Bible Study Archives - Uncovered Joy

9 Proven Methods for Better Bible Study Notes | Deeper faith

Filed Under: Bible Study // January 14, 2025

This post is all about the 9 proven methods for better Bible study notes to help you grow deeper in your faith.

Taking Bible study notes is an important tool for spiritual growth, but can seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

Here, I’ll walk you through the 9 proven methods for taking the best Bible study notes to help you grow in your walk with God today.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Why taking Bible Study notes is essential for spiritual growth

If you are on Instagram for any amount of time, you will probably come across beautifully aesthetic Bible study notes and wonder how to replicate them. Although I will show you the ins and outs of taking these notes, the main goal is not to look pretty on the outside but to be transformed on the inside. That is the key to great Bible notes.

Deeper Understanding

Taking intentional notes helps uncover deeper meaning in scripture, providing more understanding of your reading. This is because taking notes requires you to slow down and think about what you are reading rather than skimming across the text. It also helps you look at small details that you would otherwise miss or gloss over.

Deeper retention

It is no secret that note-taking aids in memory retention and application. This is because you are using more parts of your brain through active engagement of the material, resulting in more long-term memory. Taking notes is also a great way to have previously learned material always available, especially if you have an organized way to sift through your notes. Being able to reference past notes will help build neural connections, assisting in retention and application of the material.

Deeper spiritual growth

Taking notes is a great tool for spiritual growth because it forces you to interact with the text. Instead of merely reading over scripture for a few minutes before jumping to the next thing on your to-do list, note-taking helps you think about what you’ve read and apply it to your life. Taking notes also gives you something to look back to in future Bible studies or during times you may be struggling in your faith. It is a great way to encourage your present and future self, as you see the faithfulness of God in your life. No matter what method you choose for taking notes, and how much time you dedicate to it each day, you will see a great impact on your spiritual life.

The 9 proven methods of Bible study notes

Pray and prepare
Choose the right tools
Find a study method
Highlight key points
Summarize main themes
Write personal reflections and applications
Include cross-references
Ask and answer questions
Review and revisit notes

The best Bible study notes guide around

If you are looking for an amazing guide for different note-taking methods and Bible-reading tracking, look no further! I’ve designed a great resource to help you grow in your faith and enjoy Bible study more.

Keep scrolling to the end of this post to access the free guide.

Bible study guide — Keep scrolling to gin access to the free Bible Study Notes guide.

Pray and prepare for your bible study notes

Pray and prepare your heart to hear from God before you begin your Bible study time. This will look different for everyone, but should contain a few key elements.

If you are new to praying before you begin a Bible study, it is a good idea to consider why it is important. Praying can sometimes feel awkward when you aren’t used to it, but it helps to get your mind focued on Christ. Setting down for a few minutes to replace your stress with God’s peace will give you a more productive Bible study. If you aren’t sure where to begin, I’d recommend reading and praying The Lord’s Prayer.

Another good place to start with prayer is by asking God to reveal Himself and His character to you during your Bible study. After all, the Bible is the best place to learn about who God is and His faithfulness to all throughout the generations. It is also good to ask God to reveal anything in you that is not from Him (Psalm 139:24).

If you notice that you are unable to concentrate during this time of prayer and preparation, consider keeping a prayer notebook where you can write down your prayers and thoughts to God. I find that this is the best way to help myself focus as my mind tends to wander during prayer.

Choose the right tools to encourage and motivate you

While you don’t need anything special to get started taking Bible study notes, having some tools handy can make it all the more fun. I personally love using free online resources like blue letter bible and biblehub to research and understand the verses I am studying better. These websites allow you to access different commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and Lexicons to enhance your understanding of scripture. If you would like to learn more about how to use these resources, I have a short post explaining some of their features here.

Taking notes is also so much more fun when you have supplies you are excited to use. Mr pen is a popular brand for Bible study because of their amazing quality and unbeatable prices. I love their matching highlighter and gel-pen sets, as well as their transparent sticky notes.

Find a study method that works for your current season of life

There are so many different Bible Study Methods out there, and they all work well for different seasons of life. Although none of them is objectively better than another, one of them might fit your spiritual and schedule-related needs better than another. There are a few things to consider when choosing a bible study method that will work for you.

Consider if you have any time-restrictions, and choose one that you know will not be more than you can handle. While it is okay to push yourself and encourage yourself to spend more time in the Word, if you only have 15 minutes a day but choose an hour-long study, you will quickly give up. You want to be realistic in scheduling your Bible study so that you can stay consistent.
Reflect on past Biblical knowledge and what has worked for you. Each person starts off their Bible study with a different level of knowledge. Because of this, no one Bible study will work for everyone. Choose a Bible study method that considers your past experience and knowledge.
Think about how and where you would like to grow spiritually. For some, you may want to do a complete Bible overview, while others may want to dig into the nitty gritty of a verse. Both of these are a wonderful way to connect with God, but they result in choosing a very different study method. Take some time to see what kind of study would be most beneficial for your current season of life.

Highlight key points in your Bible study notes

Highlighting key points in you Bible study is a great way to guide your quiet time and stay focused on the main point of the passage. Key points can include words that are repeated throughout the passage, main characters, themes, attributes of God, or any commands that stand out to you. Highlighting these key points will not only make for beautiful notes, but will also help give you a visual reference when accessing your notes later on.

One way to highlight key points in your Bible is by using a color coding system for quick reference. Simply choose a color for different categories (such as: attributes of God, commands to follow, God’s promises, personal application) and follow it throughout your Bible. This is a great way to easily be able to recognize what your notes are about as they all follow the same format.

You can also use different symbols in your notes to achieve the same goal. For example, consider using quotation marks for memorable quotes about the passage. You can also use an asterisk or star for an important verse or an exclamation point for a strong command or challenge.

If you don’t want to follow the same guide throughout your entire Bible, that is okay too! I like to choose around 5-7 colors for a book of the Bible that coordinates with stickers or paper and use those to highlight and make note in my Bible. I find this keeps journaling feeling fresh, as well as helping me distinguish between books when flipping through my Bible.

Bible study template — How can you be transformed by His word today?

Summarize main themes in your Bible study

Summarizing the main theme of a passage allows you to see the bigger picture of what God is communicating through the scripture. It also ensures that you have a good understanding of what you’ve read, as opposed to just skimming the passage and moving on with your checklist.

To summarize a passage in your notes, ask yourself these questions: “How does this passage fit into the overarching story of the book?” “What Characteristics of God do you see?” “Are there any aspects of human nature to take notice of?” And “What is the overall meaning of the passage?”

You can either write your passage summary in a separate journal or directly into you Bible. Do whatever makes the most sense to you! To write the summary, you can go for an easy to remember descriptive sentence of the passage, quick bullet points, a fun diagram, or even a lengthy paragraph.

No matter the method you choose for summarizing the main theme, ensure you are keeping your focus on God’s truth and have fun studying the scripture.

Write personal reflections and applications in your Bible study notes

In order to have truly effective Bible study notes, you need to connect what you have learned through study to your own life. This is when your quiet time will lead to effecting and transformative change in your life. Although personal application will look different for everyone, you can begin by asking yourself some simple questions, such as: “What does this passage teach em about God?” “How does this passage challenge my own thoughts or actions, convicting me to change?” “Are there specific ways I can change my thoughts or actions to align with scripture?”

By asking yourself these questions and writing down your key takeaways and thoughts, you are allowing the Word of God to be alive and active in your life.

Include cross-references in your Bible study notes

One of the most powerful aspects of the Bible (at least in my opinion) is that there is not a single passage that contradicts another, and every passage builds on others and has similarities to others. Because of this, I love to include cross-references in my Bible study notes.

When adding cross reference notes to your Bible, include a corresponding scripture with how it applies to the passage you are studying. For example, there are many ideas presented int eh New Testament that require knowledge of the Old Testament. Whenever you come across one of these instances, include the Old Testament reference along with how it connects and why it is important to pay attention to.

Bible study notes printable — Get your free guide below.

Ask and answer questions in your Bible study notes

Often, we assume that Bible study notes have to be perfect. That they should be wise observations from Biblical scholars or commentators with degrees in Hebrew or Greek. Don’t be afraid to ask and answer your own questions in your notes. Engage with the text by thinking through it, making observations, and asking questions before you turn to other resources. Some common questions your may ask include: “How does this passage point to Jesus?” “What can I learn about _____ from this passage?” And “Are there any commands I need to follow?”

Asking yourself questions and researching the answer is a great way to interact with the passage, making yourself an active participant in the story and knowledge of God.

