A.        Pick a time and a place for consistency.  Start with 15 minutes daily, and increase that as you build stamina.  Come with a humble, willing heart (Proverbs 3:5-6), ready to trust and obey Him as He opens up His Word to you and shows you the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ there (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

 

B.        Decide what you are going to do, ask God to illumine the Scripture to you, and get started!  Here are some helpful tips:

1.         Read a book of the Bible, one or two chapters at a time (John is a good starting place, then Acts through the rest of the New Testament).

a.         Keep a journal, recording “What most interested me?” and “What do I need to apply?”

b.         Meditate on what you read, asking three questions: 

What does it say (observation of the text)?

What does it mean (interpretation of the text)?

What does it mean to me (this is the application question)?

 

2.         Copy Scripture.  Take a book (start with Philippians), and copy it word for word, stopping whenever you want to write observations, interpretations, applications within *asterisks*.  This helps you slow down, focus, and stay on track.

 

3.         Memorize Scripture.  You can memorize verses you read, or use a tool like the “Navigators Topical Memory System” to help you lay up God’s Word in your heart (read it 3 times, write it 3 times, say it 3 times, then plan a system to review it regularly).

 

C.        Pray.  Consider using the ACTS acrostic (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to help guide your praying (see Matthew 6:9-13;  John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7)

  Quiet Times in the Bible (Ezra 7:10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15; Psalm 1)