Bible study Archives - Uncovered Joy

Choose life | The Law, Sacrifice, and atonement

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // April 22, 2025

This Bible study is all about how God gave the Israelites the ability to choose life through the law, sacrifice, and atonement. He also gave us the same choice of life or death through acceptance of His son, Jesus.

The Israelites were called to joyfully obey God’s law and his sacrificial system. They delighted in God’s word because it brought freedom from sin, joy in the mundane, and right standing before God. They knew that the law brought life and they were called to rejoice in obeying it.

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

In these chapters, we see the call to obedience and the blessings that would follow. We also hear of the curses that Israel would bring on themselves when they chose to reject God and His law.

Although we are under the New covenant found in the atonement Jesus offered us on the cross, we still have the choice to delight in God’s law.

Read all about the choice of life made possible through the Law, sacrifice, and atonement, before reflecting on it below.

Read Deuteronomy 27-30

God’s Word should be visible

When the Israelites entered the Promised land, they were to set up an altar on Mount Ebal – the same mountain where they would pronounce courses on anyone who did not uphold God’s law. This altar was unique in that no iron tools would be used to chisel it and make it beautiful. God did not want its splendor to come from the works of man. The altar was to be covered in plaster so that the Words of the Lord could be clearly seen on it. This altar was to be a place of sacrifice and fellowship with God, in the joyful presence of His law.

The Israelites were to ensure that God’s word was visible to anyone who wanted to read it. Is God’s Word visible in your own life (Galatians 5:22-23)?

All are guilty of the curses found in the law

The are many curses for sins listed in Deuteronomy 27, and most of them are ones that would not be easily found out by other people. But even when sins are not discovered by man, they are still seen by God. Additionally, the very last curse speaks to anyone who does not uphold the words of the law by following them. No one can escape the curses of God because we are all guilty of sinning and breaking His law. Yet there is hope to be found. For the Israelites, they had the altar set on Mount Ebal – the same mount where these curses would be spoken. For us, we have Jesus, who took on our curse so that we could have a relationship with God.

How does reading about these curses help you better understand the price that Jesus paid (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Deuteronomy 28 Bible journaling — I love using alphabet stickers in my Bible journal to give it some added interest.

Blessings for following God

Although would be curses and consequences for a disobedient people, there were blessing for the obedient. If the Israelites obeyed God and His law, they would experience blessing in every part of their lives. Everything they put their hand to would be blessed. But the most important blessing for them is that God would call them His holy people. As a nation, when they served God, they would experience His presence with them.

Do you experience God’s presence (James 4:8)?

The choice is ours

Although we can see these blessings and curses played out in Israel’s history, we can also see the effects in our own life. Daily, we can choose to follow God and His law or to reject His ways. To purposefully reject God results in many of the curses Described in Deuteronomy 28. But on a deeper level, when we choose not to serve God with joy and gladness we forget to see His blessings for what they are. Instead, we start to see them as curses.

How often do we complain about the very thing we prayed for? We pray for the blessing of children, only to see them as a burden once they are here. We pray for a home to call our own, only to complain about having to clean and steward it. And we pray for our storehouses to be full, but grow weary when we have to do the work required to fill them.

If we are not careful to choose gratitude every day, we forget that we have been blessed by God and we turn those very blessings we once longed for into unfortunate curses that we can’t escape.

Are there blessings in your life that you’ve begun to view as curses (James 1:17)?

The terms of the covenant Law

God preformed many miracles when He brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Although the generation standing before Him now was not the same generation that first heard the Law at mount Sinai 40 years earlier, they had heard of the miracles and experienced the presence and glory of God in the wilderness. Now God was reminding them of His faithfulness and renewing the covenant with them. This covenant was for everyone – the leaders and elders, all the men, as well as women, children, and foreigners. All of those standing in the presence of God as well as the future generations to come would be under the covenant. And the terms were simple. If the Israelites obeyed God joyfully, they would live and be prosperous.

Although we are not under the law because we are covered by the grace of Jesus, we still have the choice to obey God and live in his blessing. Do you joyfully obey God and His Word (1 John 5:2-4)?

The things revealed through the law

The last verse in Deuteronomy 29 explains how God speaks to His people – both in Israel and now. First, there are secret things that He does not reveal to us. Isaiah 55 tells us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. But even so, He has revealed some things to us – both through His Word and Creation – so we must pay attention and seek Him. The things He has revealed belong to us – His message is not hidden for only biblical scholars to decipher, but anyone can understand His Word.

His revelation spans the generations – it was available for the Israelites, but it is also available for us and our children. It is also eternal. Not only does His revelation last forever, but it will forever be relevant. And finally, we are to follow the Words of His law. What he speaks to us should matter. It should change the way we live and impact every area of our life.

How does God speak to you? Do you listen when He speaks? Do you allow His voice to transform your life (Luke 11:28)?

Using scrapbook paper is a great way to make more room for notes.