Review and Revisit your Bible study Notes

You Bible study notes will be the most effective and useful for you if you revisit them often. This is especially true with personal application notes. Make a plan to review them daily, weekly, or monthly. This will help reinforce what you’ve learned and transform your life.

Organize you notes in a way that is easy to reference. You can use a binder or notebook for different types of notes (summaries vs. application) or chronologically record what you are learning. Alternatively, you can include all of your notes directly in your Bible so that they are easily accessible anytime you read that passage.

Bible study notes free Guide

To help you get started taking the best Bible study note possible, I’ve created a free guide for you packed with tools and templates. This guide includes different Bible study methods and trackers to help you make the most out of your quiet time.

Where will you begin today on your Bible study notes?

The truth behind The Lord is your inheritance

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // January 7, 2025

This Bible study is all about how the Lord is your inheritance, spoken of in Deuteronomy 16-19.

During these chapters in Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of some of our benefits under God. He also talks of the responsibility that comes when the Lord is our inheritance. Here, we see the immense joy that can be found as God’s children, with the celebration of feasts. But we also see the responsibility to give back from the abundance we have been blessed with. We are to serve God only and to read His word daily, as well as provide refuge for the innocent. But with these responsibilities also comes blessing when the Lord is our inheritance. We can be content no matter the situation we find ourselves in because of Christ.

Lord inheritance — Do you know that the Lord is your inheritance?

Read all about how the Lord is your inheritance, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 16-19

Walking in purity because of His sacrifice

The Israelites were called to observe the Passover. The Passover celebration remembered how God spared His people when they sacrificed a spotless lamb and painted their doorframes with its blood. This tenth and final plague of God on the Egyptians allowed the Israelites to be free. Because of this, God commanded His people to celebrate that they are a redeemed people. God also commanded that the Feast of Unleavened bread be celebrated at the same time, signifying that there be no sin (yeast) found among them.

God wants His people to walk in purity, but this can only happen after the blood sacrifice of Jesus at the cross. Do you walk a life of purity, remembering the price Jesus paid you (Galatians 2:20)?

The Lord calls us to joy, rest, and peace as part of our inheritance

The three feasts that God called the Israelites to Observe in Deuteronomy 16 all point to celebration in God. The Israelites were to rejoice when bringing God their gifts, acknowledging the blessings of God in their lives. They were to be joyful as they celebrated in fellowship with each other. No one in Israel was to be excluded from celebrating the blessings of God. Male and female servants, Levites, foreigners, and widows were all to share in the celebration and rest offered within these feasts.

Do you joyfully partake in the rest God offers, taking intentional time out of your busy schedule to find peace and contentment in God (Hebrews 4:9-11)?

Deuteronomy 16 Bible Journaling — I love using Micron Fine-tip pens and Crayola colored pencils to give a cohesive look while Bible journaling.

True sacrifices must be costly

Deuteronomy 17 gives instructions for the judges and Levitical priests to administer justice to the Israelites if anyone is found serving other gods. The Israelites were not allowed to worship any other gods, and they were not allowed to offer any sacrifice to God that had any kind of defect. God did not want anything but their whole-hearted devotion. He demanded their best.

Although we are not required to offer animal sacrifices under the New Covenant, we should still remember to only offer god our best. If what we are offering to God doesn’t cost us something – it isn’t a true sacrifice. This is true of our time, money, possessions, and relationships. It costs something to give up time each day to spend with God. We may feel a pinch in our wallets when we give back through tithes and offerings. Sometimes God calls us to use our favorite possessions for His glory. And sometime we spend more or less time on relationships than we would like to do His will.

In what areas do you feel the cost of sacrifice in your relationship with God (Luke 9:23)?

Write the Law of God

God knew that, eventually, the Israelites would want to appoint a king for themselves. When this happened, God did not want it to be because they desired to be like other nations but because they desired a ruler to help them keep God’s laws. So, God gave them regulations for the king. He was to begin his reign by writing down a copy of the word of God, and then read it daily so that he did not turn from it. By doing this, the king would always serve Israel from a place of humility, revering God as the ultimate authority.

The greater the responsibility God has bestowed on you, the greater you will need to read and meditate on the truths found in God’s word. Does your reliance on scripture match the responsibility He has given you (Matthew 4:4)?

The Lord is your inheritance

The Levitical priests were called to rely on God’s provision no matter where they lived or in what capacity they chose to serve. If one of them decided to serve in the temple instead of the town they lived in, they could be sure that God would provide. In the same way, we need to remember to not place value on material wealth and security. Instead, we should rest in the knowledge that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, our inheritance is the lord. He will provide.

Are you in a season of plenty or of need? Do you find your contentment in the provision of God as your inheritance (Philippians 4:11-13)?

God's provision is part of His inheritance — God’s provision is part of His inheritance.

Do not learn the detestable ways

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they had plenty of opportunities to learn the customs of the Canaanites and surrounding nations. These practices included different means of predicting the future, influencing events, and consulting the dead – and each was equally detestable to God. He does not want his people seeking after the darkness of the occult. Rather, He calls us to trust in Him. We do not need to see the future because God calls us to only think about today (Matthew 6:34). We should not try to influence events (through witchcraft and casting spells) because God does not change (Malachi 3:6-7). And we should inquire of God instead of trying to consult with the dead (Isaiah 8:19).

God calls us to be blameless and to avoid any involvement with occult practices. Do you have any involvement with the occult – whether through tarot card reading, Wicca, horoscopes, or any other means (Galatians 5:19-21)?

There will be a new prophet

Moses mentions that there will be a new prophet to arise after him who is like Him. It is no coincidence that this declaration comes after the sections that give requirements for Israel’s kings, priests, and prophets. This is because the prophet Moses references is Jesus. He is the perfect king, priest, and prophet. And although He is like Moses (John 1:45), He is also greater than Moses.

Why does this prophecy about Jesus matter (Hebrews 3:1-6)?

The Lord’s protection and Punishment under his inheritance

God instructed the building of cities of refuge for his people so that the innocent would be protected while the guilty would be punished. These cities of refuge were designed to protect those who had innocently and accidentally killed someone. However, there would be no refuge for the person who intentionally murdered someone out of the hatred he had in his heart. God also gave the regulation that there must be at least two witnesses to convict someone. This was so that no one could falsely accuse another – whether intentionally or through a misinformed testimony. These systems set up by God ensured justice for the innocent while only punishing the guilty.

Do you hold any hatred in your heart that could convict you of murder (Matthew 5:21-26, 1 John 3:15) ?

Deuteronomy 17 Bible journaling — Using washi tape is a great way to attach scrapbook paper to your Bible for extra notes.

Reflect on how the Lord is your inheritance today

Have you thought of your inheritance in the Lord and the blessings and responsibilities that go along with it? How does this knowledge change the way you live for Christ?

This Bible study was all about what it means to have your inheritance found in the Lord, according to Deuteronomy 16-19.

20 Bible study methods to deepen your faith

Filed Under: Bible Study // December 10, 2024

This post is all about Bible study methods for anyone who is new to Bible study or is looking to refresh their daily quiet time.

Anyone looking to grow in their faith and know God better should have a daily Bible study and reading plan. This is because the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and is useful for teaching and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17). However, the only way the Bible can have an impact on our lives is if we open it and seek to understand what it is saying.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Although simply reading the Bible is a great place to start for any believer, it may (and should) leave you with questions as you grapple with the text. Part of the reason for these questions is that the Bible was written to a different culture using a different language than we speak today. So naturally, some things get lost in translation.

This is why implementing different Bible study methods can be a valuable tool for any Christian. Bible study methods are frameworks that help you understand the culture, language, and context of the passage you are reading. When you understand the original meaning, you can then faithfully apply the scripture to your life.

Here are some of my favorite Bible study methods, with brief descriptions to help you choose the one that’s best for you.

Beginners Bible study: Methods to help you engage with God’s word

If you are new to Bible study, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with all of the different methods. Don’t let the overwhelm stop you. Just pick one or two methods and give them a try for a couple of week. If they aren’t working, evaluate why not and see if there is a different method that suits your learning style better.

Choosing a method

Any of these Bible study methods can be used for a beginner, although I would personally recommend one that looks at the bigger picture of the Bible instead of diving deep into the meaning of one verse. This is because I believe it is important to have a good understanding of Biblical foundations and the narrative story of the Bible.

If you already have a good foundation of the Bible and are looking to go deeper in studying single verses or passages, consider doing one of the verse-by-verse methods, such as verse mapping. These have you look into the original context as well as the Greek or Hebrew behind single words.

