“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” - Colossians 3:16
This year I’m trying out a new method of Bible study. It’s very simple. I print off an extended passage of Scripture (with wide margins, formatted with verse numbers), and I go to work on it with a pen and a highlighter. Then, after I’m done, I transfer my notes into my digital system, which for me is Logos Bible Software.
This won’t be right for everyone, but for me it’s working quite well so far. Since I’m working on printed pieces of paper, I have no reservations whatsoever about making all kinds of marks, highlights, and notes. I’ve always been a big proponent of writing in your Bible, but there always remains that feeling that you don’t want to make it look awful. No worries here! Also, the process of transferring my notes and highlights to my Bible software further imprints those things onto my brain, so I remember what I studied a bit better.
BONUS TIP: If you are in the Apple ecosystem when it comes to your tech, or if you simply have an iPhone, there’s a new feature called ‘FOCUS’ which allows you to set up a regularly scheduled time of no notifications, or only notifications for some people. It’s like their ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature, but with more customizability. I set this to turn on every morning for a specific period of time (and also any time I am using my Kindle app). I’ll get to those text messages and other notifications when I’m done with my first priority for the day… what’s most important… time with God through Bible reading and prayer.
Why not spend some time today thinking through how you will pursue the Lord more deeply in 2022?
** If you would like me to quickly work up a similar document for you to print off on your own, I would be happy to do so and send it to you. Just let me know!