Walking with Jesus through the Bible

Imagine that the Creator of the universe- the one who put the stars in the sky, created the Earth and every living and nonliving thing on it- God himself, left mankind a book. A book that had vital history intertwined with lessons, rules and laws, a map for salvation, and His future plans all written down. Imagine having words from the Creator Himself, and never reading them fully. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss a thing He has to say or show me. The Bible is the living word of God, meaning it is a written message directly from God that brings life-change and sustains lives. The Word of God is active- it teaches us, convicts us, corrects us, and instructs us. I believe reading the Bible is one of the most important ways we can grow closer to God.

The different authors of the Bible were all instructed by God to write what He had put on their hearts for a purpose. God left us with His perfect words in order to bring others to Him and show His glory and authority over all. He wants us to read His words in order to know Him, know His will for our lives, and His plans for us.

Why read the Bible?
Here are just a few reasons and verses (there are countless more in His Word):

• The Bible shows God’s character, love, power, and holiness
  • Psalms 116:5 “The Lord is gracious and righteous;
 our God is full of compassion.”
• The Bible explains how to have a personal relationship with God
  • John 14:23 “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’”
• The Bible provides guidance on how to live, think, and love here on Earth
  • 1 John 2:15-17
 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
• The Bible provides us with hope even in the hardest of times
  • John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

• The Bible can bring on life-change in people’s daily lives, relationships, and self-worth 
  • Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
  • Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
  • Luke 12:7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
• The Bible helps us keep our eyes on Him and away from sin
  • Colossians 3:1-3 “
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
• The Bible helps us understand God’s will for our lives
  • Romans 12:2
 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

How to read the Bible?

We know reading the Bible is essential, but I’ll be honest, I don’t always read it every day like I should. I often get busy with things here on Earth, things that will pass away, instead of spending intentional time in the one thing that will never pass away. The goal is to read His Word everyday. Whether you read before work, during your lunch break, when you get home, or before bed, make that time intentional. I used to mindlessly read and then wonder why I wasn’t understanding His Word or feeling His presence. So, I began to study my Bible like I would study in college- colored pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and commentaries. It was a game changer once I began reading to learn.

If there’s something I don’t understand, I pull up other translations and commentaries, I don’t just keep on reading like I used to. I make notes, write down definitions, ask questions, write prayers, and more as I read. I interact and dissect His word and no matter how many times I read through the Bible, I learn something new that I didn’t notice before. Devin says that my Bible sometimes looks like a madman got ahold of it and he’s not wrong. My notes are not the pretty ones with drawings you might see on Pinterest, but they are my interactions with God as I read. I have learned so much more about God, and from God, by reading the Bible that I could not have gotten solely from Sunday sermons or cute bible verse pictures. God continues to convict me of my thoughts and actions as I read His word. He shows me how to live more like Christ. He shows me His love for me and His will for my life. He shows me His power and holiness every time I open up His word.

Looking through different translations is one study method I am glad I started doing early on. I personally am a slow reader and it takes me a little extra time to process what I just read. I started off reading in the King James Version (KJV), but I’ll admit it was a little tricky for me. It was difficult for me to personally understand at first, so I looked at other translations to help me. After getting used to the KJV and reading other versions and commentaries to help me, I am better equipped to study the KJV now, but often I gravitate towards the CSB or ESV translation. Some people might prefer a specific translation, and that’s okay because it is still God’s Word. There are “word for word” translations which tend to be more accurate to the original manuscripts but may be more difficult to read and may not align with how our language constructs sentences today. Then there are “thought for thought” translations which tend to be easier to read but may rearrange words: uses modern language to convey the original text’s meaning. Some Bible translations may use both styles. For example, the ESV and KJV are word-for-word translations. The NLT and NIV are thought-for-thought translations. The CSB translation is a balance of both. No single translation of the Bible will perfectly encapsulate every thought or nuance mentioned in the Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic manuscripts we have and that’s okay!
I believe reading multiple translations is beneficial in helping you understand God’s Word. I don’t believe we should argue over the semantics of different translations. The important thing is that the overall content and teaching of the Bible remains the same across the various translations. It continues to be His living-word that convicts, instructs, teaches, and guides us.

Along with translations, I’ll be honest, there are some books of the Bible that have left me confused as well. That’s where researching meanings of words, history of people and places, reading other commentaries, etc. have helped me put the dots together. For instance, I don’t think I could have ever gotten through the book of Revelations or many of the Old Testament books with much understanding if it hadn’t been for the extra resources I used. The Bible is full of Jewish customs and laws, Israelite history, prophecies, and wisdom literature that we might not immediately know about or understand today. Using other tools and references to help gain a better understanding of what you’re reading will help give you a more wholistic understanding of His word!