Fly-over Bible study methods

The fly-over Bible study methods are by far my favorite way to study the Bible. When you read and study the Bible as a whole, you can see so many themes appear that may get lost in the verse-by-verse methods.

Bible in a year

This may be the most popular Bible study method out there – and for good reason! Reading through the Bible in a year allows you to see the overarching theme of redemption and God’s love for His people. There are so many great reading plans available, and most take 15-20 minutes per day. So this is a very achievable way to study the Bible for everyone.

Here are three different types of Bible in a year reading plans

The Story of Redemption | This Daily Grace reading plan guides you through the entire Bible by focusing on the overarching story of redemption, giving a short devotional with the daily reading. Daily Grace also offers other reading plans and shorter devotionals.
The Bible Recap | This plan follows the Chronological timeline of the Bible and explains each day’s passage in an easy-to-explain way.
The One Year Bible | This plan divides up the scripture each day so you are reading a section from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs so that you don’t get hung up in one book.

starting a bible study method — Any method is worth trying if it helps you understand your Bible better.

Bible in four months

If you are able to commit an hour a day to Reading through your Bible, I would highly suggest reading through it in four months. This advanced timeline will help you see the big picture more clearly while gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole.

If you are interested in learning more about reading through the Bible in a short timeframe, check out Rapid Bible Read Through by Keith Ferrin.

In-depth verse by verse Bible study methods

If you have already done a full Bible read through, or are just looking for ways to study individual verses or passages in-depth, these Bible study methods are a good place to start.

Verse mapping

Verse mapping is a great way to fully understand any verse in the Bible. This Bible study method can be particularly helpful if there is a verse that stands out to you during your daily Bible reading that you want to know more about.

When verse mapping, you will create a guide map of the verse that includes all pertinent information to help you understand the context and meaning of the verse. To do this, you will first look at the surrounding context of the verse, identifying the message of the whole passage. Then you will highlight any words that stick out to you and research them using different tools. You can see my whole guide to Bible verse mapping here.

Word study

A Bible word study is a great way to look at the original Hebrew or Greek word in any verse that you are reading. You can then cross-reference it with any other occurrences of that word to give you a deeper understanding of what the concept means. When doing a Word study, it is important to understand the word in context, and there are many great resources to help you accomplish this goal. If you are interested in learning more about how to do a Bible Word study, you can learn more here.

Acronym Bible Study methods

There are many different Bible study methods that use acronyms to help you easily remember the steps. Here are just a few of the more popular ones to give you an idea of how they work.

SOAP method

The SOAP method stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Scripture includes reading a passage a few times and writing it out to slow down and understand it better. Observation occurs when you notice concepts and ask questions about the text. Application takes place when you know the original context and see how it can apply to your life. And prayer occurs when you thank God for His word and what He has revealed to you.

TEXT method

The TEXT method stands for Talk, Encounter, eXamine, and Talk. In this method, you will begin with prayer, Talking to God, and asking Him to reveal Himself through His word. You will then Encounter God and Humanity in scripture as you ask yourself: what does this passage say about God and His creation? Then you will eXamine your heart to see if there is anything within you that does not align with what you have learned, before you Talk to God again.

REAP method

The REAP Method stands for Read, Examine, Apply, and Pray. This method is very similar to the SOAP method, with just a couple of differences. You will want to begin by Reading the passage and contemplating what it says. Here, you want to consider what the key points of the passage are and note any person, place, or thing mentioned. You will then Examine the verse and dive into any of the questions you had from reading it. You will follow it up by applying the passage to your life and praying to God, just as you do in the SOAP method.

types of Bible study — There are so many great Bible study methods to choose from!

ACTS method

The ACTS method stands for Ask, Chapter, Think, and Scripture. To follow this method, you will first Ask God what He wants you to understand from your Bible study. Then, you will read a full Chapter slowly and carefully as you Think about its meaning, original context, and how it applies to your life. You will finish this Bible study by writing down one or two verses in the Scripture tat stood out to you.

Over-all picture Bible Study methods

If you are looking to study a specific topic or character rather than reading through the Bible or going in-depth with different verses, these methods are for you.

Character study

When doing a Character study, you will look at one individual mentioned in the Bible and follow their life. During this type of study, you can see examples of what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ, while also learning that even the most righteous followers make mistakes. Popular Character studies include ones that look at Abraham, king David, or Paul, as well as ones that follow the 5 women in the genealogy of Jesus or Women of the Old Testament.

Topical Study

A topical Bible study is a great method when you have a question about a topic or theme in the Bible. For instance, if you would like to know more about “salvation” you would read 10-20 verses on that topic and draw observations from connecting the main points. One great way to do a topical Bible study is through Bible Gateway, as you can search for any word or topic.

Inductive Method

The inductive Bible study method could also be called the intuitive method because it consists of reading the passage and making observations about it. In order to make observations, you will want to look to answer the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why, and How) of the passage.

If you are looking for even more Bible study methods, Rick Warren goes over 12 in His book Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods.

Reflect on which Bible Study methods are right for you

There are so many different types of Bible study methods, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So many of these methods use the same steps and principles, just applied slightly differently. So, let this post encourage you that there is no wrong way to study your Bible as long as you are doing so with an open heart willing to be transformed by the Word of God.

Are you ready to grow in your faith and make Bible study a daily habit? Pick one or two of these study methods and commit to trying them for the next week. Set aside a specific time each day, and get ready to meet with God through His word! Don’t worry about doing it perfectly—just start, and let the Holy Spirit guide your learning.

Which method will you try first? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

This post was all about the best Bible study methods for every believer.

Joy in Worship | Finding Delight in the Presence of the Lord

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // December 3, 2024

This Bible study is all about finding Joy in Worship.

Do you find it challenging to experience joy in worship? Maybe traditional church services feel routine, or tithing feels like a chore. No matter where you are in your faith, Deuteronomy shows that Joy in worship is not just possible – it’s essential.

In the middle of a long list of laws the Israelites must follow when they enter the Promised Land, Moses gives instructions for having Joy in Worship. Although it may seem like the Israelites should need no encouragement in this – after all, they watched as God delivered them from slavery and brought them to freedom – these chapters detail not only how but also why there needs to be joy.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

The Lord is sovereign over all. Yet He is not a faraway God who never wants to interact with His creation. He desires to have a close relationship with each of us. He wants us to fellowship with each other and bless each other out of the abundance with which He has blessed us. These chapters look at practical ways we can experience joy in worship today.

Read all about how to have joy in worship, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 12-15

The place of worship cannot mirror secular culture

The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. As they entered, they would benefit from homes and crops they did not work for. All of the infrastructure they would need to live would be set up for them – including places of worship. The usual practice during this time was to use nice buildings or previously used places to convert into your own worship center. But God did not want any association with the pagan gods. Instead, the Israelites were called to be set apart by destroying anything that had connections with pagan worship. They were to follow the laws of worship that God had already laid out for them.

Do you use any part of secular culture in your worship? Do you think it is pleasing to God (Psalm 100)?

Deuteronomy 12 Bible Journaling — I love using stickers in My Bible journal when they match the theme!

There is joy in the house of the Lord

Through this section, we see repeatedly that the Israelites were called to rejoice when they went to Worship God at the place He would choose. They were called to eat and rejoice — to find joy in the presence of the Lord for His blessing. The Israelites were to find joy in the sacrifices offered on their behalf. They were to find joy through confession and communion with God. There was to be joy in fellowship with others.

God desires worship that is filled with joy because it is a reflection of our gratitude, trust, and fellowship with Him. Joyful worship isn’t merely about feeling good. It is a response to God’s goodness and provision.

Do you find joy in the House of the Lord? Or is going to worship a tedious task to be checked off each week (Hebrews 13:15)?

Serving other gods

The Israelites would be living in a land that pagans previously inhabited. But it was not just outsiders that the Israelites would have to watch out for. If someone from their own people came and spoke prophecies that came true but did not speak only the words of God, the Israelites were to ignore them (and even put them to death). If anyone tried to get the Israelites to turn away from the One true God and follow another, they would be put to death.

Although we are no longer supposed to kill false teachers, we should be aware of who they are and ignore or combat their teaching. Do you know the Word of God enough to spot a false teacher? What is your response when you hear someone teaching Biblical inaccuracies (Romans 16:17)?

joyful worship — You can experience joy in worship when you find delight in the presence of the Lord.

Clean and unclean

God wanted the Israelites to be set apart for Him and Him alone. Many of the rules and regulations He gave to the Israelites would make a clear distinction between them and other cultures. Not only would limiting the “clean” foods help keep the Israelites healthy. It would also prevent them from fellowshipping with pagan cultures. The Israelites could not eat with them. This would limit their exposure to other cultures and help insulate them from temptation.

