Woman to Woman: Let's Learn to READ the Bible!

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

Sometimes we all learn the hard way. Such was the case with me and dull knives in the kitchen. I own a good set of German stainless steel knives gifted me many years ago. While German knives are among the best steel you can buy, from time to time even with the best care, they require sharpening.

Despite many lessons, I never grasped the sharpening procedure, resulting in my knives becoming very dull over time.

One day I wrestled so much with a piece of raw meat, the dull knife slipped off the meat and left a nice gash in my hand. Granted the knife was dull, so the damage less than horrific, but it could easily have been worse.

Lesson learned, knives sharpened.

Every time I read Hebrews 4:12, I think of my dull knives, but from a different perspective. For years I underestimated the power of the Word of God and instead turned everywhere else when I had a problem. Thinking also, I might know God better in other ways rather than reading his Word.

No other book is eternally alive, inspired by a God who knows and loves his people; desiring to be known and loved by them.

The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness, (2 Peter 1:3) wisdom for every decision, protection from satan’s attacks, comfort for troubled times, and peace in our storms. Yet, when we fail to read it daily, it becomes dull in our hands.

The Word of God is alive, powerful and sharp, but through lack of use, it becomes ineffective for our daily lives. Like my dull knives, the power was not gone, it simply required uncovering. Regular Bible reading helps us manage our daily lives, grow spiritually, and strengthen our faith.

From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals his entire story from creation of heaven and earth, to his steadfast, unfailing love for his people; for whom he gave his life to redeem.

Of all the reasons for reading the Bible, the one most compelling for me, is knowing God more intimately through his story. I do value the power of his Word in my life, and find joy and comfort there daily, but to know the One who spoke those words; that is the true desire of my heart.

Admittedly, at times we don’t know where to begin, or how to begin again after a long season of drought. If it feels like a long time since you regularly read your Bible, I suggest starting in the gospels, the gospel of John is my favorite. Take your time and get reacquainted with Jesus.

Avoid making up for lost time by imposing strict reading requirements, but simply look for ways of knowing Jesus better through the gospels. Linger with his words, imagine yourself in each scene and keep your eyes open for what God may have for you.

Try my easy READ Method for your daily reading.

R-Read. Simple, yet difficult on some days. Open your Bible every day at a time convenient for you. Read with an eye to see, not just to check off an obligation. A few verses, a chapter or more, the important thing is to READ. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

E- Examine. Take a few moments and examine the verses you read. What word, phrase, concept, incident stands out to you? Do you notice an attribute of God? Jot down your findings in a journal or on scrap paper and think about it throughout the day. (Acts 17:11)

A-Ask. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding the passage you read and for one thing from the passage you can take with you for the day, or one area God wants you to surrender to him. Pray for his strength and power to obey. (John 14:26)

D-Do. Act on what you learned; be a doer of the word. Each day examine your life in light of scripture and seek obedience to God’s word, pursuing a life pleasing to God. (James1:22-25)

Try approaching the Bible with the READ Method this week. Start in the gospels if you are not currently reading daily or don’t have a specific Bible plan. Aim to find one thing each day from the scriptures which helps you live a life more pleasing to God or know him more intimately.

Next week I will share some easy Bible reading plans and approaches to reading the Bible every day. Let me know in the comments the hardest thing about Bible reading for you.