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Category: Bible Study

  • Five Tips to Enrich Your Bible Study

    Studying the Bible can be such a beautiful way to connect with God and grow in your faith. But there are times we seem to stall out, or have a hard time finding ways to apply what we learn. If you’re looking to make your Bible study more fruitful, here are five simple tips I have found key to getting the most out of my time in the Word.

    Young Woman Studying the Word Of God in the Morning

    1. Pray for Guidance
    Before you even open your Bible, take a moment to pray. Ask God to open your heart and mind to what He wants to show you. The Holy Spirit is our guide when it comes to understanding Scripture, so invite Him to be a part of your study time. It sets the tone and opens you up to whatever God has in store. Trust me, it makes all the difference in focus and retention.

    2. Change up Your Study Method
    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Bible study, so find a method that resonates with you and if you find yourself stalling, explore another method. I enjoy inductive Bible study, but sometime there is too much going on in my life to really give it the time I would like, so I opt to do a guided study or simply read through the Bible and make notes. Use whatever method works for you, but don’t be afraid to change it up.

    3. Use Multiple Translations
    Reading from different Bible translations can bring new insights to familiar passages. Try comparing a more literal translation like the ESV with a contemporary one like the NIV. I also like to read the Amplified or Living Bible to get a sense of how that passage was interpreted by the version translators. Looking at different translations can help you see the nuances of the text and discover new layers of meaning.

    4. Take Notes
    As I mentioned in #2, writing things down can really deepen your understanding. Jot down verses that stand out, questions you have, or insights that come to you during your study. Your notes will not only help you reflect later, but they also create a personal record of your journey with God’s Word. One of my favorite things to do is to make an outline about what I have read. It takes a little more time than simply reading, but is not as intensive as an inductive study.

    5. Apply What You Learn
    The ultimate goal of Bible study isn’t just to gain knowledge—it’s to let God’s Word transform you. Take time to reflect on how the passage you’re studying applies to your life. How can you live out the truths you’ve discovered? Let Scripture shape your heart and actions.

    The bottom line is that your faith grows when you spend time in the Word. My prayer for you is that you make time to have a transformative Bible study experience that helps you grow closer to God each day.

    With Joy,

  • Inductive Bible Study: Digging Deeper into the Word

    Let’s take a moment to explore an incredible way to connect with God’s Word—inductive Bible study. This method helps you dive deeper into Scripture, not just reading it, but truly understanding and applying it in your life. It’s a journey of discovery where you let the Bible speak for itself, and it can transform the way you see and experience God’s truth.

    My first inductive study opened my eyes to how the Holy Spirit reveals truth when we take the time to slow down and really study the Bible. There are a lot of different methods out there, but the inductive study method has three steps that encourage you to dig deep.

    1. Observation: Slow Down and Look Closely
    The first step is to slow down and really see what’s written. As you read a passage, ask yourself questions like: Who is speaking? What’s happening here? When and where does this take place? Look for words that jump out at you—key phrases, things that are repeated, or contrasts that stand out. I like to use a notebook and make lists of what I observe, it makes the text come alive in a whole new way.

    2. Interpretation: Uncover the Meaning
    Once you’ve observed the text, the next step is to dig into its meaning. This is where context is so important—what’s happening before and after this passage? How does this fit into the bigger picture of the book or the Bible as a whole? You don’t have to do this alone—use tools like Bible commentaries, concordances, or cross-references to help you along. And most importantly, ask God for insight and wisdom as you seek to understand His Word.

    3. Application: Let It Change You
    Finally, the beauty of inductive Bible study comes when we let it transform us. Take time to reflect: What is God teaching me here? How can these truths shape my life, my decisions, my walk with Him? True Bible study isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about letting God’s Word mold your heart and your life.

    Inductive Bible study takes some time and effort, but is a great way to grow your faith. You’re not just reading—you’re uncovering the richness and depth of God’s Word, allowing it to speak directly into your life.