What are some things within the secular world that you may need to pull back from to be insulated from temptation (James 1:13-15)?

Joy in Worship through Tithes

The Israelites were commanded to put aside a tenth of their harvest each year for God. They were then to take the tithe to the temple and enjoy it with their families in the presence of the Lord. This is because “the purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives” (Deuteronomy 14:23, Living Bible). So often, we get caught up in the correct portion of tithe to give, when we should tithe, or even where our money should go. We get caught up in the details and we miss the bigger picture. God called us to give back a portion of all He has blessed us with so we can rejoice with others in His presence. We are called to bless others in the same manner that God has blessed us.

Do you tithe rejoicing in all that God has done for you (2 Corinthians 9:7)?

Be openhanded

God commanded the Israelites to be openhanded and give to any who were poor among them. God had set up an ecomonic system in Israel. He promised them that if they listened and followed His commands, He would bless them. They would be a prosperous nation that could lend to other nations. However, God knew that they would not always listen to His commands. Because of this, He knew that there would always be poor among them. And so, God called the Israelites to be generous givers within their community.

In the same way, we should give openhandedly to others. Whether it be through money, time, service, or another method, we are called to bless those around us. How can you be a light to those you know, blessing them from the abundance the Lord has blessed you with (Hebrews 10:24)?

Deuteronomy 15 Bible journaling — These fine-tip micron pens work well for tracing designs into my Bible journal.

Set apart the best

Not only were the Israelites called to give the firstborn of their animals, but it was to be a spotless offering. It would be easy to offer up a blemished animal worth little value. However, a spotless firstborn would have been worth something. God often calls His people to give up what they value. Not because He wants us to live a boring life, but because He wants us to be devoted to Him alone. It is easy to say that we love God. It is much harder to give up the things we value to follow Him.

Do you set apart your best for God – whether it be time, possessions, or money? Or do you tightly hold on to what you value, unwilling to give it up (Mark 12:41-44)?

Reflect on what it means to have joy in Worship

True worship is found when we have joy in the presence of God. True joy in worship happens when we reflect on what god has done for us and freely give back to Him and those He has called us to bless. How can you experience Joy in worship today?

43 Essential Bible study materials to grow your faith

Filed Under: Bible Study // November 19, 2024

This post is all about the best Bible study materials for any believer.

If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, you have likely heard that studying the Bible is important. But maybe you’ve never been able to figure out why it is important. Or maybe you’ve tried to study the Bible but found it boring or let other distractions get in the way.

Although this post is not on the benefits of Bible study, it is important to point out that the reason we study our Bible is to draw closer to God. Through reading His word, we see the Character of God and his love poured out for us, which in turn encourages us to remain faithful to Him. Studying the Bible allows us to see God’s overarching plan of redemption and how we fit into this world.

Here are the best Bible study materials to help you dig deeper into the Word.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

If you are new to studying the Bible, struggle to find the Bible engaging, or are just looking for some new resources to liven up your quiet time, these Bible Study materials will be sure to help you.

Types of Bible study materials

Study Bibles
Commentaries
Bible study guides and workbooks
Bible journaling supplies
Digital resources

Top Study Bibles for in-depth learning

When it comes to reading your Bible, nothing is better for giving you context and application than a study Bible because you have additional information right alongside the scripture you are reading.

The Tyndale NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible is perfect for any teen or young adult looking to grow closer to God. It comes in so many different colors and designs for anyone to enjoy. Because the Life Application Study Bible is the number 1 best-selling study bible, it also comes in regular and large print for adults. With over 10,000 life application notes and features, it is sure to help you in your daily Bible study.

The MacArthur Study Bible includes 25,000 notes throughout the biblical text, bringing clarity and context to your reading. Because of its popularity, it exists in many different versions, including NKJV, NASB, and ESV.

The Tyndale Every Woman’s Bible in ESV features contributions from over 100 different women throughout the world, bringing insight and perspective to questions women face while reading the Bible. This Bible also features the filament app, giving the reader even more resources for understanding the Bible.

The NIV Cultural Background Study Bible has 375 full-color photos to help you visualize what you are reading about. It aims to give insight into the culture, context, and literature of Biblical times.

Choosing a study Bible is a great option that can be used for both personal and group study. For those looking to engage with their daily Bible reading, a study Bible gives the perfect amount of commentary without having to go far.

Top Bible journaling Bibles

If you are looking for more note-taking room in your Bible, consider a journaling Bible. These come in a variety of layouts and versions, and are perfect for jotting down what you have learned so you can easily reference it later.

I personally love my NIV Journal the Word Bible because of the single-column text and 2-inch margins on each side. Another great option is the ESV spiral-bound five-volume set for optimal note-taking. And the ESV scripture Journal is an amazing option if you would like to journal individual books.

Essential Commentaries for Bible Study

If you are looking to take your Bible study deeper than what a study Bible provides, commentaries are your next best option. I love reading a variety of biblical commentaries because they provide important context and insight from scholars.

Bible study commentaries — These are some of the best Study Bibles and commentaries around!

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary is a valuable resource for someone just starting to get into commentaries. Because it is a condensed version of the Matthew Henry Commentary, it is easy to navigate while still including all the pertinent information you need.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary is another popular option for beginners. As another one-volume commentary, respected pastor and theologian John MacArthur covers the complete Bible phrase by phrase.

The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible is an award-winning commentary that brings the ancient message of the Bible into your world. It gives you the context behind what you are reading while helping apply it to the modern day.

Tyndale’s Bible Knowledge commentary comes in a two-volume set (for Old and New Testament). This is also a great option if you are looking for a commentary on just one book of the Bible since they have individual commentaries as well. Consider starting with the Tyndale Matthew Commentary or one of the Epistles, such as Ephesians.

Bible Study Workbooks and guides

When it comes to Bible study, one of the best materials you can buy is a workbook or guide to help stay on track and keep you motivated. It can be hard to know what to read, but a Bible study guide lays it out for you so you don’t have to wonder.

Complete Bible guides

I have created a free, online Bible study that walks you through Genesis. This study focuses on giving you context to what you are reading while asking application questions for you to think on all day.

A popular type of Bible study is one that takes you through the complete Bible in a year. There are many great resources out there, including The Bible Study: A One-Year Study of the Bible and How it Relates to You. This is an easy to understand Bible study that is also deep and meaningful. The Bible in 52 Weeks is a USA today bestselling Bible study for women. This Bible study combines a daily reading plan with weekly opportunities to reflect, discuss, and explore how God’s wisdom can be applied to daily life. The Bible Recap is another year-long Bible study that offers applications questions and context to your daily reading. This study follows a chronological plan, making it ideal for anyone who wants to read the Bible in the order it was written.

For anyone looking to understand the over-arching themes of the Bible, 40 Days Through The Bible will help you understand the story of the Bible in 8-weeks along with its amazing promises. Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story walks you through the people, places, and promises of the Bible is a 7-session study.

Individual book and Topical guides

There are also Bible studies for specific seasons you may be going through or struggles you may be experiencing. Strength in the Struggle encourages women to let go of fear and anxiety in a 10-lesson workbook that is down to earth.

Another great Bible study option is going through a single book of the Bible. Jen Wilken has a few options, including Better: A Bible Study of Hebrews. Here, she helps you go verse-by verse to see how God has “provided something better.”

You can also do a Bible study that looks at a specific person’s life in the Bible. Priscilla Shirer has a 7-lesson study on Elijah that looks at the faith you desire in her book: Elijah – Faith and Fire.

Bible journaling supplies — These Bible study materials can help you grow closer to God.

Bible Journaling materials and methods

One of the best ways to grow closer to God through His Word is by writing down what you are learning. This not only helps you to remember it, but you will also have those notes to look back on later.

Journals are key Bible Study materials

As mentioned above, I love Bible journals for this very reason. The convenience of writing notes directly next to the passage you are studying is a great resource the next time you read that section.

If you are not sold on the idea of a Bible journal, consider trying out an individual Bible book journal, such as the ESV Scripture Journal New Testament, which has the New Testament split into individual books. The ESV Scripture Journal: Psalms would also be a great place to start if you don’t want to commit to an entire journaling Bible.

Having journals close by when you study the Bible can also be valuable materials for growing deeper in your faith. These Christian Writing Journals feature Bible verses on every page. This Scripture Notes Journal gives guided pages to help you with Bible study, and these Bible study notes make it easy to take your thoughts anywhere.

