WEEK 4, DAY 2: Engage with God’s Word – Part II
Think about this: What kind of questions do professional journalists who review movies, books, or music albums try to answer in their review? How does it compare to other movies, books, or albums? What emotions did it bring to mind? What were some of the common themes throughout the movie, book, or album?
Those who have been in the industry for several years have likely narrowed their focus to one or two questions. Others likely watch a movie, read a book, or listen to an album at least three times as they wrestle with their thoughts.
This principle of watching, reading, or listening to something three times is helpful for Bible study as well. Specifically, reading through a book of the Bible at least three times while wrestling with your thoughts will provide greater retention, understanding, and meaning from the text.
If Christianity fully hinges on Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, the Gospels are a great starting point when it comes to reading the Bible. And reading through each of the Gospels at least three times will help anybody to better grasp the significance of Jesus Christ.
READING & JOURNALING:
PSALM 33:4, COLOSSIANS 3:16-17
Have you ever taken the opportunity to read through a book in the Bible at least three times to get a better understanding of the meaning of the text? If so, what was this experience like for you? (If not, consider doing so with a short book like Philippians, Colossians, or James, or commit to the the reading challenge outlined below.)
READING CHALLENGE:
Take some time to write out a plan to read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John three times each over the next month, 3 months, or 6 months and to take notes on Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings.
PRAYER:
Today, write out your own prayer to God.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Proverbs 3 & 4
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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