    With joy,

  • Bible Study Tips for Newbies

    Starting Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few fun and easy tips, you can build a practice that’s both meaningful and enjoyable:

    “Book Bible” by Aaron Burden/ CC0 1.0
    1. Start with Prayer
      Kick things off by asking God for clarity and guidance. A quick prayer opens your heart to what He wants to show you.
    2. Pick a Simple Plan
      Don’t overthink it—start with a specific book like one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) or try a beginner-friendly study plan. This gives you direction and helps you stay focused.
    3. Use a Study Bible
      A study Bible is like having a little tour guide with you! It’s packed with footnotes, maps, and explanations to help make sense of tricky passages and give you the bigger picture.
    4. Take Notes
      Grab a journal and jot down verses that jump out at you, questions that pop up, or any aha! moments you have. Writing things down helps you remember what you’ve learned.
    5. Be Consistent
      Find a time that works for you—whether it’s daily or weekly—and stick to it. The more consistent you are, the more you’ll grow in your faith.
    6. Join a Group
      Bible study doesn’t have to be a solo adventure! Joining a group adds a fun, social aspect and gives you a chance to share insights and get support from others on the same journey.

    With these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start on your Bible study adventure! Enjoy the journey!

    With Joy,

  • Bible Marking: A Simple Color Code

    Using a color code to mark your Bible is a helpful way to enhance your study and make key themes stand out. It allows you to easily find important passages and see patterns in scripture at a glance. Here’s how to get started:

    “Reading Bible” by NappyStock/ CC0 1.0
    1. Choose Your Colors
      Start by assigning different colors to various themes or topics. For example, you might use:
    • Yellow for promises of God
    • Green for spiritual growth or discipleship
    • Blue for prayer and worship
    • Red for key verses about Jesus or salvation
    • Orange for instructions
    • Purple for God’s attributes or commands
    • Brown for sin, disobedience, and evil
      Make sure to use highlighters that won’t bleed through the pages.
    1. Create a Key
      Write a key in the front or back of your Bible or on a card for easy reference. This way, you’ll always remember what each color represents.
    2. Start Highlighting
      As you read, highlight verses according to your color code. This helps organize your thoughts and makes it easier to return to specific topics later.
    3. Keep It Consistent
      Consistency is key. Stick with your color scheme across the entire Bible to build a cohesive system that will serve you well in the long run.

    Color coding your Bible makes studying more interactive, allowing God’s Word to come alive in new and meaningful ways.

    With Joy,

  • How to Study the Bible 101

    Studying the Bible can be a powerful way to get closer to God and find guidance for everyday life, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to begin. Here’s a simple approach to help you get started:

    “Book Bible” by Aaron Burden/ CC0 1.0
    1. Start with Prayer
      Before diving in, take a moment to pray. Ask God for wisdom, clarity, and understanding. The Bible is His Word, and prayer opens your heart to receive what He wants to show you.
    2. Choose a Translation
      Pick a Bible translation that’s easy for you to understand. Some great options are the New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) if you want something straightforward. If you’re looking for a more literal translation, you might like the English Standard Version (ESV).
    3. Pick a Study Plan
      Decide where to start. You could focus on a specific book, a topic like love or forgiveness, or even follow a Bible reading plan that takes you through the entire Bible over time. A plan helps keep you on track and makes sure you’re regularly engaging with Scripture. We also recommend trying out our BIBLE READING PLAN!
    4. Read with Intention
      Don’t rush through it. Take your time to really absorb what you’re reading. Pay attention to the context and any themes or key words that stand out. It can help to jot down notes, highlight verses that resonate with you, or write questions that come to mind.
    5. Reflect and Apply
      After reading, think about how the message applies to your life. What’s one way you can put the principles you’ve learned into practice today?
    6. Use Study Tools
      There are a lot of resources out there—commentaries, concordances, study Bibles—that can give you deeper insights into the text. These tools can help explain historical context, define tricky words, or give you a scholar’s take on the passage. You can often find these resources online for free.

    By making Bible study a regular part of your life, you’ll find yourself growing in faith, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

    With Joy,