by Janell Williams

Created on: May 13, 2009

There are many different ways to study the Bible. You need to find a way that works for you and will help you grow as a Christian. You will probably need to try different ways in order to find the right style of you.

What is important when studying is that you are learning from the Bible and growing. It isn't bad to use study helps and guides, but what is important is actually using the Bible to study.

Here are a few examples of what I do to actually read the Bible itself during my study time: I have found that I read a chapter of Proverbs to go with the day of the month. For example if it is May 1 you read chapter 1. Also, I read 5-10 chapters from Psalm every day. I also like to find a book of the Bible and really study it and see what it has to say to me.

Now I also use study helps during my study time as well. I use things like the Daily Bread, books written by Christian authors on topics I am interested in studying (prayer, worry, etc.). When I use these, they are just things to help me study and learn. I do not use just these alone. I use these study helps along side of what I do with my study time.

It is important to have a healthy balance between using your Bible and other resources. Remember that the other resources are what the author is sharing that God has shared with them. You need to be able to see what God has to say to you as well. It wants to talk to you about different topics as well. There is nothing wrong with using a commentary, dictionary or other resources, just use them in balance with the Bible.

I use various resources in my study time. It helps me see what God is telling me. But, I mainly rely on God to let me know what He is trying to tell me. God wants to work in my life, I need to let him do that by studying His word and seeing what He has to say to me.

Reading the Bible is hearing from God like having a hand written letter from your best friend, spouse, etc. You enjoy and appreciate those greatly. You still like the cards that they buy, but having hand written notes mean so much more.

I also keep a journal handy. The journal helps me keep what I am learning in one place. It is a way for me to go back and review how I am growing and what God is telling me. It also helps me when writing articles as well. I can go back and see what I was learning from what I was reading. I just buy a notebook from the local store, it doesn't need to be fancy or even from the Christian Bookstore.

Don't forget, it is the time you spend studying the Bible that is important.

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