The Plea to Choose life through the law, sacrifice, and atonement

We often think of the law as being impossible to follow. But God said that it was not beyond the reach of the Israelites. God did not expect the impossible of Israel when He told them to keep the covenant. However, just because it was possible to keep the law, no one could be made righteous through it. It was only one aspect of the Old Covenant. God offered right standing through sacrifice and choice as well. Atonement could be made for the sinner through the sacrifice of an innocent victim, allowing the sinner to draw near to God once again. This required trust on the part of the sinner that God would make them clean and righteous. And all of this was given through choice. Israel had the choice to obey or break the law. They had the choice to offer a sacrifice or ignore their sin.

The Law was just a foreshadow of what was to come through Jesus. Although the Israelites had to continually sacrifice to be righteous, we have already been covered by the blood of Jesus. Do you trust in the sacrificial atonement of Jesus for your righteous standing before God (Hebrews 10:1-18)?

Reflect on the place of the law, sacrifice, and atonement in your life

God has always given His people a choice – life or death, blessing or curse, obedience or rebellion. The Israelites were called to delight in God’s law, knowing it brought them closer to Him. In the same way, we are called to trust in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf.

The question remains: Will you choose life? Will you joyfully obey God’s Word, trust in His atonement, and walk in the blessings of His presence?

Take a moment to reflect on the areas in your life where God is calling you to greater obedience and gratitude. How can you make His Word more visible in your life? How can you choose life each day?

Embrace the Journey: Bible Journaling through Deuteronomy

Filed Under: Bible Journaling, Deuteronomy // April 2, 2025

This post is all about Bible journaling through Deuteronomy. In it, I share my honest review of supplies used as well as lessons learned along the way.

Bible journaling is a useful tool for taking your Bible study to the next level. Although your relationship with Christ is not based on what pens you break out during quiet time, or how much washi tape you can fit in your Bible, Using your quiet time as a creative outlet can allow you to experience the Word of God in new ways.

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

One of the reasons I love Bible journaling is that it forces me to slow down and really consider what I am reading. I have read through the Bible a few times now, but but systematically going verse by verse, using commentaries, Biblical dictionaries, and other tools, my knowledge of scripture has exploded. Even more so, my relationship with God had grown as I’ve experienced His love and fullness of character through His word.

Here is a peak of my Bible journal through the entire book of Deuteronomy. Under each picture, I’ll share any relevant supplies used, as well as gift a brief overview of techniques to help you in your own journey. I will also give a small commentary of lessons I’ve learned as I went through Deuteronomy. If you would like a guided Bible study to help you go through this amazing book, consider starting with A Brief Introduction to Deuteronomy.

Bible journaling through Deuteronomy: the second law

When I began Bible journaling through Deuteronomy, I knew I wanted to coordinate colors to help the book feel cohesive when flipping through my Bible. I used some scrapbook paper for inspiration and chose Crayola colored pencils that matched. These are some of my favorite Bible journaling supplies because of their value and versatility.

I also love using micron fine-tip pens to write tiny notes in the margins. They have a small enough point that I can write two lines of text for each line given in my journaling Bible. I also enjoy circling the word of phrase of Biblical text that corresponds with a particular note, and using the color pencils for easy reference.

Although I have yet to try them, Mr. Pen also offers a fine-tip pen with great reviews for half the price.

Bible journaling with scrapbook paper in Deuteronomy

As you will see throughout this post, I used a fun hot-air ballon scrapbook paper (here is a similar option) for Deuteronomy. Anytime I needed to add extra notes to the page, I would cut out and insert this scrapbook paper to increase space. There are many different methods for adding paper, and here I simple used scotch tape along the edge of the paper and folded it over my Bible page.

I strongly recommend using single sided scrapbook paper instead of double sided because it gives you one blank side without adding extra bulk to your Bible (the more notes you add, the bulkier your journal Bible will become).

Recommended post: 31 Of The Best Scrapbook Paper For Bible Journaling

Once again, I used a small piece of scrapbook paper held in with scotch tape to extend my note taking abilities. I love the added pattern of using scrapbook paper throughout my Bible. I also like boxing in my notes to help differentiate them and make them look a little cleaner and less chaotic, especially when the note spills outside of the margin.

Using hand-lettering in Deuteronomy

Sometime, if a verse or small quote of commentary sticks out to me, I like to write it in contrasting print to draw attention to it. To do this, I use various sizes or colors of the micron pens. I’ve been using micron pens since I started Bible journaling around 10 years ago, and they are by far my favorite option. They last a long time without drying out and do not smear when I’m using them.

For this bit of scrapbook paper, I used glue pens to trace a small amount of glue along the edge of the paper and then inserted it in the spine of my Bible. I then closed my Bible for about a minute to give the glue time to dry.

Because I have notes going in both directions, I used tiny arrows to connect the note with its corresponding word or phrase. This helps me follow the notes the next time I am reading through these chapters, allowing me to easily remember why it is important.

