Tips for your personal Bible-reading time pt.2

Continued from part one...

3) Take Notes!

I really believe this is important. It requires you to think more deeply about what you are reading, and it will help you to remember what the passage was about. Now, I may be biased because this is just the way I learn; I can't merely listen or read. I often take notes, whether in my Bible reading or in listening to a sermon or in reading a schoolbook. But even if it's not your "thing", I would suggest you take up a pen and paper and write down what sticks out to you in the chapter or verse you read. What in the chapter applies to your life? What in the chapter hits you in a way that shows you that you need to change? Write these things down. 

4) Pray Through the Text

Since the Holy Spirit inspired the words in the Bible, we should pray and ask Him to help us to understand what we are reading.

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." 

God promises that He will give us wisdom if we ask for it. Matthew 7:11 says, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" God delights to give good things to His children. If we pray and ask God for understanding and wisdom, He will give it to us. That's a promise we can trust. Are you willing to trust God? 

One author said this about praying through the text: 

"I recently meditated on Psalm 119:50: "This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me" (NASB). I prayed through the text along these lines: 

"Lord, You know the affliction I'm going through right now. Your Word promises to comfort me in my affliction. Your Word can revive me in my affliction. I really believe that is true. Your Word has revived me in affliction during the past, and I confess my faith to You that it will revive me in this experience. I pray that You will revive me now through the comfort of Your Word."

(Donald S. Whitney, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life")

5) Take the Time to Dig Deeper 

If you read a shorter passage but spend more time really trying to figure out the message, then that is a good thing. From the same author I quoted above, here are some questions you can ask as you read your Bible:

1. Does this text reveal something I should believe about God?
2. Does this text reveal something I should praise or thank or trust God for?
3. Does this text reveal something I should pray about for myself or others?
4. Does this text reveal something I should have a new attitude about? 
5. Does this text reveal something I should make a decision about?
6. Does this text reveal something I should do for the sake of Christ, others, or myself?

Take the time to "interview" the passage. Ask questions, and sincerely apply the answers you receive. 

You will be blessed for your effort. In reading the Bible you will be drawn to a closer relationship with Christ. You will be challenged and refreshed in His Word. You will gain wisdom and understanding. You will be able to more efficiently battle sin. 

Are you willing to be blessed? Then pick up that sword of the Spirit.