Here are some resources I use to study my Bible such as pens, sticky notes, and more!

I also use these apps (you can find them in the App Store):

The Logos Bible App

• I use the Faithful Study Bible Commentary on this app, but there are other ones on there as well
• I can quickly check different translations of a verse I am reading
• I can do word studies as I read, look at definitions, maps, images, cross-references in the Bible, and more

Bible Project App

• Watch video explanations of books/chapters with reflection questions and references
• Listen to podcasts about scripture, biblical theology behind each book, and the major themes present in His word
• Take Bible Classes!!! They offer free, self-paced classes taught by experts. Each class has anywhere from 5-45 sessions. Here’s a list of the current classes they offer on the app or website:
  • Rise of the messiah
  • Jacob
  • Abraham
  • Ezekiel
  • Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
  • Ephesians
  • Heaven and Earth
  • Adam to Noah
  • Noah to Abraham
  • Jonah
  • Art of Biblical Words
  • Exodus Overview
  • 1 Corinthians
• Completely free resources with no subscription- it’s a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization!

Filament Bible App

• For this app you need a Filament Bible- like the one above (this Bible is posted on my bible resources page)
• The app allows you to scan the page you’re reading and view it digitally
• You get access to streaming audios, informative videos, interactive maps, study notes, articles, devotionals, and more

The Enduring Word App

• Commentary from David Guzik and others
• Notes, audio, and video resources are available to help you understand what you read in the Bible

She Reads Truth App

• Online community within the app to read along with others
• Reading plans you can purchase for cheap to read a portion of scripture each day and read commentary on that scripture

Here are some pictures to show you what my Bibles looks like:

I believe making your Bible a personal interaction with God is also essential. One way I do this is by the notes, prayers, questions, and more I write inside my Bible. I also have painted the covers of some of my Bibles. I know some people might question painting your Bible but I have not changed God’s word or His message. I have simply changed the cover to make it personal. I love my Bibles and I enjoy opening them up- not because of the covers, but because of what’s inside. The cover is just for fun. This could be an easy girls night or small group activity you could do with others as well. So if you want to know my tips and steps for painting your Bible you can sign up for my email list here and I’ll send it to you:

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Lastly, Be Doers of the Word
Reading the Bible is great, but we can’t just read it, we have to abide in it.

There’s a lot to learn from the Bible, and it’s not always easy to live out. As I read I am constantly being convicted of what I am doing or saying. Sanctification brings on transformation: Being saved by Christ and cleansed of our sins brings about change in our lives. We cannot and should not want to continue to live how we used to- focused on worldly desires.

Reading God’s word and applying it in your lives is essential in your walk with Christ. It is His direct instructions and words that will help you along in your journey here on Earth. So, I encourage you to set at least 20 minutes each day aside to sit down and study God’s word. Stop doom scrolling on social media, put your phone away, eliminate other distractions, and put your focus on Him and His words He left for you. Pray that He might teach you, convict you, instruct you, show you, etc. as you read and then be intentional about reading to learn from Him. He specifically created you and His word so that you might get to know Him and His will better. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear what He has to say and teach you. I personally don’t want to get to Heaven and tell Him I didn’t read the book He left me here on Earth.

I remember a preacher I heard once said something along these lines:

He referenced the story from “The Knights of the Silver Shield” from Why The Chimes Rang by Raymond MacDonald Alden

The story was about knights and their service. As the knights began to face off against the giants, went on expeditions to help poor travelers in the forest, fought a particularly hard battle and won the victory, or when they went on some errand for the lord of the castle, and were successful, the knights shield would shine brighter and brighter. A particular knight in the story stayed back to defend the castle while the others went out to battle. Deceptive visitors came to the gate to try and get him to leave his post at the gate, but he refused. At the end, his shield shone the brightest. Everyone who had been in battle was confused because that knight had not fought anyone like they had. But the knight had remained faithful at his post and had fought his own battle that day and for that he was rewarded.

The preacher then asked, “What if your Bible shone based on how much you used it in the daily battle of life? Would your Bible shine brightly?”

I liked this analogy because our Bibles should be used daily to help guide us, instruct us, convict us, correct us, and show us God in all things. We are faced with worldly desires and temptations everyday, we are in a constant battle here on Earth just like the knight at the gate. Remaining in prayer with God and reading His word is the only way to efficiently fight these battles. So, how bright would your Bible shine?

This post comes from everything I am trying out or striving to do as I go. I pray that it will help you or someone you know along in their walk with Jesus. Maybe it will provide you with new resources to try out or encouragement to pick up your Bible each day this week and spend intentional time with Him. Hopefully your Bible starts to shine a little brighter after this blog, I know mine will!

Love, Nicole