Writing tools

When it comes to taking notes, having the perfect pen is a must. I love using Micron Fine-tips pens because they have the smallest point I can find. They also come in a variety of colors.

The Zebra Pen and Mildliner double-sided pen is a popular option for Bible journaling. As is the Mr. Pen no bleed highlighters. Both of these come in a variety of colors.

Relates Post: 27 Of The Best Bible Journaling Supplies For Your Quiet Time

Digital Bible study resources

One of the best ways to elevate your Bible study is through digital materials. YouVersion is a great phone app that enables you to take your Bible anywhere and has built-in Bible studies. BibleGateway is an amazing resource for comparing different Bible translations and searching any Biblical topic in scripture.

Both Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub offer dictionaries, commentaries and Greek interlinear text to help you know the Word of God better. Enduring Word Bible Commentary gives a wonderful verse-by-verse overview of the entire Bible.

Bible Project offers video content to help explain important Biblical concepts and themes in an engaging way. The Gospel Coalition offers various podcasts, articles, books, and other resources to help you with Bible study and understanding.

There are so many wonderful online resources and Bible study materials for you to explore.

Conclusion

No matter where you find yourself in your walk with God, studying the Bible is essential for continuing and deepening your relationship with God. Bible study helps you understand God’s character, see His love poured out, and witness His plan of redemption. If you’re new to Bible study, looking for fresh resources, or wanting to make your quiet time more engaging, the materials in this guide offer a great place to start.

Take a moment to explore these resources. Try a few that resonate with your needs and learning style. Dig into His Word, stay consistent, and watch God reveal Himself to you in deeper and more personal ways.

This post was all about the best Bible study materials for you.

How to calm the Stress: Meditate on God’s Word

Filed Under: Bible Study, Slow Living // November 12, 2024

This post is all about how to meditate on God’s word.

When you choose to meditate on God (who He is and what He has done) through His word (which is living and active), you enable yourself to slow down and call the stress of life.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and pulled along by life’s demands? Do you hate feeling swept up in the current of busyness and long to sit on the shore in peace?

What if I told you that the answer to calming your stress lay in adding one more thing to your overflowing plate? I know it seems daunting, but just hear me out for a moment. Meditating on God’s word will help you put your life into perspective and give you peace. It will calm your stress while giving you a sense of purpose and freedom.

Meditate God's word — Here is how you can meditate on God’s word to calm the stress in your life.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Calming the Stress

It is a common problem for Americans right now to feel stressed and overwhelmed in life. We live in a society that sees being busy as a good thing. To the point where the busier you are, the more successful you must be. Or the happier you are.

When, in reality, that isn’t the case.

As Christians, we know that the Word of God brings life and peace. But if you were honest with yourself, how often do you actually open the Word of God? And even more so than just opening and skimming the Bible, how often do you devote your precious time to studying it and understanding it better?

How many days go by in any given week that you don’t open the word of God?

It can be so easy to say that you want to calm the stress in your life, but are you willing to replace your busy, stress-filled life with the Word of God?

Meditate on God’s word to relieve stress

Meditation has many benefits, with reduced stress at the top of the list. Many claim that meditation can help with depression and anxiety as well as other mental health disorders. Meditation is also touted to improve attention span, memory, and concentration.

These are just the benefits stated when it comes to secular meditation. But what would happen if we purposely set aside time to fill our minds with God’s Word instead of trying to empty our minds of everything?

Is meditation Biblical?

Although our current culture likes to tout meditation as a new way to combat stress, the idea of meditation goes back much further than the 21st century. In order to understand whether meditation is Biblical, let’s take a break for a story.

If you know your Bible well, you will remember that after God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He led them through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. During this time, they heard the words of God and established themselves as a free people. When they were on the outskirts of Canaan, getting ready to take the land, they allowed fear to rule in their hearts and essentially told God “no thanks.” As a result, they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. During this time, they continued to hear the words of God and began to trust Him with their whole hearts. As the time approached for them to take the Land of Canaan once again, this time they were ready to rely on God. It was while waiting to enter the land that God told them:

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8

God commanded His people to meditate on His word day and night.

Meditate on God's word today — Meditating on God’s word has so many unique benefits.

What the Bible has to say about meditation

The first instance in the Bible where meditation was mentioned, it was commanded by God. But that is not the only place it is mentioned. In fact, the Hebrew word translated as meditate, הָגָה (hāḡâ) occurs multiple times, and means “to moan, muse, and mutter: to meditate”.

Some of the other verses that mention this word include:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. {Psalm 1:1-2}

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. {Psalm 143:5}

There are also a few other instances where the Bible mentions meditation, such as:

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. {Psalm 48:9-10}

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. {Philippians 4:8}

What is the Word of God

With all this talk about the need to meditate on the Word of God, I should probably clear up what the Word of God is.

First, the Word of God is the Bible. It is divinely inspired by God Himself, even though it was written by 40 different authors over a period of over 2000 years. The Word of God is infallible (2 Peter 1:19). It is useful for teaching and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is also Jesus. John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” When we focus our minds on Jesus and His qualities, we are also meditating on the Word of God.

What are the requirements to meditate on God’s Word?

Meditating on God’s word is a relatively simple task and doesn’t require too much more than a willing heart. Here are the three requirements to meditate on God’s Word.

Meditation needs to be a priority
Meditation needs to begin with a plan
Meditation needs to have a purpose

Although this can seem like a lot, it’s actually quite simple. Let’s break it down.

You can grow closer to God by meditating on His word.

Make it a priority to meditate on God’s word

We are called to meditate on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). Each of us are also instructed to talk about God’s word when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. We are to write His law on our doorframes and on our gates (Deuteronomy 11:18-21). We are to fix our thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Steps to Meditate on God’s word

The steps required to meditate on God’s word are quite simple, and they will vary depending on your preferences. The key thing to remember is that you must make this a priority with your heart and mind focused on God.

Shut out the World
Read the passage over and over
Listen to the passage
Write the passage down
Sing the passage
Pray the passage
Post the passage around you
Ask questions about the passage
Use different Bible study methods to understand the passage
Talk about the passage with others

Although this may seem like a lot, the more you meditate on God’s word, the more you will be able to get into a flow of what works best for you.

Here is a brief description of each step to help you meditate on God’s word.

Shut out the World

The first thing you will want to do to meditate on God’s word is to go to a quiet place where you can spend some time focusing. Don’t be afraid to get away from the distractions of the world. You may need to leave your phone behind or hide in a closet so that you can focus on God alone.

Read the Passage over and over

In order to meditate on God’s word, you want to read the small passage or verse over and over again, becoming familiar with its words and what it is saying. This will help you begin to memorize the verse so that you have it with you always.

Listen to the passage

Listening to the passage or verse is another great way to memorize it. It will also help your mind to think about and meditate on it when you hear it in a different voice.

Write the passage down

Once again, this step helps you focus on the verse. Writing it down forces you to pay attention to every word as it engrains the passage into your memory.

Sing the passage

If you feel like it, go ahead and make up a tune for the passage as a way to help you remember it and also draw attention to certain words.

Pray the passage

Prayer is so powerful, and there are multiple times throughout the Bible where you see different people praying back God’s word to Him. Go ahead and pray the passage, as well as pray about the passage. Open yourself up to let the Holy Spirit convict you about what the verse means.

Post the passage around you

The Israelites wrote down passages and tied them to their foreheads and placed them on their doors and gates. These were places where they would frequently see the passage and remember God’s word. Grab some sticky notes and place the passage you are meditating on around you so that you have it as a reminder throughout the day.

Ask questions about the passage

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the Bible. When you are meditating on God’s word, ask questions about the verse. Do you know the people, places, or things mentioned? Are there words you are unsure of? Do you just want to know why something was said? Ask as many questions about the verse as you can think of.

Meditate on the word of God — Meditate on God’s word to give you a renewed mind.

Use different Bible study methods to help you understand the passage

There are so many great Bible study methods that can help you understand the verse you are reading. Consider using the Word Bible study method or even verse mapping while you are meditating on God’s word.

Talk about the passage with others

In order to really apply the passage to your life, you should be talking about it with others. This is a great way to not only solidify what you are meditating on, but also to encourage other people with what you are learning.

What is the difference between meditation and Bible study?

Although there are quite a few similarities between a good Bible study and meditating on God’s word, one of the key differences is that a Bible study tends to be more academic. Bible study usually takes place over a certain period of time and you then walk away from it and move on to your daily tasks. Meditating on God’s word is meant to be constant. The goal of meditation is to always be focused on God’s word and His character.

How often should you meditate on God’s word?

