I haven’t always loved reading the Bible.
I know that sounds blasphemous, but I want to be real with you. I’ve struggled to understand the Bible, to feel like I could navigate the Bible, to even like what it said and think it mattered.
Little by little, verse by verse, I’m learning to love it. You can find out more in this video. These are the things that have helped me.
The Bible
I need a Bible that works for me. It’s important to find one that you like, understand, and have access too. I love this Bible from She Reads Truth. The version, the layout, the font size, features like devotion pages and summaries for each book are lovely. It just feels right for me.
You may need something different. In fact, I find I need more than one Bible sometimes. I love this one from (in)courage because it has great reading plans and devotions, and The Message version is great when you struggle to understand a verse. My favorite verse is actually in The Message version.
“‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.'”
Matthew 11:28-30, The Message
Learning
Even though I’ve had a relationship with God since I was 11, I still struggle to understand the Bible. Sometimes we need true teaching about the Word rather than people’s ideas about it.
My favorite study is Open Your Bible by She Reads Truth. It is full of information, but completely understandable and approachable. SRT has great resources for women, men and kids that are based firmly on the foundation of the Word of God.
Books like this one by Jen Wilkins and this Lysa Terkeurst study are wonderful, and Women Living Well has amazing ones like this on Ecclesiastes.
There are even apps like First 5 and She Reads Truth that are great resources to have handy wherever you go.
Make It Yours
This is where you take that Bible and teaching and make it work for you.
In my IGTV video I showed you how I started making the Word part of my day one verse at a time.
For that I use the You Version app and a weekly planner like this.
It’s really that simple. Why? Because I can do simple.
Why It Matters
Finding the right Bible Resources might be the very thing that helps you fall in love with God’s Word. I’m not talking about all the great books that mention the Bible or deepen your faith.
Find the Bible that makes you open it. Share on XA Few Tips
Version: Find a version that you understand. This is key to you actually reading it.
Format: Whether it’s a hard cover, a coloring Bible or an app, explore and pick the version that makes you most comfortable and willing to read it.
Willingness: Be purposeful and willing to go slow, go fast, or find a middle ground. Just be willing to read it and ask God to help you.
Stretch: Sometimes we need to challenge our thoughts and stretch ourselves. Find Bible teaching that does that. Don’t get caught up in fluff and self-help. Finding resources that are firmly focused on the Word of God is the secret to deeper understanding.
What is your favorite Bible Resource? Share in the comments and don’t forget to pin this post for later!
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This is a great collection of resources! I love She Reads Truth, and I also like the videos by the Bible Project. They are short videos (8-10 minutes) you can watch on YouTube which give an overview of each book of the Bible and its main themes.
That’s a great tip! I can’t wait to check them out!
I am always so challenged by Jen Wilkin’s teaching! She participates in the podcasts from The Village Church — Their conversations around Scripture are very challenging and always send me in search of a deeper understanding of the truth.
I was able to hear her teach at a retreat a few years ago. She said she’d be talking about Genesis and I was tempted to tune out (heard it before!) but then she started teaching. It was one of the best Bible teachings I’ve ever had the honor to listen to!
Back again, and challenged to stay faithful!
Always glad we can encourage and challenge one another!
Oh, I think you’ll find many women relate to you, Rebecca. I’ve felt this way before and I’m married to a pastor. 🙂
Truth is, the enemy, Satan, wants us to feel this way because he knows God’s Word is alive and active and really makes a difference in our lives. Love all the Bibles and resources you highlight. And what has helped me is asking the Lord to give me a hunger for His Word and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and insight BEFORE I ever start. Your neighbor at Tea and the Word, pinned and tweeted.
I’m so glad I’m not alone! 🙂
And your point about asking the Lord for a hunger for His Word is so important. We think we need to do it all ourselves, but He will graciously give us the desire for more of Him!
I totally agree about more than one Bible. I have several that I use regularly in different situations. I also use different translations. I’m learning to love the ESV but my frequent favorite is the NASB. And on other occasions, I go to the NLT or NKJV. Sometimes more than one in a sitting. It’s a great time in history. We are blessed with so many great resources.
There are tons of great resources. I’m liking the CSB because it is a middle ground between ESV and NIV. And it is amazing how easy it is to switch between versions with apps like YouVersion!
I love your encouragement to keep it simple, Rebecca. It grieves me how many women are discouraged to read their Bibles because they don’t think they’re smart enough or have the right amount of time or are not interested in some of the more in-depth/intensive/complex study methods. To get to know your Bible is to get to know Jesus and THAT’S what matters! He desires a deeper relationship with each of us, and that will look different for each individual.
Getting to know your Bible is getting to know Jesus! You are absolutely right!
Love this. Using a planner for my study and prayer time for the first time ever and I’m loving it. Jotting down the verses I’m using to pray for myself and others and other requests, keeping notes on what I’m studying all in the same place. laurensparks.net
Planners are great for things like this! There’s something about having it organized that helps me stay focused differently from a using a journal. Love it!
Thanks for sharing these resources.
I’ve been passionate about studying the Word since a brand new believer because although I had someone introduce me to the Lord, He ultimately revealed Himself to me through His precious word.
