only wants to speak, He wants a real relationship with us. That’s what we’re doing when we spend time in the scriptures; we’re developing a relationship.
Here are some of my favorite Bible Study Tools. You should find what lights up your heart but if my list can help you get started then go ahead and ask some friends and try their ideas.
TIP 4: IDENTIFY RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDIES
If you’re not necessarily a reader yet but you enjoy watching TV or you understand better by hearing then you can also search for any of your favorite teachers on YouTube. Find their podcasts. I highly recommend The Bible Project – it’s a great place to start.
Go ahead and find some teachers that inspire your curiosity and help you develop your understanding. They likely have great Podcasts and YouTube channels. Consider Proverbs 31 Ministries, YouVersion or She Reads Truth. They all have apps that offer great reading plans and apps that will walk you through free daily reading plans.
TIP 5: SET GOALS and CREATE NEW HABITS.
Make reading, listening or watching a daily habit.
Set a schedule and a rhythm that works for you: Read in the morning, listen during your commute, Pray and meditate on your lunch break, re-read right before you go to bed.
When doesn’t matter as much as it does to actually read and meditate and pray. Develop a routine and track your reading. Develop personal habits that work for you.
Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
WHY? Not sure why this is important? This isn’t about rules or just memorizing words, this is about KNOWING your creator and living the life He designed for you. As you spend time in the Scriptures, the Word of God will spend time in you, healing you, changing your mind, building your faith and transforming your life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. ~John Maxwell
Know God through His word and He will change your life.
So go ahead and read, find a routine, know God’s heart, and be anchored to truth. Find what works for you and dig in.
Be still and KNOW,
May, 2012
Updated with links May, 2018.
If you’re curious about my creative Bible Study process you might enjoy this article about Bible Journaling.
(Please note that some of the links below include affiliate links. That simply means that, should you buy anything from Amazon, Dayspring or Scrapbook.com, at no extra cost to you, my ministry will receive a small commission for referring you to their shops at no cost to you.)
[…] In my last post I was hoping to encourage you to jump in and study the Word and to trust that you have all the tools you need to study. Today we’ll cover the practical and in the next post, we’ll talk about the spiritual aspects of Bible study. […]