6 Short Tips for Better Bible Reading

They're short I promise!

Last Wednesday night, we wrapped up our men’s bible study at church.

For the past 8 weeks, we’ve been gathering in the church basement every Wednesday night to go through 1 John. It’s been a challenging, encouraging, and fruitful time.

Yet, as well all know, Bible reading is not always easy.

So at our very first session, my pastor shared 6 tips on Bible reading with us.

Now, I’d like to share them with you.

1. Be prayerful

We encounter Scripture with the expectation that we’re going to encounter God.

So come to the Bible with a prayerful heart, asking the Holy Spirit to bring the words to life.

2. Be thoughtful

Is a word or phrase sticking out to you? Stop.

Sit with it. Think about it.

Maybe even study it!

3. Be regular

Bible reading is like dinner time.

I don’t remember most dinners I have but as long as I keep eating, I’m bound to find a meal I love!

So it is with the Bible.

4. Confess

By reading the Bible we’re bound to find ways we’ve fallen short.

So when this happens, pause to confess your sins.

And do so knowing that “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

5. Praise

By reading the Bible we find an unending number of things to praise God for.

So, let our time in the Word be a launching pad to praising God!

6. Chew the cud

Chew the what!?

The cud.

Ever notice how cows are constantly chewing?

That’s cud. It’s the food they’ve eaten but only partially digested so they stay chewing it throughout the day.

This is what the righteous person “who meditates on God’s law day and night” in Psalm 1 does.

So whenever we come to Scripture, ask the Lord for something to chew on. This could be a word or phrase you can ponder throughout your day.

A final reminder

These tips are not a 6 step process to better Bible reading.

They are merely humble suggestions for how to read the Bible in a way that facilitates an encounter with Jesus.

Try them out and let me know what happens!

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