I also included a Mr. Pen transparent sticky note with the quote “read it as if it’s your first time” to remind myself that even if some of the laws or text seem repetitive, unnecessary, or boring, there is a reason it is included in the Holy scriptures. Instead of allowing the Bible to become monotonous when I read it, I should read with new eyes looking to experience God and His word, remembering that the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).

Highlighting large sections of Text

Sometimes there is a whole section of text that I want to draw attention to. Although it is possible to do this with the colored pencils, I find that it is easier to use Mr. Pen highlighters to give it a clean look.

This particular passage in Deuteronomy 11 talks about the importance of the Word of God in each and every life. God’s word is not meant to be left closed until Sunday morning when you dust it off for a convenient 30 minute refresh during the sermon. Rather, it is to be such a part of daily life that you can talk about it with others when walking down a hallway or on lunch break. All of the Words of God are important treasures to be passed down and taught to our children.

Using embellishments in Bible journaling

Using stickers is a fun way to add contrast to Bible pages, especially if you are not the most artistic (I’m definitely not). There are so many places to find stickers to use. I got many of mine from hobby lobby, but amazon also has a large range of Bible journaling stickers that have verses, quotes, or pictures, that could be used in so many ways.

Adding sketches when you aren’t artistic

Sometimes a picture will come to mind when reading through my Bible. Because I am not artistic, I will google an example of whatever it is I want to include and place my phone underneath the Bible page so that I can trace it out. For this drawing, I searched for “baby’s hand in mom’s hand sketch” and found one that matched what I was thinking of. I simply traced it with a pencil and then used the micron pens to outline it.

Another fun way to add scrapbook paper to your Bible journal is by using Washi tape. This easily removable tape can be a fun option for adding more color/patterns to your page or for adding in notes that you want to move around.

Not every Bible journaling page will be a work of art

Not every page in your Bible journal needs to have fun embellishments or intricate details. There are many times when Bible journaling through Deuteronomy that I have a simple layout and only use my micron pens and crayola colored pencils. Not only does this keep Bible journaling inexpensive, but it allows me to take it anywhere.

Sometimes, there are a couple of notes and thoughts that go together for the same verse, but they are also separate. When this happens, I like to use a thin line between the boxes, but fill them in with the same color (bottom right corner, blue note).

I will use brackets to break up the text in order to make reading it easier the next time. In this case of various laws, I used brackets to identify the individual laws since they tend to get jumbled when reading.

Anytime the Biblical text repeats itself, it’s important to take notice. I like to group the same words together by using the same color to highlight them. In this case, I used Mr. Pen highlighters because there were so many “amens” and I thought it would give it the cleanest look.

Using stickers for Bible Journaling through Deuteronomy

I love using stickers while Bible journaling through Deuteronomy! sometimes, I’m able to find stickers with words that match what I’m reading, and other times I just use fun alphabet stickers (Here’s something similar).

I also like to make my own bubble lettering if I am writing a longer phrase and I’m not sure the stickers would fit. I simply use a pencil first and then follow up with a pen one I know it will look okay.

Over the next few pages, you can see another example of bracketing the text to help identify what is going on. In this song of Moses, I used Enduring Word Bible Commentary and followed his outline of the tex to help bring context to it.

Not every season of Bible journaling will look the same

Not every page of Deuteronomy is filled with detailed Bible journaling. And that’s okay. During the time that I was finishing up this book, I was very pregnant and struggling with some health issues. Although this prevented me from taking my usual notes, I realized God gives grace for every season and I would rather spend some amount of time consistently(ish) in His Word instead of waiting until I could get it “perfect.”

In this chapter of blessing for the tribes, I circled each tribe name to help distinguish them. But since I did not have the energy to take detailed notes, I left it at that. In the future I can go back in and add more to this page, wither using the same color system I used for the tribes in Leviticus, or by thinking up something new entirely.

Although not every page will be a work of art, Bible journaling allows you to get deeper in God’s word by reflecting on what it says and writing down various thoughts. It also creates a keepsake of your spiritual journey and a guide to help you read the passage again in the future.

My journey of Bible journaling through Deuteronomy is not perfect, but I value the time I spent in God’s Word, getting to know Him and His heart better.

I hope you enjoyed this look inside my Bible! If you would like more inspiration, check out my Deuteronomy Bible study, or one of the other Bible journaling posts!

A Holy life: How God’s Presence Shapes Our Lives Today

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // March 4, 2025

This Bible study explores what it means to live a holy life according to Deuteronomy 23-26.

The call to holiness is seen throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 23-26, we see this call as God outlines what it means to be set apart for Him. These chapters reveal the importance of purity in leadership, respect within the community, mercy in justice, and gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Together, they paint a picture of what it looks like to live a holy life as a people fully devoted to the Lord.

From the exclusion of certain individuals in the assembly to the careful commands for respecting others, we see God’s desire for His people to reflect His holiness in every aspect of life. These laws may seem foreign or even perplexing at first glance. But they underscore timeless truths about the character of God and the way He calls His people to live.