The answer to this question will vary based on each person. Some will be called to consistent, daily meditation. While others may only meditate once or twice per week. The important thing to remember when deciding how often to meditate is that focusing on God’s word must be a priority in your life.

Reflect on how you can meditate on God’s word today

If you are ready to make God first in your life, take a moment today to slow down and connect with His word. Set aside the busyness and stress, and let God’s truth bring you purpose and peace today. Start with a verse that is already in your mind and follow the steps above. Are you ready to experience the calm that comes when you focus on His promises?

This post was all about how to meditate on God’s word.

Fear the Lord: How to hunger after God

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // November 5, 2024

This Bible study is all about what it means to fear the Lord and hunger after God, as shown in Deuteronomy 8-11.

As Moses continues to give God’s law to the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, he reminds them of their future prosperity there. But this encouragement does not come without warning. They will need to be careful not to forget the Lord – something that is easy to do when living in prosperity. They will need to remember that their success has nothing to do with thier own righteousness, because they are just the instrument God has chosen to use. And they must also remember to observe all of God’s commands and decrees if they want to continue living in the blessings God has given them.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Read about what it means to fear the Lord, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 8-11

Hunger for God

When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God provided for their hunger by giving them manna. God used their physical hunger to humble them and test them. Not because God needed to know what was in their hearts but because they did not know themselves. In the same way, God uses many forms of hunger in our own lives to humble and test us. We may hunger for the right job, the perfect husband, or the aesthetic kitchen. Growing in our relationship with God means realizing that He is the only One who can satisfy. We should hunger for Him and His word daily, as it was intended to be our daily bread.

What do you hunger for? How can you increase your hunger for God and His word (John 6:35)?

Fear the Lord – Do not forget Him

God was going to lead the Israelites into a prosperous land where they could reap what they did not sow and live in houses they did not build. Although this land was a blessing, it could become a curse if the Israelites let it. During times of prosperity, when you finally have everything you’ve worked for or dreamed of, it can be easy to forget the God who led you there. Moses cautioned the Israelites for this reason. He did not want a season of blessing and abundance to be the reason they stopped seeking the lord.

Are you faithfully seeking the Lord in your current season (Acts 17:27)?

Not because of your righteousness

Three times in three verses (Deuteronomy 9:4-6), the same idea is repeated. It was “not because of the Israelites’ righteousness” that they would possess the Promised Land. The reason God was giving it to them was because of the Oath he swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God was also using the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites because of how wicked they were, despite opportunities of repentance. Moses repeats this phrase because the Israelites need to understand that they will never be righteous without a savior.

Are you tempted to think that you’ve achieved or been given something because of your righteousness (Romans 3:20-24)?

Deuteronomy 8 Bible Journaling — I love using sc rapbook paper whenever I need extra room in my Bible journal. I also adore these micron pens because they have every size I need.

Fear the Lord by remembering rebellion

Moses reminds the Israelites of their rebellion in the Wilderness after just receiving the Word of God from Mount Sinai. The Israelites had just witnessed the fire of God and heard His voice, yet when Moses left to meet with God, they faltered. In their weakness, they chose to make an idol instead of trusting in God’s Word. Here, Moses does not remind them of their rebellion to discourage them or make them feel defeated. Rather, he intends to encourage them because they can trust God in their weakness. The entire wilderness wanderings are marked by rebellion, yet God remains faithful and has brought them to the Promised land.

Are you struck by shame or guilt from your past? How can (and does) God use your past rebellion for His glory (Romans 8:28)?

Renewed Covenant

When Moses came down the mountain and saw the sin of the people, he broke the stone tablets, signifying Israel’s broken covenant with God. When God restored the relationship, He gave Moses new tablets with the same words written on them. God’s word and His commandments did not change because the Israelites sinned. Instead, they remained exactly the same.

Do you feel that God’s thoughts toward you have changed because of past rebellion? What is the truth about God that you find in the scripture (Malachi 3:6-7)?

Fear the Lord

As the Israelites prepared to walk into the Promised Land, God summarized His law by asking, “What does the Lord require of you?”. Here, we are given the answer. We are to fear the Lord, showing reverence for who He is and what He has done. We are to walk in obedience to Him, following His ways t shown to us in Scripture. To love God and show Him the worship that is due to Him. We are to serve Him joyfully in whatever roll He has placed us. And we are to observe His commands, obeying them even when it is difficult.

How do you fear the Lord in your daily life (Micah 6:8)?

Observe the commands

The Israelites were called to faithfully keep the commands of the Lord. This was done in part by remembering what God had done for them in the past. How God had reconciled Himself with the Israelites in spite of their rebellion against Him. It was because of the faithfulness of God that the Israelites should observe His commands and fear Him. The Israelites were also called to obey the commands as a condition of living in the Promised Land. This condition did not exist as a way to control the Israelites’ lives, but rather because God’s perfect law gives freedom. Living in obedience to the commands would ensure a long, contented life as they trusted in God for His provision.

Do you observe the commands of God? If you do, what is your motive? If you don’t, what is the reason (Psalm 103:7-18)?

grow in relationship with God — Growing in your relationship with God is a daily discipline.

Fix these words in your heart

Israel was called to fix the Words of God in their heart. To talk about them when they sat at home, walked along the road, laid down, and got up. The Word of God was to be ever-present in their lives, with reminders on their door frames and symbols on their hands. They were called to read and know the Word of God. But more importantly, they were called to treasure it. To take joy in the wisdom, comfort, and guidance it brought.

How much do you treasure the Word of God? Is it a constant conversation in your life, or do you reserve cracking the pages open for Sundays (Psalm 1:1-2)?

Reflect on what it mean to fear the Lord

So much of this section on fearing the Lord has to do with remembering the faithfulness of God in our rebellion and choosing to observe His word as a result of our gratitude and love toward Him. How do you fear the Lord practically, on a day-to-day basis? Take a moment to reflect on the faithfulness of God in your life.

This Bible study was about how the Israelites were called to fear the Lord in Deuteronomy 8-11.

How to do a word Bible study to transform your quiet time

Filed Under: Bible Study // October 29, 2024

This post is all about Word Bible Study: what it is, its pros and cons, resources to use, how to do it, and an example of putting it into practice.

Do you struggle with engaging in the biblical text? Are you worried about taking verses or words out of context? Do you miss the meaning of a verse because you don’t understand a key word? Or do you just want to go deeper into the text, making the most out of your Bible study time? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, a Bible Word Study might be right for you.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

A Biblical Word study involves exploring a word’s original language and context to uncover its full meaning and nuances. By doing a Bible word study, you will get a closer understanding of what the author was conveying and the intention of God behind his holy word.

Benefits of doing a word Bible Study

A word Bible study is a great way to dig deeper into the word of God and understand the meaning behind a verse or verses. One of the problems with our modern translations of the Bible is that they are translations. They take the original Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew language and translate it into the language we understand. But some things get lost in translation.

For instance, you’ve probably heard that four different Hebrew words are translated as “love” in our English Bible. “Agape” refers to the love God has for us, “eros” refers to a physical love, usually between husband and wife. “Philia” is an affectionate love shared between friends, and “storge” is a familial love. Knowing which form of love is used in a verse may help you understand the meaning more.

Cons of Bible Word Studies

It can be easy for people to pull out the meaning of a word (sometimes incorrectly) and change the meaning of the verse based on what they think the word means. This is one exegetical fallacy of doing a Bible word study. And this is one of the reasons you want to ensure you are looking at the word in the context of the verse you are studying.

One way this can happen is by using an English dictionary to find the meaning of a word. Since the Bible was originally written in English, however, this can cause misinterpretation of the passage. Another way this common mistake can happen is by using the wrong definition of the Greek word, or finding the incorrect Greek word in General.

In order to avoid this common pitfall of word Bible studies, cross-referencing and rereading the passage are essential steps in doing a word study.

Below, I will share the steps of a word Bible study to help you avoid common mistakes.

Resources for a Word Bible study

In order to do a good word Bible study, you will need a Bible dictionary. This is different than a regular dictionary because it looks specifically at the word’s meaning in the original language. Although there are many great dictionaries out there, I find that using a couple of online resources is the best way to do this type of Bible study.

BibleHub is a great resource for doing word studies because it has Strong’s dictionary integrated into it. And How to Faith a Life does a great video showing you exactly how to use it.

Blue Letter Bible is another online resource with Strong’s integrated into it. Iron Sheep is a great YouTube channel that gives a tutorial showing you how to do a word study.

