How Do You Do That?

Last week I posted about my love for God's word. I really am in it every morning and most days off and on as the day goes on. It is top priority in my life as it should be in the life of every Believer.

Maybe it's because of this or maybe it's because I am a pastor but one of the most common conversations I have with people is about how to read the Bible more, or how to make it fresh. I thought I would take a few minutes and share what I tell people and what has worked for me.

Some of my study tools.

THE single most important part of diving into the word is the Holy Spirit. He will open our eyes and hearts to the beauty, the passion, and life-giving message the Bible holds in its pages. So before you start each time, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the words on the pages, to give you understanding and to let it come alive in you. After all, it is active and sharper than any double edged sword!

Sometimes when we're needing to refresh our time in the word getting a new Bible can make a big difference. The crisp, unmarked pages are a welcome opportunity for fresh revelation. The fact that God's word is alive and active means that every time we open it, no matter the season of life we're in, it holds tremendous power. We can read a passage 100 times and each time it will speak to us in a different way. Having the opportunity to make new notes, fresh highlights, maybe even a doodle can really help you connect to it again

Another suggestion is to go get a journal. There are many thoughts on what sort of journal to get. An unlined journal gives you the freedom to do anything! You're not bound the ruled lines of a page and can make it what you want. I did start this way. I got a Moleskin unlined and while most days it was great, some days I just wanted a place to write and keep it clean...I am probably a bit retentive or something. I use my journal for note taking while studying for praying. I personally find that I stay focused and intentional with my prayers if I write them down like I am writing a letter to God. You may not, but it's one way to do it!

I have a journal for prayer/study time, one for sermon notes and another for the thoughts and ideas God gives me for things like this website! I write down what I think He is speaking, the direction and vision and then use it as a blueprint to move forward.

One more thing to utilize is the YouVersion Bible app. Okay, well actually you can also just use your desktop to do this but you have a few more options available through the app. If you're not familiar, The Bible App is a free app that offers the Bible in many translations and versions, the ability to highlight, make notes, create images, share on social media and connect with others. The app also offers a multitude of reading plans and devotionals. Here's what works for me. I like to select a long-term reading plan, one that takes me through the entire bible in a year. This is my everyday go-to reading option. Then I supplement that with shorter devotionals that may be about leadership building or specific to something I am dealing with like fasting, praying, relationships, and so on. At any given time I have 3-5 plans going on. Currently, my long-term is "Let's Read The Bible Together (September)," "Chasing Failure," and "Character Of A Great Leader." One other option through the app is to select a plan and invite friends to read it with you! Not only does this give you some accountability but through it you and friends can share your thoughts each day on what you're reading and how it is impacting your heart that day. Definitely an "iron sharpening iron" opportunity!

I hope that you are a person of the word. It is God's voice to us and how we learn what He wants us to do to make a difference in the world around us. It's how we know His promises and how best to navigate along on our journey.

So what do you do? How do you connect with God's word?