I have the privilege of leading a ladies bible study at our church and these are older women who have been in the church 50 years, but never really read their bibles or actually studied the word. We are using Well Watered Women Co.’s Walk in Grace Bible study on the Book of Philippians which teaches how to study the Word of God for yourself with great tools and tips for inductive study. I am excited to see how the Lord is going to work in the lives of the women of our church as they study more and more. You can see a spark being ignited in them already. 🙂
Blessings,
That sounds like a great resource! I’ve heard of Well Watered Women before. I can’t wait to check it out! And to hear about all God does in your Bible study!
such a joyful post, Rebecca! thanks for reminding us that God’s Word is alive, beautiful, and filled with love and wisdom.
your words and pictures say it all …
It is filled with LOVE! Amen!
Great resources! I have the (in)courage Bible but honestly, have not started digging into it yet. I love the Message version, in fact, the verse from Matthew that you highlighted is one of my favorites from the Message-love the “unforced rhythms of grace”.
I have been using the You Version Bible app and have been enjoying many of their Bible plans/devotionals. I also use devotional books in between. The other book I love right now is “I Am” by Michele Cushatt. I treat that like a devotional by reading a chapter and journaling my reflections. Thanks for pointing me to some great resources.
Those “unforced rhythms of grace” sound lovely, don’t they? Like something I want to put on!
There are so many great resources listed here, Rebecca. I love how you point out that we can go fast or slow and find what’s right for us. We are all unique and need to take that into account, but with the firm intention of making sure it’s truly grounded on the Word of God. Pinning your post!
Thanks friend! I love a good non-fiction/self-help/devo book. But I’m learning to truly value the Word of God above all else. It’s definitely a process!
These resources are great. And just like you, I struggled to read the Bible too. At a point, I also struggled with consistency. But praying that the Holy Spirit should help and having colorful resources to work with has been great.
Yes! Asking God to help us will always make it easier!
Hi, Becky! I’m going to be checking out some of these resources since I haven’t heard of them before. Thanks for sharing them on Grace & Truth!
I think my favorite resources are the “You Version” app, the daily bread, and a great journal for prayers and thoughts. Some great idea’s here. I’ve had my eye on the She Reads Truth Bible…. Probably will have to wait til Christmas. Many Thanks 8)
I use “You Version” every day! It has made such a difference for me getting in the Word every single day!
This is a fine resource in itself! Thank you! I love to use the Blue Letter Bible both as an app and online on my PC. It has so much in it: many versions of the Bible, commentaries, the Hebrew and Greek meanings of words (which I love!!) and so much more.
I haven’t seen that one! I’ll have to check it out. And thank you 🙂
I’m from the south and people her cling to their KJV. I often remind them King James didn’t write it. I like to study different versions. The Message is new to me but I am liking it. I try to compare them on Bible Hub.
Comparing them is a great way to understand the Word more!
I completely understand! I had a hard time enjoying reading the Bible until I learned how to really study it and apply it to my life. Great tips! Thank you!
So glad you liked them!
Thanks for this great post Rebecca and all the great ideas, links and resources. Pinned. Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thanks Patsy!
Thanks for sharing about those resources that have ignited your love for reading the Bible.
Blessings,
Thanks Karen! Blessings to you as well!
I love Matt 11 in The Message too. Reading in several different versions keeps me from just reading over the words without having to think. Thanks for sharing this, Rebecca!
That’s so true, Lisa!
I love reading the Bible! It blesses me so much. But, of course, it’s not always the case. The more I read it, the more I want to read. Mostly I am amazed how God speaks through it. That’s why I keep coming back. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca. Blessings to you!
Isn’t it amazing?!
The most meaningful reading plan that I stuck with was a chrono in The Message. Changed me.
I bet that was amazing!
I’m visiting from Recharge Wednesday. I have 6 Bibles. One of them is a King James, and I never read from it. I know many people are KJV-only, but it’s just so hard for me to understand. I keep that Bible, though, as it was given to me by my parents when I was 8 years old. The versions I read are NIV, ESV, and NLT. I have mostly used the NLT through the years, which is why I have 3 of those—one broken and falling apart, one with a font too small for me, and the other being a large-print coloring Bible (Inspire), which I absolutely love. I have transitioned to the ESV for reading, but I still love the Inspire. It is the most beautiful Bible I have ever seen. I make my Bible reading time work for me by using colored pens and stickers in my journal. I love decorating my journal pages after I have written how the Word has touched me that day.
Blessings,
Patti @ Clothed with Joy
I love how you’ve explored God’s Word and continue to seek Him in those pages! What a precious gift! I bet your decorated pages are LOVELY!
I fell in love with the Bible when I read through it chronologically. And, I love the photo of you above.
I’m reading it chronologically now, and it makes a huge difference! (And thank you for your kind words!)
These are great tips and resources! Thank you for sharing!
So glad you’re here!
yes! I love this! I have a similar heart for the Word and for encouraging others to get into the Word! love what you shared here and I keep looking at the She Reads Truth Bible and have debated buying it…thanks for sharing about it!
mariel
marieldavenport.com
SO fun to connect! I do love the She Reads Truth Bible. Another great one is the (in)courage Bible.
What a great round-up of bible resources! I love the NASB translation but I’m really learning to love the ESV. One of my favorite resources is one that takes a little getting used to but it’s free and so amazing. It’s Matthew Henry’s Commentary. Available at http://studylight.org.
I love your honesty, Rebecca. I’ve struggled too, but it really helps to find the right Bible. And I think that happens only by trying different kinds. I love what you’re doing to help people find a way to bond with God that works for them.