Steps of a word Bible study

Read the passage in context
Compare different translations
Find the Greek or Hebrew word
Look at the Original definition
Compare cross-references for the word
Read the passage in context

Read the passage in context

If you are reading just a verse or two at a time and you find a word that you think you would like to study a little deeper, the first step is to read that verse in context. The first questions you should be asking yourself are “what book am I reading and who wrote it? Who was it written to? What are the key themes of this book?”. Knowing the answers to these questions builds your contextual knowledge of the verse so that you don’t misinterpret the original meaning.

Next, you want to read the verse in its context or the surrounding passage. It isn’t enough to read the verse directly before and after, you want to read the full section. This is usually whatever is included in the heading.

Compare different translations

When doing a word study, it can be useful to compare different translations of the verse to see how the word has been translated. This will give you a broad overview of what the word means in its context.

Find the greek or Hebrew word

Now, onto the meat and potatoes of a Biblical word study. You will want to look at the word in its original Greek or Hebrew. To do this, use BibleHub or Blue Letter Bible to find the Strong’s reference number and go directly to the definition of the word.

Look at the original definition

Looking at the original definition of the word you are studying can give you insight into understanding the verse better. However, some words may have multiple definitions. Instead of picking and choosing which definition you like the most, see how the word is used in other cases.

Compare cross-references for the word

Cross-referencing is simply looking at other places the word or phrase is used in the Bible. This can be helpful when a word has multiple definitions and you want to find the author’s original intended meaning. Cross-referencing can also be great if you want to explore the word or concept further by researching other instances it is found.

Word study steps — There are six important steps when doing a Word study

Read the passage in Context {again}

Once you have done all the work to find out the word’s meaning, read the passage in context again. This will help ensure that you are not misinterpreting the original intended meaning of the passage or verse. It will also help you solidify what you’ve learned about the meaning of the word and its use in context.

Extra credit for your Word Bible study

If after doing these steps, you still want to dig a little deeper, consider looking at commentaries to see what others have to say about the verse you are studying. I love using enduring word Bible commentary, as well as BibleHub’s option of parallel commentaries.

Putting it into practice

Now that you know the basic steps of how to do a Bible Word study, we will walk through the process together. To do this, we’re going to look at a famous verse.

Philippians 4:8 has so many great words that you can also study along with.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

To start off, I am going to look at the word “think.” But you can look at any of the words in this verse if you want to go deeper and follow along.

Step 1 – read the passage in context

In order to read the verse in it’s original context, I am going to look at the headings in the text. Although this may differ depending on the translation you are reading, it is usually enough to understand the context of the verse. If you feel like you need to read even more of the surrounding passage, that’s great too! For this verse, I will be reading Philippians 4:4-9.

From reading this section, Paul is talking about not being anxious but instead focusing on the good things found in Christ. And these things are spoken of in the verse we are researching.

Step 2 – compare different translations

For comparing different translations, I am going to use Blue Letter Bible because I can easily compare all translations. I simply type in the verse reference and when I click on the verse, there are 6 different tabs up top. One of them says “Bibles” and this is where I can find the different translations.

I typically don’t read all of the translations (because my brain could never remember that many anyway). Instead, what I do is look for translations that fall on both the dynamic and formal equivalent spectrum.

So, for the word “think,” most translations use that same word. But a couple of other ways it is translated include “dwell, focus your thoughts, and keep your minds.”

Step 3 – Find the Greek word

Although the general consensus for translating this word is “think” I am still going to look up the Greek word. However, if you are doing a Word study and most versions translate the word the same, it’s safe to assume that the Greek or Hebrew definition is very similar to the translation.

For looking up the Greek, I am going to use the Interlinear tab in Blue Letter Bible. This breaks down the verse word by word, comparing the English (KJV) with Stong’s and the original Greek. I scroll down to the word “think” and click on the stongs number (G3049), which will outline the Biblical usage and show me the definition.

Step 4 – Look at the original definition

Now that I have found the Greek word, I can see that Stong’s definition is “to take an inventory, to calculate, to reason, reckon, suppose, or think.”

Step 5 – Compare cross-references for the word

If I scroll down to the bottom of the page, I can see a list of concordance results. This is every time this word is used in the New Testament. This can be helpful for some cases, but what I am interested in is the “cross-reference” section on the main page of Blue Letter Bible with my verse. This will give me a few examples where the word or phase is used in a similar context.

For example, Mark 11:31 used the same word and translates it as “reasoned”, and Romans 3:28 translates it as “concluded”. There are a total of 41 cases where this word is used in the New Testament, and it is most often used to convey a deep thinking about the situation.

Step 6 – read the passage in context again

Now that I have dug deep into this word, I can go back and read it in the context of the full passage. So I will read Philippians 4:4-9 again, this time with the understanding from my Bible Word study.

Now I can see that although we are not to be anxious about anything, we should instead think deeply or calculate or reason the good things that Paul tells us in this verse. In other words, I need to take an inventory of my life and see if there are true, noble, and admirable things. I need to dwell on those things which come from Christ.

Making the Word Bible study your own

Doing a Word Bible Study can be so helpful when it comes to understanding the meaning of the text. By following these simple steps – reading in context, comparing translations, and examining original definitions – you’ll gain fresh insights into familiar verses and uncover layers of meaning that enrich your Bible time.

If you want to try it out yourself, feel free to pick one of the attributes mentioned in Philippians 4:8 that you think you should think about some more.

Let me know in the comments below which word you chose to study and how it affects your understanding of the Bible.

This post gave you the tools you needed to do a Bible Word study to deepen your relationship with God.

All of God’s commands are rooted in love – that’s why we follow them

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // October 8, 2024

This post is all about how God’s commands are rooted in love and what our response to them should be because of who God is.

Deuteronomy is known as the “second law” because Moses expounds on the law already given to the Israelites. In these chapters, Moses reminds the Israelites that God made the covenant with them and rescued them from the land of Slavery. He makes it plain that all of God’s commands are rooted in love. It is the Israelite’s job to not only know the commands but follow them wholeheartedly because of the God they serve.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Read all about how God’s commands are rooted in love, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 5-7

Your part in the covenant

Before Moses reminds the Israelites of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai, he begins by affirming a crucial truth: the covenant God made was not only with their ancestors who stood at Sinai, but with every subsequent generation. This includes us today. Each generation, and each individual, must personally embrace their place in God’s covenant to experience its full blessings.

Do you recognize your part in the bigger covenantal picture of God (Jeremiah 31:31-34)?

Why keep the commands?

The foundation for following God’s commands is laid out plainly in Deuteronomy 5:6: “I am the Lord your God.” The only reason needed for following the commandments is based on who God is and what He has already done for us. Obedience isn’t rooted in a fear of consequences or a desire for reward, but in who God is and what He has done. For the Israelites, God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and preserved them through the wilderness. For us, His grace is evident in countless ways, from answered prayers to undeserved blessings. We don’t follow because of our own merit, but because of His faithfulness. And we don’t keep God’s commands because we are trying to earn His favor. We obey because we are already recipients of His grace and want to live in response to His goodness.

How have you seen the faithfulness of God in your own life? Is His demonstration of faithfulness enough for you to remain faithful to Him (1 Samuel 12:24)?

all of God’s commands are rooted in love

After the Israelites heard the commands given by the voice of God at Mount Sinai, they were afraid that they would be consumed by His great fire and die. They were correct that the commands reminded them that they were unworthy to approach God. He is holy, and they are not. However, God’s commands were not meant to push them away, but to draw them near. They missed the key detail that all of God’s commands are rooted in love. The commands were not given merely to make them afraid in their unworthiness. Instead, it was given to help them draw closer to God while showing them thier need for a savior.

Do you follow God’s commands out of fear of not being good enough? Or do you follow His commands because you see them as an expression of His love (1 John 1:1-5)?

The Lord is One

An important truth is found in Deuteronomy 6:4, which says, “The Lord is One.” This is a case where knowing the original Hebrew is helpful in understanding the scripture. Although the Hebrew word, אֶחָד (‘eḥāḏ), does mean “one” it is often used to refer to multiple parts of the same thing. Other places in the Old Testament that use this word include Genesis 1:5, where there was evening and morning (two parts) on the first (one) day. Genesis 2:24 also used it in saying the two shall become one flesh. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is One God. As a response to who God is, we must love Him with our heart, soul, and strength.

The trinity of God is seen throughout the Old and New Testament, even though the word “trinity” is never mentioned. How much do you know and understand about this important theological characteristic of God (2 Corinthians 13:14)?

all of God's commands are rooted in love — Why do you follow God’s commands?

reaping what you did not sow

Moses reminds the Israelites that when they enter the Promised Land, they will live in cities they did not build. They will drink from wells they did not dig and eat from which they did not plant. They would be very blessed in the Promised Land, and they would have to be careful that in their prosperity, they did not forget where they came from and how they got there. It is only by the grace of God that they can partake in His blessings.

