Did you start the year off with a rock solid commitment to sticking to your Bible reading plan? If you did then it’s possible that you are already struggling to keep up. You might be experiencing some false guilt and in your effort to get your chapters read you may also be loosing out on what God is really saying to you.
Not long ago I gave you some tips on how to make sure you applying God’s Word to your life. The tips below will help to strengthen your Bible reading and make sure you are understanding what God is telling you in his Word!
Read the introductions
What I’m talking about is the 2 or 3 page introductions to each book of the Bible that you might find in the NIV Study Bible
Read longer sections
Most reading plans have you reading 3-5 chapters each day. That’s great, however, most books of the Bible weren’t really meant to be read that way. Consider this, the Book of Acts has about 18,000 words in most English translations. The average adult reads about 250 words a minute. That means you could read through the entire book of Acts in less time than it takes you to watch a movie!
Read outloud or listen
I can’t overstate how much I love to listen to the Bible! Even Paul says that “faith comes by hearing”! You can even listen to dramatized audio Bibles for free!
Listen while you’re doing something else
This may sound odd but it works. Don’t think that you have to sit in a chair with your Bible in your lap while listening to your audio Bible! (although you can if you want to.) There is scientific evidence that says our brains are able to assimilate information better when our bodies are busy doing something else. I like to listen while I’m doing the dishes, vacuuming, walking or even working out!
Read in a different translation
Sometimes you just need to change things up again. You may believe that the NASB or KJV best represent the original meaning, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t try other versions, even a paraphrase! Putting God’s Word into contemporary languages helps us better understand how the text relates to us.
Ask the right questions
If you don’t ask questions while reading then you’re really not engaging your mind! Here are few good questions to start with:
- Who is the main character?
- What main problem is this text addressing?
- Who was this written to?
- What does this teach me about God’s character?
- What principles can I apply to my life?
Those should get you started be feel free to add more, a lot more!
Re-read
Sometimes we need to forget about our Bible reading plan and stop and re-read, once, twice, as many times as we need. I often re-read a text dozens of times every day in preparation for preaching. It gives the mind time to process and the results can be amazing!
Loren Pinilis
January 18, 2013I take an opposite approach from reading long passages. I’ll read a verse, a chapter, just a little snippet – just until I feel like there’s something there that God wants to tell me. I chew over the words slowly and try to meditate deeply on them. That’s helpful to me.
I actually still also do a read-through-the-Bible in a year plan, but I don’t mind slowing down and getting off the pace a little if I’m contemplating something deeply.
Caleb
January 19, 2013Loren, unless you’re unemployed and don’t have a family I don’t think you’d have time to read through an entire book of the Bible every day. I usually do longer readings a couple of times a month. You’re right sometimes a verse or two is plenty to digest and gives us what we need. However, you should give a longer reading a try every once in a while.
Dan Black
January 19, 2013I have found listening to the Bible very helpful to me. Before bed I usually use my wife’s Kindle to listen to a few chapters of the Bible. I also have some of the Bible on CD and sometimes listen to it while driving. This was a helpful post!
Caleb
January 19, 2013Dan, that’s great if you can make use of your drive time! I also listen on my iphone when I walk to work sometimes. It gives me a great chance to exercise my spirit and body at the same time!
Dan Erickson
January 19, 2013The pastor of the church I attend emphasizes the “re-read.” Rereading is often when we see things on a deeper level and can open our eyes to some of God’s deeper mysteries.
Caleb
January 19, 2013I can’t agree more Dan. Re-reading has been really helpful to me as I prepare my sermons. I like to think of it as chewing the cud. The mind is continually processing the information as we re-read it. Memorization takes the re-reading one step further. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Debi @ FunkiPlanet.com
January 26, 2013This really is a great post. Thanks for linking up at FunkiPlanet.com. You can link anything you want every Thursday. Have a great weekend!
Caleb
January 26, 2013You’re welcome Debi!