We know that God’s Word is good. We also know that we need to read His Word, think about it (meditate on it), and do what it says. Still, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what to do. Here is a simple, family-friendly guide to get started.
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
they do no wrong
but follow his ways.Psalm 119:1-3 (NIV)
This is a great guide is available in our store. Cut off the bookmark portion and keep it in your Bible. Also included is an additional resource explaining the main themes of the Bible, how to handle difficult passages, and how to apply God’s Word for life change (James 1:22). Download your FREE bookmark with these questions here.
“…they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11 NIV).
Caution:
You are about to encounter God through His Word. PRAY and ask Him to speak to you and help you understand what you read.
Read a section of the Bible.
One of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) is a great place to start. Read a paragraph, chapter, or section and answer the questions below.
Check Surrounding Traffic:
What do the verses before and after your section say?
How many of the five Ws and one H can you answer about your passage (who, what, when, where, why, how)?
Do you see any repetition? Repetition is like sirens and flashing lights in the Bible—very important.
Stop Light:
Does your passage describe a change you need to make?
Something you did wrong (a sin) that you need to tell God you are truly sorry for (confess)?
Caution Light:
Is it a warning?
Does it give instructions you should follow?
Green Light:
Do it give a command (marching orders) for you to obey?
Does it give an example for you to follow?
Proceed accordingly:
Live it out.
“Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 (ERV)
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