Okay, How Do I Do This?

The Bible was written by people with God’s help. We call this inspiration. God didn’t stop there. God also helped preserve these texts, and he helps in their translation, too. But, again, that’s not all. God is also there to help us when we read the Bible. We call this illumination. God has all the bases covered. His Spirit is active in the biblical texts; in the writing, the preservation, and the interpretation.

If God has gone to that much trouble to make sure his Word accomplishes its purpose, then you can count on him to help you read with understanding.

Pick a time and place to do your reading. I try to do my Bible reading as early in the day as possible. That way I can meditate throughout the day on what I’ve read. Choose a time that works best for you.

Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you understand what you’re reading, for his Spirit to commune with yours, and to impress upon your heart his message for you. Remember, as important as it is to know the Scriptures, it’s more important to know the Author.

Read. Don't forget to mark your The Bible in 365 card.

Pray again. Ask God to help you receive and retain what he has for you.

Meditate. Fancy word for letting what you’ve read (and what God says to your spirit) sink in.

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To summarize: Pick a time and place, pray, read, receive, let it become part of you.