BIG IDEA
Spending time one on one with God is a regular habit for Christians. It involves studying the Bible, prayer, Scripture memorization, and other practices.
BIG IDEA
A person becomes a Christian when they trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sin and receive eternal life by faith.
WHAT YOU NEEED
1. BIBLE
A printed version is best, but you can also try the YouVersion Bible App. Some good translations: ESV, NASB, NIV, NRSV. Using one that is a “Study Bible” will give you the benefit of having notes to help you understand the text. BEST: ESV Study Bible.
2. PEN
DON’T BE AFRAID to write all over your Bible. Underline, make notes, circle, add ‘?’ or ‘*’ next to verses. Anything to help you engage with the text.
3. FOCUS
Spend time with God in a place you can focus and avoid distractions.
GOALS
1. GET TO KNOW WHO GOD IS
As you read the Bible, ask yourself, “What does this tell me about who God is?” And let this question guide you into knowing and worshiping God.
2. SEE WHO YOU ARE
The Bible not only shows us who God is, it also shows us who we really are. The second question to ask yourself as you read the Bible is, “What does this passage tell me about who I am?”
3. LEARN THE BIBLE
The Bible is the Word of God. By reading, studying, memorizing, and praying it back to God it will stimulate growth in every area of life.
TIPS
1. SCHEDULE A REGULAR TIME AND MARK IT AS “BUSY” IN YOUR CALENDAR.
Every day, every other day, lunch time, bed time, whatever you can do on a regular basis, do it then and mark it in your calendar.
2. READ AT LEAST A CHAPTER AT A TIME
Each time you spend with God, aim to read at least one chapter of the Bible to help you understand the big picture.
3. AVOID “DEVOTIONALS” AS YOUR REGULAR DIET OF SCRIPTURE.
Devotionals are like hearing about God from someone else. Maximize the benefit of your time by mainly reading the Bible. Also, I would not read any devotional without checking with my church leaders first. There are many that contain unhelpful or even unbiblical ideas about God.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT
You are made in the image of God. Just like the moon shines because it reflects the light of the sun, you are meant to reflect God in the world. When you spend regular time reading the Bible, you are opening your heart, mind, soul, and body to absorb His Truth. As you do so, you are fulfilling your design and purpose in life. For this reason, time with God is the most important thing you will ever do.
WHAT TO DO
- Schedule at least 20-30 minutes of time to spend with God regularly.
- Remove distractions, including your phone.
- Open in prayer, asking God to help you read and apply His Word.
- Read a chapter of the Bible, preferably by going through a whole book one chapter at a time.
- Make notes, underline, and write questions as you read.
- Spend some time responding to what you have read in prayer.
- Some people like to journal as well.
- End by thanking God and praying for any needs you or others have.
PROGRESS
Just like athletes in training progress by practicing day after day, as you spend time with God you will progress in your understanding of who God is, how to read the Bible, and how to apply it to your life. The most important thing you can do is to start now, wherever you are at, and begin reading the Bible consistently. If you do this, God will take care of the rest!
