People ask me all the time “How do you come up with these lessons and blog posts? I can read the same scripture and never come up with that!” And, while it’s true that the Lord speaks to us all differently, and we can all read something in the Bible and apply it differently in our lives, it’s important to know HOW to read the Bible, and UNDERSTAND what it says! I’m no scholar. I don’t even have a college degree. If I can hear from God through His word, then you can too, my friend! Here’s what the Bible says about it…
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luke 24:45
- Your heart must be opened by God. He alone, through the Holy Spirit, can help you understand what you read. Acts 16:14 says “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” The Lord opened Lydia’s heart, and he can do the same for you.
- Your mind must be renewed. First in salvation – you no longer think like you used to! But also in keeping out sins. When they creep in, it’s important you confess them and seek forgiveness from God quickly, so your mind can stay in a renewed condition. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”, and Ephesians 4:23-24 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” So, as you can see, reading your Bible and understanding it requires more than just picking it up and browsing through it. You must first make sure your heart and mind are right before you read.
- Your eyes and ears must be sharp. You ever heard the phrase “keep your head on a swivel”? It means to always be on the lookout. Pay attention. Anticipate action around you. Matthew 13:15 “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” In order for us to get something out of our personal Bible studying/reading time, we must be listening for the Holy Spirit. Do you know his voice? Are you reading your Bible anticipating or looking for God to teach you something? Pray and ask Him to show you something that you can apply in your life before you start to read.