Read all about what it means to live. holy life, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 23-26

Living a holy life in the Assembly

There were some who were not allowed in the assembly of the Lord. Although this term could refer to those gathered to worship God, it most likely refers to the leaders or rulers of Israel. The reason for their separation was simple. God wanted those who led His people to be fully committed to living a holy life. Those excluded from the assembly had questionable heritage that could indicate a divided heart. Although they were not excluded from the general covenant community of Israel, they were unable to lead others spiritually.

How do you see the effects of spiritually divided households on those within? Are you fully committed to serving God only (Deuteronomy 10:12)?

A holy camp

In an odd statement, God commands that His people maintain a certain level of cleanliness about their camp. Or else He would turn away from them. The Israelites understood that God was not contained in the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, or the Holy of Holies. He is everywhere. Moving in our midsts. Because of this, the Israelites understood that God would walk among them, weaving through the roads of their tents. If there was anything unclean, it would offend their Holy God. The same is true of our lives today. God is everywhere, walking among the isles of our lives.

Do you have anything impure you are trying to disguise before God (Psalm 139:23-24)?

how to live a holy life — Do you live a transformed life because God walks in your midst?

A holy life Considers others

Many of the Laws presented here seem odd or even harsh to us because we are not aware of the cultural norms during this time. However, each of the laws presented had an underlying theme of living a holy life. This was done in-part by respecting others, considering their dignity, and treating others as more important than yourself.

A man was not allowed to divorce his wife, let her be married to another, and then re-marry her if the option arose. That would lead to women being passed around as commodities. Instead he was to love and cherish her, just as he loved and cared for his own body (Ephesians 5:28). In the same way, someone who gave a loan to a neighbor was not allowed to enter his home to receive the pledge. Instead they were to show dignity to the man who received the loan. Even if it meant returning the pledge every night.

As followers of Christ, we are to consider others more important than ourselves. How do you practice this principle on a daily basis (Philippians 2:3-4)?

Mercy amidst due punishment

Moses instructed the leaders and judges that when someone had committed a crime worthy of punishment, they could inflict up to forty lashes. This was a way to limit the punishment to not only make sure tht it fit the crime, but also to show God’s mercy to sinners. The reason given for the restraint was that if they guilty received more than forty lashes, they may be degraded in the sight of Israel. Here, a punishment was not meant humiliate the guilty or make others view them as inferior. Rather, punishment was limited as a tool for correction so that the crime would not be readily repeated.

Do you rejoice when others are shown mercy for their sin? Or do you relish when their humiliation comes to light (James 3:17)?

Mercy for those who serve

There is an odd command sandwiched in Deuteronomy 25, which instructs to not “muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Here, we see God’s mercy displayed in two ways. The first is that we are to show compassion for animals. When ox tread grain, they are attached to a mill as the pull a stone to grind the grain into flour. While they are walking around the mill, they are free to eat the grain. If they are muzzled, they are prevented from grazing as they work.

The second way this command alludes to showing mercy is for those who serve others. Paul interprets this verse to show that whoever plows and threshes does so in the hope of sharing in the harvest (1 Corinthians 9:10). Humanity is to be shown to those who dedicate their lives in service to God.

Do you show mercy to those who serve, such as by giving tithes and offerings to your local church (1 Timothy 5:17-22)?

Remembering God’s faithfulness and acting on it

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were to offer their firstfruits to God. This was to be a time of public acknowledgement for all God had done for them. It was also a time to remember that they had been slaves in Egypt, and it was only through God’s mercy that they made it to the prosperity of the Promised Land. They acknowledged that the firstfruit offering they brought to God had been given to them by God.

Do you publicly acknowledge God’s blessing in your own life (Hebrews 13:15)?

Deuteronomy 26 Bible journaling — I love using micron pens and crayola colored pencils for taking Bible notes.

Make a declaration

Israel was commanded to declare their allegiance and dedication to God by their obedience to Him. They were to remember His authority as Lord over their lives and respect Him as such. Their obedience was to be in the form of listening to His voice, and following all of His commands in their lives. It wasn’t meant to be merely ceremonial, but a daily way of living. And God would declare Israel as His people – with all of the privilege it brings.

Do you live in obedience to God’s voice, following His commands (Exodus 19:5-6)?

Reflect on what it means to live a holy life

This passage brings a challenge to examine our hearts and lives. Are you living in a way that honors God’s presence? Are you quick to extend mercy, uphold justice, and treat others with dignity? Do you publicly acknowledge God’s faithfulness and declare you allegiance to Him through obedience?

Take a moment to reflect on how these ancient words apply to your life today. Let this study remind you that holiness is not just about personal piety. It’s about allowing God’s presence to transform every area of your life for His glory.

Best Bible Study Books to Deepen Your Faith

Filed Under: Christian living // February 25, 2025

This post is all about the best Bible study books to help you deepen your faith.

