How to read the bible

Did you know there are different ways of reading the bible? There’s reading and there’s consuming. A lot of us will read the bible as a chore. This means we’re reading with the goal “I must read my daily verse/chapter” and in this way of reading what we find is that our mind is actually elsewhere whilst we read. We read robotically whilst thinking about our house chores, weekend plans, recent events, a new pair of trainers etc. and what tends to happen is that we end up reading pages and pages without actually digesting any of the text.

Then there are those who read with an apetitie. They eat the word of God. As they read they consume the scripture, the message, the meaning behind it, receive revelation, study the text and have questions. Most importantly they apply what they’ve read to their life.

What is the key difference? Well with the first it literally is in one ear and out the other ear. With the other, there is relationship with the word of God. It’s a two way interaction which transforms our mind, the way we act, heals our wounds/troubles/addictions, the list goes on.

People may think that because the bible is thousands of years old it’s outdated and not in tuned with this modern world. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The bible uncovers it all, heartache, affairs, murder, betrayal and more You name it, the bible will answer it. Yes the bible doesn’t mention certain modern things, such as, for instance if you had the question “is speeding ok if there are no cameras around?” Though the bible doesn’t talk about cars it tells us to follow the law of the land which would answer our question, no speeding is not ok.

The word of God is alive to whoever is open to receiving it. And because it’s alive we need it constantly in order to be alive (spiritually). Consider it our oxygen tank. We should use it in all of our life scenarios and challenges. |s we consume the word of God it will begin to emulate. The lamp that the word is will start to shine externally. Others will begin to notice and start to question it.

Reading is crucial for growing in our faith. It prepares us, gives us wisdom, strengthens our belief and most importantly is directly the Word of God.

So what do I do? When it comes to reading the bible focus on quality rather than quantity. Rather than zooming past the text because it’s a part of your routine, read a verse or two and let it sink in. Also before you start you reading, maybe say a short prayer. Ask that you’re focused and for the word to speak to you. The more you start to read, begin to meditate on what you've read.

This way, not only will you take in more but you’ll also remember more and be able to reference scripture in conversation. How cool is that?!

Has this helped you? Leave a comment below.

(This message also applies to those that use audio bibles).

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luke 11:28

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

John 6:63

63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Luke 11:28

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Romans 10:17

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

James 1:21-23

21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror

10 steps forward 20 steps back

There comes a point in life where we are able to look back at our accomplishments and say to ourselves 'wow I've come a long way.' Then there also comes a point where we'll realise we've gone back a few steps. We then begin to self depreciate, de-value our achievements and all round become negative.

This blog is to remind you that in order to have moved backwards, you first must have moved forward. Yes you have moved forward. Don't forget this. You have done well and will continue to do well once you choose to re-align yourself. Rather than fixating on how far back you have gone and spiral in self-sabotage, be glad that you've recognised your downfall (many don't) and begin to self affirm.

Lastly, get God involved. He is here to pick us up over and over again, so long as we lean on him. Whether or not you choose to turn to God, he already knows the situation you're in, so wouldn't it be better to go through it with someone who cares and has the best answers rather than crumble in your own thoughts?

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

When to take advice and when to ignore it?

Advice, criticism, council, direction, guidance, instruction; oh how we love to dish this out but when it's our turn to be on the receiving end we aren't interested.

So why is it so hard? One thing that kids and adults have in common is, we don't like being told what to do, especially when we think we know whats right and whats best. Sadly, this isn't always the case. There are times when we may ask a variety of people for their thoughts/opinions and what tends to happen is we accept the parts we agree with and ignore the bits we don't like. Being able to take advice has nothing to do with whether we like it or not. If that was the case we would never an issue with it. However, we should have the ability to hear someones advice and take this on board not because we agree but because we trust wisdom. Not everyones advice is good advice hence it is important that in our lives we have wise council. These should be people who are mature in their faith, respected, good examples, live according to the word of God and aren't a contradiction. In most cases these people would/should be older than you in the faith with far more life experience. These are the kind that can impart wisdom. Being able to turn to such people shouldn't be taken for granted. Though we may not always agree with what they have to say, we should be able to trust their knowledge and judgment. Ultimately what we do is down to us, but there is something about advice that is crucial in our lives. Does this mean we can't accept advice from non-believers, absolutely not. Wisdom can be found all over but we must be able to cross check this with the word of God. If it does not align with biblical teachings then we must think twice about it.

What does the bible say on this matter?

Proverbs 19:20

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6

For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Proverbs 1:7

...fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 28:26

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Relying on our own understanding can allow us to miss judge situations. Having an outsider looking in gives us the opportunity to see where we could have gone wrong or miss understood/interrupted a situation. We should also be comfortable enough to receive correction because sometimes, (though we may not see it) the fault lies with us. When the bible says two are better than one, it's because we shouldn't be going through life alone and so we shouldn't just be living off our own thoughts but embracing the wisdom around us. And when it talks on two or three being gathered in my name, we can again apply this to seeking advice. Asking the right people for help, who will then refer to the bible and pray with you, God will get involved.

There are times we must be prepared to be challenged. Some advice is going test us. Though we may not understand, we cant see whats ahead. This tends to happen through discipleship. It is a crucial part of our walk.

Now the most difficult part, having humility. We shouldn't be too prideful to take advice. NO matter what it is, how knowledgeable you are, there is someone out there who knows more than you. Not being prideful also means being able to respect wisdom from those that may not be on the same salary as you, are younger than you, do not hold the same academic certificates etc. You might have a PHD and the person discipling you doesn't. Does this mean they aren't able to give you parenting advice? It like celebrities. Footballers make more than their managers, regardless they fall under their manager/coach/agents instruction. Why? Though they may be more skilled in playing football they require support in training, contracts etc.

Lastly, when seeking knowledge of course we must always turn to God. Yes God can use people and speak through them, but we also have direct access to him.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.