Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey.

—

Psalm 119:105 (Common English Bible)

Have you ever thought you would love to read the Bible, but you just don’t know where to start?

Bible study can be baffling, even to the most serious student.

Here is a practical way to make your Bible study time more effective and help you grow in your devotion to God’s Word and to the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we study the Bible, sometimes we approach this book as a treasure chest that we just cannot seem to open.

Some people look at the Bible as a mystical book that holds all the answers to life, but in a language that humans can’t understand.

Some people read it as if it were just another piece of literature.

I would like to encourage you to think of the Bible as God’s love letter to us.

The Bible contains lots of historical information, lots of "lessons learned" by people throughout history, and many valuable insights into our own lives.

This unique work of literature is more than just a classic to be taken up and read for its beauty.

It is called the Living Word for the one quality that it has that no other book in history has ever possessed.

The very words of this book were written by those inspired by God to tell God’s message of love to the world.

As we approach the Bible, let us do so humbly, not trusting in our own intellect to understand all that it has to say, but trusting in the Spirit of God to teach us what God would have us learn as we grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

The first step in any type of Bible study should always be to PRAY. Praying is making ourselves available for God’s Spirit to communicate with us.

It’s like unlocking the door and inviting God in to talk with us.
That should always be our attitude as we approach the most powerful, life-changing book in the world—The Holy Bible.

Approach God’s Word with humility and in an attitude of prayer, and watch as God opens this treasure to you.

So don’t just sit there. Get started making new habits today.

Won’t you pick up your Bible, God’s love letter to you, today?

The Rev. Jan McCoy is the associate pastor of Covington First United Methodist Church in downtown Covington. She may be reached at jan.mccoy@ngumc.net.