Do you ever read something and then forget what it said only moments later?
I don’t know about you, but it blows my mind that God wants to have a personal friendship with me.
What an honor it is to know that He wants to walk and talk with me each and every day. But life can be so busy, and in the noise of it all, I can miss what He wants to say to me.
Especially if I don’t take time to write down what He shows me in His Word. I love how many of you have committed to reading through the Bible with me this year, but I hope you’re taking time to record what God’s speaking to your heart.
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Because if we don’t, we become like the man “who listens to the word…” in James 1:23-24, but “after looking at himself” in the mirror of God’s Word, “goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Here’s a peek at the method I use to capture highlights from my Bible reading. The video and accompanying text is part of the Lazarus Awakening DVD Bible Study. (Learn more here.)
I hope you’ll find it helpful in your own friendship with God.
Word Time: Bible Reading Highlights
Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to communicate with His Father. I’d like to challenge you to do the same thing.
Though I’ve never heard the audible voice of God, the following Bible reading method has really helped me quiet my soul so I can discern God’s voice as I spend time with Him each day.
- First, I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me, to give me an open mind and an open heart to see what He wants to show me in His Word.
- Rather than reading multiple chapters, I read only one. Taking my time, I read slowly, meditating on each word and thought.
- When a verse catches my attention, I stop reading and write the verse down word for word in my journal, including the reference.
- I ask God to give me wisdom and insight into the scripture and to show me how to apply it to my life.
- My thoughts often come out as a prayer. I converse with God about what I’ve read, thanking Him for what He has revealed.
The words in the Bible, written so very long ago, have the power to radically change your life and mine. When we take time to study Scripture, we’ll find ourselves transformed into the new creations God wants us to be (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Because that’s the power of God’s holy Word.
I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32
I’d love to hear from you…what tips have helped you to study and apply God’s Word?