HOW TO READ THE WORD OF GOD
IN YOUR QUIET TIME
1. ASK GOD TO SPEAK TO YOU!
Ask God to speak to you from His living words (Psalm 119:18; Jeremiah 23:29; John 7:63; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 4:12).
2. BELIEVE GOD WILL SPEAK TO YOU!
Having asked, believe that God will speak to you. Expect Him to speak to you. God delights to respond to your expectant heart of faith (Hebrews 4:2). Remember, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23).
3. BE ON THE LOOK OUT!
As you read each verse, be on the look out for what God is going to say to you. It is like searching for great treasures. It is like panning for gold. You don’t find it on the surface, you have to dig (Psalm 119:162).
4. STOP AND MEDITATE!
When you come to a verse (or verses) that speak to you, stop and think about them. It is just as important to meditate on God’s Word, as it is to read it. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2; and 119:97). One writer says: “The person who meditates (thinks about, ponders over, and lets the Word sink into his heart) will have fresh visions, fresh ideals and fresh blessings every day.” As you meditate on the Scriptures, open your heart before God and let Him search into the very depths of your being. Allow Him to apply the message personally to your heart.
If you haven’t received any special message from God as you read through your passage, read it through again and ask yourself these questions:
- Is there an example for me to follow in this passage or is there some warning for me to heed? (Romans 15:4).
- Is there anything new I can learn about God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit?
- Is there a sin mentioned that I must confess and forsake?
- Is there a command that I can put into practice in my daily life today? (John 14:21).
- Is there a promise in this passage from which I can find comfort and help?
5. LOOK FOR ADJECTIVES
There are so many adjectives in God’s Word because nothing about God is average or normal. It will make your Bible reading so exciting as you search for these.
6. WRITE IT DOWN!
Now, write it down! This is most important. Keep a book (preferably a hard covered one that is long lasting) for writing down the things you learn from the Word of God each day. This shows God that you are serious about hearing from Him. Writing will not only help you to remember, but it will give you clearer understanding.
This statement is true: “Thoughts tend to disentangle themselves when they flow through lips or cross pencil tips.” It will take longer to write, but it is well worth the effort and makes your Bible reading much more exciting. This is not my idea. Listen to what God says, “Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book,” (Jeremiah 30:2).
7. PRACTICE WHAT YOU READ!
What God has told you in the morning, put into practice in your life during the day. God wants His Word to become literal flesh and blood. He wants us to be walking mirrors of His Word. James 1:22 says: “Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” Look up also Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 5:1; 12:32; John 13:17.
8. SHARE WITH OTHERS!
Unless it is very personal, pass on what you have learned. What you pass on to someone else, you will keep. You will find that it will also become more precious and real to you if you tell someone else about it. Share with your husband or children or write or call a friend and share with them (Psalm 66:16; 71:15; and Jeremiah 20:9).
Don’t forget to get your food fresh from
the Word of God every day!
I am sure you would not want to live on stale bread!
Don’t try to live on stale spiritual food.
God waits each morning to feed you with the
food that is needful for you.
Are you there to meet Him?
Read Exodus chapter 16:15-21; Lamentations 3:23; Zephaniah 3:5; 1 Peter 2:2.
Prepared by Nancy Campbell, Above Rubies,
www.aboverubies.org