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Word of God was there in the beginning; it is through the Word that all things were created and have their being; it is through the Word that we have life; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw its manifest glory (John 1:1-5 & 14). Therefore, as Christians, one of the most important actions we can take is to develop a relationship with the Word by reading the Bible. Reading your Bible is so much more than something you do because the preacher tells you to or your family custom. Instead, it is essential to your Christian walk with Christ.

So why does it seem that few have a habit of reading and understanding the Bible? I cannot count the number of times I have asked that question and heard well-meaning husbands say, “Well, I am not much of a reader.” Or “I just don’t retain much of what I read.” Or my favorite is “I wish I did read more, but I just don’t have the time.” The bottom line is these are all lies we repeat when we refuse to understand how critical reading is to our Christian walk. So, we settle for lesser versions of actually reading the Word for ourselves and developing a personal relationship with it.

We replace reading with a Bible App on our phone or devotions consisting of a few verses explained by someone we have never met. Maybe it is a daily podcast you listen to when you are driving to work that replaces your reading, or perhaps you review the church bulletin from Sunday that has the scriptures the preacher used last week.  All these are good things but do not replace spending time alone with your Bible developing a personal relationship with the Word. A relationship that no one else shares; a personal, intimate, unique, one-of-a-kind relationship.

OK, so you have decided this next year will be different.  You plan to get up a little earlier and open your Bible first thing and read. But then. You realize that the Bible is 66 books, not one. You think, “I am not sure I have read 66 books in my life.” Maybe you wonder, “Should I be reading the old testament or the new testament?” “Should I read the profits first?” “Maybe I will just start with the Gospels… but which one?”  All good questions, but please don’t overthink this. Let me give you some ideas about “How to Read your Bible.”

How to Read Your Bible in five easy steps:

Step 1 – Get a Bible

That sounds easy enough, right. However, you may have noticed that there are a lot of translations of the Bible – so which one is the right one? I suggest you pick one that you will read and don’t be afraid to try a different version if you find the one you have too hard to read. An excellent place to start would be to talk with your pastor or other trusted friend. Ask them to recommend a version for you.

For example, I have a trusted friend that reads from the “King James Version.”  He simply enjoys it. When he reads to me from it, I can understand it fine, but when I read it for myself, I could not understand the phrasing and rhythm of the language. I read from a “Complete Jewish Bible.” I like this translation, and I have learned faster from this version than any other I have carried.  My wife likes the ESV, and I have many friends who use the NIV.  The key is to choose one that you can understand and use to help you understand the Word of God.

Step 2 – Get a journal

A key to any relationship is communication. Journaling is communicating what is in your head to your paper journal. I have been journaling for more than 20 years, so it is a habit for me and comes easy. On the other hand, you may never have journaled, so it may be a hard habit to start. Either way, I highly recommend journaling. Sometimes it will be three words, and other times, three pages. As you begin to make what is in your mind move from your head to the paper, you will improve your relationship with the Word.

 Step 3 – Make it a habit to READ YOUR BIBLE

It takes 21 days to form a habit. So for the next 21 days, set aside a few minutes where you will read your Bible. I am not talking about reading a devotion; I mean YOUR BIBLE.  I am talking about Books, Chapters, and Verses. A chapter in the Bible will take less than five minutes to read most of the time.

Step 4 – Write in your journal

OK, so you have set aside 30 minutes to start a better relationship with the Word.  You have a Bible recommended by a trusted friend or advisor, and you took five minutes to read a chapter. Now take a few minutes to write your impressions of what you just read.  If you need to reread it, do it, you have time. Perhaps answer these questions. Was this new to you, or had you read it before? What does God want to show you through the verses you just read.  How do these verses make you feel? Reassured that God loves you? Guilty? Joyful? Excited? Sad? What do these verses make you think? How will these verses change the way I will live my life?

Share what you learned with someone

Jesus told us to go into all the Word and witness. On the first day you read your Bible; you have something to witness. As you develop a relationship with the Word through a habit of reading your Bible, you will have more and more profound things to share.  John 1:14 Says that the Word became the light of the world, and we saw the sh’khinah of it. The means we saw the “manifest glory.” You will see the Glory of God, and you will want to share that light with all you meet. But until you experience it, you can not share it. 

I hope this little article encourages you to read your Bible and to share the love of God with all that you encounter.  Please let us know if you have questions or want to comment at info@genesis2-24.net.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

Be blessed