Whether you are new to Bible study or are an old pro, there is a Bible study book that can help you deepen your faith even more. Here is a list of the best Bible study books for any walk of life, with a description of who will benefit most from each option.

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

Why use a Bible Study book or guide?

Bible study books are a great option for anyone looking to grow deeper in their faith and their relationship with God. These guides are often written by renown scholars and theologians who have dedicated their lives to studying scripture. They have then made it their passion to share the truths they have learned in an easily digestible way with you.

If you are looking to enhance your understanding of scripture and dig deeper in your walk with Christ, Bible study books are a great way to do so.

How to use Bible Study books

The best way to use Bible study books will depend on you, your preferences, and the type of book you choose. Some Bible study books are meant to be guides that lead you through scripture. While others take on a more traditional non-fiction role that teaches you about a concept or theme.

If you are new to using Bible study books, this list below will help you pick the one that will benefit you the most. Then all you need to do is read the opening pages as they will have a “how to use”section, specific to that study.

Best Bible study books for beginners

“Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin

If you are looking for a bible study book that helps explain where to start reading your Bible and the best ways to understand what you are reading, Jen Wilkin does an amazing job. This is one of the most popular books for learning how to do Bible study well, and part of the reason is because of its emphasis on reading the scripture to learn more about God.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to learn how to study the Bible with depth and intentionality.

“The Bible Recap” by Tara-Leigh Cobble

The Bible recap is a one-year Bible study guide that takes you through the entire Bible and shows you how it is all connected. In this guide, you will read through the Bible chronologically, with a special focus on God’s faithfulness and Character. Each day has a short 2-page recap that expounds on the daily reading while only adding about 5 minutes to your total Bible study time.

Perfect for: anyone who wants a guided, chronological year-long Bible reading plan.

“Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story” by Angie Smith

If you are looking for a Bible study that explains how the Bible works together as one seamless narrative, this is the Book for you. Great as a group study or for individual use, this Bible study book will help you gain a fuller understanding of the places, people, and promises of the Bible. Broken into 7 sessions, “Seamless” uses various tools, maps, and timelines to help you better understand the Bible while giving you valuable insight for your own personal Bible study.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to see how the main themes of the Bible seamlessly fit together.

bible study help — Which book will help you understand scripture better?

Best Bible Study Books for Going Deeper

“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer

If you’ve been a Christian for a while, yet still can’t answer the question “who is God?” then this is the Bible study for you. In this book, J.I. Packer helps his readers discover the wonder, glory, and joy of knowing God. This book has been used by pastors, theologians, and many lay-people to gain a deeper understanding of who God is and how they can grow in relationship with Him.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to take their faith to a deeper level by answering the question “who is God?”.

“The New Inductive Study Bible” by Precept Ministries

Are you looking to combine your Bible study books with your Bible? The New Inductive Study Bible may be perfect for you. It teaches you how to study the Bible through guided readings, highlighting guides, and cross-references, all contained conveniently in this Bible with wide margins for easy note-taking. If you are looking for a way to grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible without having to get multiple Bible study books, consider taking a look at this Bible today.

Perfect for: anyone who wants the convenience of having a Bible study directly in their Bible.

“How to read the Bible for All it’s worth” by Gorden D. Fee and Douglas Stewart

If you are not new to reading your Bible, but want to go even deeper with your understanding of Biblical genre, literature, and culture, this is the book for you. How to Read The Bible For All Its Worth begins with an introduction to translations and other theological concepts necessary to understand the Bible as literature. It then delves into the different genres and how to best read and understand them.

Perfect for: anyone who wants a deeper understanding of different Biblical genres.

“Becoming More than a good Bible study Girl” by Lisa Terkeurst

Struggling to find a deeper connection with God than just another check on your to-do list? In this guide, Lisa Terkeurst delves into how she had and overcame this struggle. Through her signiture humor and wit, Terkeurst helps the reader uncover a spiritually exciting life through the truths found in the Bible.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to uncover a deeper relationship with God beyond the typical sunday school lesson.

Best Bible Study books for specific topics

“The armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer

Prayer is something every Christian knows they should do, and yet so many struggle with. If you find yourself in need of learning more about the power of prayer and how you can embrace prayer as a spiritual discipline, this Bible study is for you. Here, Shirer explores how you can put ont he full armor of God and use the power of prayer to defect any obstacle you come across.

Perfect for: anyone who is ready to get serious about prayer.

“None Like Him” By Jen Wilkin

Once again, Jen Wilkin does a fantastic job at explaining how God (and His ways and thoughts) is such much higher than and greater than we are. In this study, Wilkin explores 10 of the ways that God is nothing like us, and how that is in fact, a good thing. Using a whole bunch of theological concepts, Wilkin breaks down many of the characteristics of God in a ways that is easy for everyone to understand.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to learn more about who God is and how he is so much more than us.

“Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges

Sometimes trusting God is hard. Although we find it easy to say we trust Him when life is going smoothly, as soon as tragedy or disaster strikes, we find our faith wavering. If you are in a season where you find it difficult to trust in the creator of the Universe, this study is for you. Here, you will discover how to untangle emotions from the truth through theological answers on God’s sovereignty.

Perfect for: anyone who is having trouble trusting God.

Best Bible study books for women

“Jesus and Women” by Kristi McLelland

Have you read through the gospels and wondered how Jesus interacted with women? Or noted the stories of the woman who touched His cloak or the one who He met at the well? While we are separated by many centuries and cultures, there is much to learn about God from the way Jesus treated women while He walked on the earth.

Perfect for: anyone curious about how Jesus’ treatment of women differed from common cultural practices.

Bible study book list — Here are the best Bible study books for every walk of life.

“The Well-watered woman: Rooted in truth, growing in grace, flourishing in faith” By Gretchen Saffles and Ruth Chou Simons

Instead of looking inward to find worth, identity, and value, Christians are called to look toward Jesus as our author and perfecter of faith. This relationship then stems into knowing who you are because of who God is and what Jesus has done for you on the cross. Marking your life with intrinsic value. Here, Saffles and Simons helps women discover this truth by leading them in the fulness and freedom experienced in Christ.

Perfect for: anyone feeling overwhelmed by life and needing to rest in God.

“Finding I Am” by Lisa Terkeurst

Throughout the Gospel of John, there are seven “I AM” statements made by Jesus that we need to pay attention to. Here, Terkeurst explores them through the lens of Exodus – where God first made this statement about Himself. As you explore these important statments made by God, you begin to see how He cares for your deep, spiritual wrestlings and wants to see you through them.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to discover Jesus as the key to satisfaction in life.

Best Bible Study books for busy moms

“The Ology: Ancient truths, ever new” by Marty Machowski and Andy McGuire

Although a beautifully illustrated children’s introduction to theology, “the Ology” offers many age-old truths for those of all ages. If you are new to the study of theology, this is a great tool to get you started – and it has the added bonus of being applicable to your children as well!

Perfect for: anyone who wants to combine their learning of theology with their children.

“Risen Motherhood” By Emily Jenson and Laura Wifler

Motherhood is a trying time where you are faced with questions you never thought to think of before. As you navigate the daily decisions you make for you family – from the breakfast you feed them, to school choices, to extracurricular activities – you may ask yourself if the Bible has anything to say about it. Risen Motherhood can help you understand and apply important biblical and gospel connections to your daily life as a mom, giving you confidence as you raise your little ones.

Perfect for: Moms who want to make biblical decisions for their family.

“Momma Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies” By Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Kids ask a lot of questions. Most of which, Christian parents do not have the answers to. If you find yourself in this camp, “Momma Bear Apologetics” gives you the tools you need to answer any theological question your kids throw at you. As well as giving you the tools you need to think Biblically about any subject.

Perfect for: anyone with questioning children.

Which of these Bible study books is right for you?

With so many wonderful Bible study books out there, you are sure to find the perfect one to deepen your faith. Which one will you pick up and learn from today?

Embrace the Journey: Bible Journaling through Numbers

Filed Under: Bible Journaling // February 18, 2025

This post is all about Bible journaling through Numbers.

The book of Numbers follows the Israelites as they wander through the wilderness because of their unfaithfulness and lack of trust in God. During these 40 years, the first generation of Israelites dies off and a new generation rises up to take their place.

Related post: Numbers – A Brief Introduction

Here Is my Bible journaling journey through Numbers as I follow the Israelites and learn from them. Throughout this journey, I learned how the time in the wilderness was not wasted. Rather, God used it to shape the Israelites into a people who trusted in Him alone.

Often, when we think we are in our “wilderness” we are exactly where we need to be to learn to rely on God and His goodness more fully.

Bible Journaling through Numbers – Setting the Camp

For the book of Numbers, I wanted a color scheme that matched the theme of the book – wandering through the wilderness. To achieve this, I used Crayola’s Colors of the World Colored Pencils and Colors of the world markers. I also wanted a way to keep the 12 tribes straight as I followed their individual journey’s throughout the book of numbers, so I assigned each one a separate color and used it while Bible journaling.

I love using Crayola colored pencils in my Bible journal because they come in so many different colors, are inexpensive, last a long time, and do not have bleed through.

My favorite pens to use for taking tiny notes are the Micron Fine-tip pens. I also love that they come in various sized so I can do different lettering if I decide to.

I’ve also recently found that Mr. Pen had a fine-tip pen similar to the micron pens. Although I have not tried them yet, they have great reviews on amazon.

Most of my Bible journaling through Numbers includes highlighting a word or phrase in the text and them drawing a box around the corresponding notes. I use some arrows for connecting ideas or if the boxes get a little crazy.

This section of notes contains many small boxes that fit together for the overall theme, so I connected the thoughts with arrows.

