Category: faith

Introduction

Part 1

Instead of just reading the Bible, I take an active route to understanding and learning God’s word.

Two ways I have done that are through live readings on Facebook and then dissecting what I have read to try to make sense of what I had just read and by writing scripture. Today I’m going to discuss what I do after I write and read the scripture.

First

After reading the verse(s), I read either the chapter or several verses before and after to make sure I get the context of the verse. Sometimes we take the verse out of context when we only read that verse.

Second

Research is key. There are two websites I like to use to help me research a particular book of the Bible.

1. Bible Hub
2. Bible Project

Bible Hub is excellent for finding maps and other reference pieces.

I like the Bible Project because they have both downloadable posters about each of the books of the Bible and also videos about different topics.

Third

Once you have done your research, it’s time to “tear” apart the verse. Now I don’t actually mean you need to tear it apart. We are going to analyze it.

Box or underline unknown words, key phrases, or anything else that sticks out to you. Once you have boxed in the unknown words, define them. An excellent site is either the Merriam-Webster website or Bible Study Tools. If you want to go low tech, you can use a paperback dictionary. There is no wrong way to do this.

After defining the words, summarize or write down any connections you have made to the verse. Write down ways you can apply the lesson you learned while reading this particular Bible verse.

Again there is no wrong way to do this, these are your notes.

Fourth

Pray – God wants to hear from you. Thank him for the wisdom these words may have provided you.

In Conclusion

You can use the same verse repeatedly. Each time, you may get different insight depending on the circumstances of your life at that moment.

There is no wrong way to get into scripture. The only wrong was is not getting into it at all. You never know what knowledge you may pick up each time you read the Bible.

I’m going to leave you with the same thought as my previous post. If you don’t feel comfortable while being with God, then you are less likely to want to commune with God.

Get comfortable being with God. Get into his word and see the blessings from reading the Bible.

May you be blessed,
Traci

Instead of just reading the Bible, I take an active route to understanding and learning God’s word.

Two ways I have done that are through live readings on Facebook and then dissecting what I have read to try to make sense of what I had just read and by writing scripture. Today I’m going to start to discuss how I write scripture.

First

How do I find the verses that I’m going to write? I have found Sweet Blessings. She provides a scripture writing plan each month based on a theme like contentment and forgiveness. She doesn’t label them by the date instead she labels them by Day 1, etc . . . so you can pick up whenever you want to pick up with the writing plan.

Another one is Symphony of Praise’s Inscribe the Word. She also provides monthly scripture writing plans based on a theme.

Go whichever one that makes you comfortable.

Second

Find a notebook and pens that you can use to keep track of the Bible verses you write. I love using Flair pens or the Sharpie fine pens because of color. I get my notebooks from WalMart. However, it’s up to you to decide what you are going to use. It needs to feel comfortable to you.

Third

Do you need a physical Bible to do this writing exercise? Honestly, no. You could certainly use Bible Hub or Bible Gateway instead of a physical Bible. I would highly suggest having a Bible and also using Bible Gateway, which by the way has an app that is wonderful. Why would I want both? There are many different translations to the Bible. You might find one that is comfortable to you but may want to read it in a different translation. The Bible Gateway allows you to do that.

Fourth

Translations – What do you mean there are different translations of the Bible? Yes, there are a whole bunch of different translations from the King James version to the New International Translation to the Message. Use the Bible Gateway to see which translation feels comfortable to you. Each one may have just a slight different way to say the same thing.

Fifth

Today’s final piece of advice is to find a sacred place for you to commune with God. You will be communing with God while you are writing the Scripture. HE wants you to be in his word. So make a place the you can read HIS word. Once again, you need a place you feel comfortable.

As you can see, the key word is comfort. If you don’t feel comfortable while being with God, then you are less likely to want to commune with God. By the way to commune means feel in close spiritual contact.

Next time, I’m going to discuss what I do AFTER I’ve written the scripture.

May you be blessed,
Traci