Wednesday; November 18

How is your Bible study going? While it might be nice to assume that we are all spending the proper amount of time in Bible reading, I imagine that the truth is that most of us are doing less than we could (or should). For those who are doing it, that’s great – but for those who aren’t, today is a good day to get started. Yet, if we are struggling with our Bible study, what can we do to make it easier or better? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pick a time and place that is conducive to studying. While a good heart is a necessity to a successful study; the physical environment is important as well. Block out a time and find a location that makes reading and contemplation easy.

2. Choose the right “media” for study. Do you enjoy reading a paper book or is an electronic device more to your liking. Does a computer work better for you or are you more of a pen and paper person? We live in a great time for educational options, let’s apply them to our Bible study as well.

3. Find a Bible that is good for you. I encourage you to choose a “translation” over a “paraphrase” and do some research on which of the translations are more accurate. Yet, when it comes to basic Bible study, most mainline translations will work. The question is whether you can relate better to a King James Version or something a bit more modern. By the way, I would suggest using multiple translations that might support a deeper understanding. Take, for example how two good translations handle II Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (New American Standard Bible) and “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (King James Version). Both teach truth, but spending time with various translations can bring about a broader understanding.

Good luck on your studying. When we put our heart into it, we will be blessed.

Think About It 

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