I also highlighted the individual tribes using the colors I had assigned to them in the beginning of Numbers.

The beginning of the Wilderness wanderings

Although I am not very artistic, sometimes I feel that a verse or chapter needs an illustration to go along with it. I like to search for the image I want on my phone and then trace the picture into my Bible journal.

Once again, I am just using crayola colored pencils and micron fine tip pens.

Often, if there is an overarching theme in a chapter, I will write it at the top of the page. And when a verse or statement sticks out to me, I like to write it in contrasting fonts so that it is easy to see when I am flipping through my Bible.

Bible journaling through Numbers: The complaints of the people

Although I love my Journaling Bible with 2-inch margin, sometime I find myself needing more room for notes. In this case, I knew I would be taking a lot of extra notes so I cut a sheet of regular printer paper down to size and used these fine tip glue pens to apply a small line of glue along one side of the paper. I then inserted the paper into the crease of my Bible, ran my finger along the Bible page to make sure there was not excess glue, and closed my Bible for a few minutes. When I opened my Bible, I had a full-size page added to it!

When I don’t need to add full sheets of paper, but still need room for extra notes, I love incorporating scrapbook paper into my Bible journal. Here I used some tree scrapbook paper I had on hand, although these pine forrest die-cuts would make the perfect addition to any Bible.

Sometimes I will add sticky notes to my Bible page. These are especially helpful when I am journaling outside of my house because I can keep a few with me in my pencil pouch. They make for easy, no-fuss additions to my Bible journal. Some of my favorite sticky notes are from Mr. Pen.

Because I am not the most artistic person, I love utilizing stencils while Bible journaling through Numbers. Here, I just used the numbers on the stencil, but I love using the letters and shapes as well.

Creating a visual of the text

There are many times that the Bible will repeat a word or phrase to emphasize its importance. When I notice this, I like to highlight the multiple times that it occurs. Here, I circled each time the word staff occurred so it was easy to take notice.

To add extra notes here, I found a picture of water flowing through the rock and printed it out. If you don’t have a printer (we no longer do), paper die-cuts or scrapbook paper are the perfect option for adding more interest to your Numbers Bible Journaling.

Once again, I needed a full sheet of paper for adding extra notes. I love this section and how it points to Jesus. If you’d like to learn more, check out my Bible study through the book of Numbers!

There was so much about Balam in these chapters that I wanted to specifically highlight and take notes on that stood out from my other Bible study notes. To do this, I used the brown Micron pen. I often use different colors of micron pens when I want to draw attention to certain details in my Bible.

The coming messiah

Who knew there was a prophecy of the coming messiah in Numbers! One of the reasons I love Bible journaling is because it encourages me to go deeper in the word and spend time on sections I may be tempted to gloss over.

Sometimes I underestimate how many notes I need to take. In this case I just made a “barn doors” style opening because I needed to add more notes than I originally thought. Here is a similar scrapbook paper to what I used.

Not all of my notes as extensive. Here, I wanted to add a quote that I loved, So I wrote it in larger letters on cute scrapbook paper. To add it in my Bible, I simply used craft tape along the edge of the scrapbook paper and then attached the other half of the tape to my Bible.

Numbers 30 had a lot of different sections within it, so I used my fine-tip pens to bracket them off while Bible Journaling to make it easier to see next time I read through the book.

Here you can see what the color coding of the tribes looks like throughout the book of Numbers. Although most of my notes are in the neutral tones, the tribes are highlighted and stand out.

Bible journaling through Numbers: The stages of the Israelites

Once again, the text can be broken up in a few different sections. So I bracketed off the different stages the Israelites lived through and made notes accordingly. I used the Crayola colors of the world markers to highlight the different stages.

Once again, I use different size micron pens to make my easy lettering stand out. I love that this is a quick way to take notes that draws attention to the overall theme of the section.

Here is a sneak peak at my journey of Bible journaling through Deuteronomy! I use a new color scheme inspired by scrapbook paper!

This post is part of the series titled “Embrace the Journey,” where I share my adventures of Bible journaling. If you would like to see more of my Bible to find ideas and inspiration for your Bible journal, consider checking out Genesis, Exodus, or Leviticus.

This post was all about my journey of Bible journaling through Numbers.

God’s Character is always good | Do not sin by omission

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // January 28, 2025

This Bible study is all about God’s good character, and how we should live differently because of who He is.

Not all sin is blatantly doing what we know we should not. Often, sin takes a more sinister approach as we try to ignore the good we should do. In these chapters, Moses adresses both types of sin. He places an emphasis on doing good, even when no one is around to see. Here, we see that we should be faithful to God because He has been faithful to us. We should also strive to protect and comfort the innocent because that is how God treats us. The reason God commands us to not sin by omission (not doing what we know to be good) is because it goes against His very character. He is always good. And He always does what is good for His children.