In the same way, how many things do you have that are gifts from God, yet you fail to thank Him for them (Psalm 100:4)?

tell your children your testimony {How God’s commands are rooted in Love}

Living in the blessings of the Promised Land comes with a responsibility: ensuring that the next generation knows the faithfulness of God. Children won’t know of His past goodness unless parents are intentional about sharing their testimonies. That is why, when the Israelite children ask “what is the meaning of the Law?” the parents are to answer that they were slaves but God brought them out to bring them into something better. The more the younger generation hears the testimony of God’s faithfulness to the older generation, the less likely they will be to forget God and walk away from Him.

Do you tell your children your testimony – How God rescued you from death and brought you to life and freedom in Him? Do you live out your testimony for all to see (Revelation 12:11)?

Working for the promises of God

Although God was going to give the Canaanites over to the Israelites, the battle would not be quick and painless. The Israelites would have to work in order to defeat the Canaanites. And they would have to completely destroy them and their idols before they could live in the Promised land. If they did not, the Canaanites and their gods would turn the Israelites away from the One true God and lead them into false and foreign worship. In the same way, we need to destroy anything that would lead us away from God.

Is there something in your life that you need to completely destroy and turn over to God so that it does not lead you away from Him (Galatians 4:8-9)?

Deuteronomy 6 — I love using tiny letter stamps in my Bible, although this “tell your children” came out super faint because of the ink I used.

Little by little

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God would not hand over all of the surrounding nations immediately. Instead, the Israelites would need to rely on God. They would have to trust His timing and listen to His voice for when they would fight the nations. Often, we want immediate victory over the battles we are facing. We don’t want to struggle against an enemy for years on end. Yet, there is often more that can be learned in the waiting than could be if God handed us the solution when we want it.

Related Post: 7 Things to Do While Waiting on God

It can be frustrating to wait on God. However, you can see the wisdom in His timing once the battle has been won. Are you waiting for God to bring you through something right now? How can you stay faithful while waiting (Isaiah 40:31)?

Reflect on God’s commands being rooted in love

Have you seen the evidence of God’s love in His commands before? After reading these chapters, how has your perception of God’s love changed?

This Bible study was all about how God’s love is evident in His commands to His people.

Faithfulness and rebellion: How God remains true when we fail

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // September 25, 2024

This Bible Study is all about God’s faithfulness even in our rebellion.

In these first four chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses takes time to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness despite their rebellion. Moses hits on key moments that caused the Israelites to wander in the wilderness before encouraging them with their present successes on the East side of the Jordan – just across from the promised land. These chapters then end with an introduction to the law, because following the law is the only way the Israelites will survive as God’s people.

Faithfulness and rebellion — God remains faithful always.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Read all about God’s Faithfulness amidst Israel’s rebellion, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 1-4

To Expound on the Law

The Israelites are standing on the plains of Moab, able to see across the Jordan and into the promised land. This is the first time the Israelites can see the promise, as the first generation has all died off in the wilderness. Before the Israelites can enter the promised land, however, Moses begins to expound on the law. He needs to remind the Israelites of what it means to be set apart for God, and how to live holy lives once in the promised land. During the book of Deuteronomy, Moses will make plain the Law of God, fully explaining it so that everyone will understand.

As Christians, we are also called to teach the law of God and the good news of the gospel. Are you able to teach the law of God, making it plain for all to understand while explaining it fully (Joshua 1:8)?

How to appoint leaders

In his recounting of Numbers 11, Moses recalls the qualities of a good leader while reminding the Israelites of their need to be led. The elders chosen must be wise, understanding, and respected in their tribes. They must be able to help teach the law of God and to judge in cases where men messed up following the law.

Do you take time to learn wisdom? Are you understanding in your relationships with others or quick to judge their actions? Are you respected in your communities (Proverbs 9:10)?

Listening to men instead of God

When the Israelites had reached the threshold of the Promised Land for the first time, God told them that He was giving it over to them – a land flowing with milk and honey. However, the Israelites did not believe God’s faithfulness and in rebellion, wanted to send spies to assess the land. When they approached Moses with the idea, he agreed that it was good and chose 12 spies to send. This was a decision that would result in 38 years of wandering the wilderness.

Instead of listening to the Israelites, Moses should have consulted God. How often do you listen to man rather than God (Acts 5:29)?

Deuteronomy 1 — I love starting a new book of the Bible! Here I use Micron fine-tip pens and crayola colored pencils.

God loves you

Part of the reason for Israel’s unbelief was their questioning if God really loved them. Even after the miracles they witnessed when God led them out of Egypt, after seeing how God had sustained them thus far with mana from heaven, they chose to rebel against the command of God. The Israelites grumbled and stated “the Lord hates us” instead of focusing on his fulfilled promises and deliverance of the past.

The same is true of many Christians today. Instead of trusting in God’s love, they question it, wondering if God’s love is real. Are you convinced of God’s love for you (Romans 5:8)?

Wanderings in the wilderness

Because of their unfaithfulness, the Israelites were sent to wander the wilderness for 38 years. Some of this time is told of in the Book of Numbers. Yet, in Deuteronomy, Moses chooses to skip over these years, instead focusing on their turning back towards the promised land and the battles they fought leading up to standing in the Moab plains. Moses could have pointed out their unfaithfulness again and again, but he chose to point to God’s faithfulness.

Do you look to your past, beating yourself up over mistakes made? Or do you remember the faithfulness of God to bring you through, praising Him for His kindness (Isaiah 43:18-19)?

Confidence in battle

During their march back toward the promised land, there were some Nations that the Israelites were not allowed to provoke to war. They were not allowed to fight anyone they wished and take their land – even though these nations could have been easily conquered by the Israelites. Instead, they were to trust God, listening to His direction for the land that He would give while reigning in their selfish ambitions. When the time came for the Israelites to fight Sihon king of Heshbon and all his army, they were able to completely destroy the nation. They responded in faith and stated that not one town was too strong for them.

After 38 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were finally ready to put their faith in God. They listened and trusted God in a battle that they refused to enter years earlier. Has your faith and trust in God grown over the years you have known Him (Psalm 9:10)?

Everything belongs to God

In Numbers 32, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh received the land on the Eastern side of the Jordan that they had asked for. Now, Moses retells this story, giving special emphasis to the fact that God gave them this land. Three times, the phrase “I gave” is repeated. The land belongs to God and is distributed as God sees fit.

Related Post: The Cost Of Complacency

Do you know that everything you have belongs to God (Psalm 24:1)?

Living in Obedience to God’s law

Deuteronomy 4 opens up with the command to listen and obey the law so that they would live. For the Israelites, their physical lives depended on listening to God since they were about to enter into many wars. But their spiritual lives also depended on listening to God’s law so that they did not fall captive to sin when they entered the land. Although their past was marked by rebellion, Moses reminded them that their future could be marked by present obedience and faithfulness to God and His law. If they lived obedient lives, all nations would see that they were God’s chosen people.

Does your life show a stark difference to those living around you because you live by God’s law (Matthew 7:15-20)?

The only response to God’s faithfulness (and it’s not rebellion)

Moses reminds the Israelites of who God is and what He has done for them – rescuing them out of slavery and setting them apart as His chosen nation. The Israelites were shown these many miracles so that they would know that the Lord is God. And the only logical conclusion to knowing God is to keep His decrees and commands.

Moses showed his faithfulness to do as the Lord commanded when he set up three cities of refuge on the East side of the Jordan. We know that God commanded him to set up a total of six cities, but since they had not yet crossed into the promised land, Moses was unable to fulfill the whole command. Yet he did not let himself be idle, but did as much as he could with the resources he had.

Are you doing everything you can to complete what God has called you to? Or are you sitting idle waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place first (Hebrews 6:12)?

Introduction to the law

Deuteronomy 4 ends with an introduction to the second and largest portion of Deuteronomy – a second telling of the law. Moses began the book by reminding them of God’s faithfulness amidst their past rebellion. Now he urges them to be trained in the law so that they do not fall into sin again. Moses knows that if the Israelites are going to conquer and live in the promised land, they will need to have a strong and personal understanding of the law.

Do you know the Law of God? Are you able to follow God’s commands with confidence, or do you sway through life making decisions as you see best (1 Peter 1:14-16)?

Reflect on God’s faithfulness amidst your rebellion

How has God remained faithful in your life, even when you chose a path of rebellion?