How to Read the Bible Effectively

Focus on reading the Scriptures (1 Timothy 4:13 NLT)
 
Apostle Paul’s simple and effective advice to Timothy (whom he was training) was to read the scriptures regularly.
 
There are many who simply hold the Bible and open it randomly. Then they proceed to read or claim the portion of scripture, believing it is the message from the Lord for them. While there is nothing wrong with this, by doing the above practice, you will not get far in your knowledge of God’s Word. Over the course of time, you may end up opening to the same chapter or portion of scripture.
 
Another reason you must stop reading the Bible in this manner is, what if your finger landed on a verse such as, “…….Judas went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5) “Come to Bethel and sin…..” (Amos 4:4 message)
 
Surely you cannot claim such verses for your personal edification and that of others. Now please don’t put yourself down if you have been doing it in this manner. The truth is many great men and women of God have done this at one point in time in their life, but then they moved higher – and so can you.
 
I have also found out that very often, people start reading the Bible and then fall out of it. All of the above can be avoided if you have a Bible reading plan.
 
A Bible reading plan such as a 365 Discipleship plan (found on the Noah App) will help you complete the Bible in a year. This will help you stay focused and cause you to go through the entire Bible in easy manageable portions. This is one thing that caused me to grow in the Word of God, and I am sharing this simple but effective secret with you today.
 
Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out through the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

“As newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word in order that by it you may grow unto salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)
 
When we eat physical food, we are supplied with the nutrients we need to live healthy. Likewise, reading the Bible daily in a systematic manner will cause you to develop a healthy spiritual life. It will also cause you to grow quickly.
 
Also, as you go through your Bible, silently ask these questions

• Is there a commandment here I need to put into practice?
• Is this a promise I need to claim for myself, my family?
• Can I use this verse as a prayer point for myself, family, others etc.?

Someone so rightly said, “the bible was not only given to inform but to transform us”.

Father, open my eyes to see wondrous things from Your Word. In Jesus’ name.
 
Father, open my ears to hear Your voice speaking to me even as I read Your Word daily. In Jesus’ name.

Father, give me Your grace to read the Word daily and complete the Bible in a year. In Jesus' name Amen.