Read all about how God’s Character is good, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 20-22

God’s good character and faithfulness leads us to take courage

Moses assured the Israelites that they would face armies larger and bigger than them. But they were not to be afraid when this happened. The reason that Moses gave to them was because of God’s past faithfulness. Yes, the would face horses and chariots (a sign of a large and powerful nation). But they have faced similar horses and chariots before, when they fled Egypt. At that time, they didn’t even have an army. Instead they fled on foot with their women, children, and whatever possessions they could carry. Now, they were an assembled people and if they fought according to God’s direction, He promised them victory.

Do you become fearful or overwhelmed when facing a problem you think is bigger than you? Or do you take courage because God is bigger than anything you face (Matthew 19:26)?

Numbers aren’t everything when it comes to God’s good Character

When the Israelites went to war, they were given the general command to let anyone go home who had unfinished business or who was afraid. This encouraged the Israelites to work hard and build a life for themselves because they knew they would reap the benefits of creating and being productive at home. But it also served as a way to ensure that those who served in the army were truly devoted to God. God did not care about how large His army was, but how committed they were to following Him. God can do more with a few truly committed people than He can with hundreds of people who compromise on their devotion.

Are you fully devoted to following God wherever He leads? Or do you compromise on who (or what) you serve (Matthew 6:24)?

Atonement for an unsolved murder

Anytime there was an unsolved or unavenged murder in Israel, the land would be polluted from bloodshed. Because of this, a sacrifice would need to be made if someone was found slain. Because of this, a heifer would be used as the substitute for the unknown murderer. This would symbolically cleanse Israel, releasing them from the guilt of bloodshed.

This passage builds off of the concepts and knowledge of an earlier passage, in Numbers 35:33-34. How often do you find connections in scripture? Is studying the Word of God on a deeper lever important for Christians (Hosea 4:6, Hebrews 4:12)?

God's character — Are you committed to God?

God’s good character provides Protection for the captive woman

A common practice in ancient cultures was to take a woman captive during war. God put limits on the Israelites regarding how they were to treat such women. First and foremost, the woman had to be willing to be taken. This was shown in her readiness to shave her head and replace her clothing. These were outward signs that she was putting away her old self – removing herself from her past nation and family – to become a citizen of Israel. God also states that the woman must live with her husband-to-be for a full month without any intimate relations. This was a time for them to get to know each other as the man decided if the attraction went beyond the physical. If, at the end of the time, he did not want to marry her, she was to be released as a free woman, able to go as she pleased.

This passage once again shows the mercy of God to those who would be considered “worthless”. How have you shown this characteristic of God to others (Luke 6:32-36)?

Rebellion leads to death

If there was a son who was of an age of accountability (not a minor) who continued to be stubborn and rebellious toward his parents, they were to bring him to the elders. The elders would then investigate to see if the parents had raised him in obedience to the Lord. And if he was truly rebellious. If it was determined that he was, all of the men of the town were to stone him to death. Although this punishment sounds extreme, it put a limit on parental authority. Ancient Greek and Roman culture allowed a father complete control over death and life of their son. But the Israelites knew that only God had that authority.

Even though there is no record of this law being carried out, its inclusion in the Mosaic Law would help prevent unruly and rebellious behavior. Has there been a time in your life where God has shown you the consequences of your sin to help guide you toward righteousness (Isaiah 59:2)?

Don’t ignore doing good

In the section of various laws, Moses makes a point that if the Israelites see someone’s Ox or sheep straying, they had an obligation to return it to its owner. If they did not know the owner, they were to take care of the animal until they could identify an owner. Likewise, if they saw an animal who had fallen, they were to stop what they were doing to help its owner. This was a simple law. It would have only taken a few minutes for Moses to relate it to the people. Yet, this law would have an impact in the lives of those who came upon a neighbor in need of help with their animal. They were to stop whatever it was they were doing and take however long it would take to help someone they might not even know or like.

Are you the type of person who will lay down anything to help someone else when you see an opportunity (Luke 10:25-37)?

Deuteronomy 21 Bible journaling — One of my favorite things about Bible journaling is that it doesn’t have to be perfect – and this white-out pen helps me keep it real!

The value of purity

God also gave laws to Israel and her judges regarding case law. These laws can be hard to read and understand from our current cultural perspective. Yet, through them, God’s love and protection is shown to women. If a man and women were caught sleeping together in town, both of them would receive the death penalty from the judges based on evidence. This was because the woman had the opportunity to scream for help but did not – implying her willingness. If, however, the man was outside of town and came upon a woman, only he was guilty because there would be no one to hear the woman pleading for help.

All of these laws are based on the principle that God values purity. Deuteronomy 22:26 says that this case is the same as someone who has murdered a neighbor. Do you place the same emphasis on purity that God does (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)?

Reflect on how you live differently because of God’s good character

In each of these laws, we see God’s character on display – He is good and He calls us to emulate His goodness to others. How do you live differently in light of His goodness to you?

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.

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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?