How Do I Get Started?
Dear single parent reader,
If you are a full time working single parent, you may think you don’t have time to study the Bible.
Let me make a suggestion. During your dedicated devotional time, you may desire to read and re-read the same passage or chapter each weekday and study it further on the weekends.
I often would simply read during my morning devotional time (always with my notebook next to me to record any verses or words that struck me or concepts I did not understand).
On my days off, instead of sleeping in, I rose at the same approximate time so I could spend time digging deeper into those verses- while the kids slept (hopefully).
Do I read the Bible all the way through or should I concentrate on one book?
The answer is “yes”. This question stops people before they even begin, thinking they have to read the Bible in it’s entirety in a specified period.
The biggest benefit in reading the Bible all the way through is you get the whole overview of how the gospel thread runs through the entire Old and New Testaments.
Family Devotional Tip
You may want to use a resource like Story Thru the Bible for your family devotionals which will provide an overview of the Bible.
However, there is a danger of reading just to get through instead of letting it transform us.
If you are new to the Bible, I recommend starting slow so as not to get overwhelmed and praying about the right time to read through.
If you are “studying”, you will be directed to other books in the Bible that will start to familiarize you with the whole Bible.
The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is to get the scriptures through us. John Ortberg
Start to Study the Bible with Small Books
Reading or studying one book or scripture passage at a time allows us to apply it to our lives. The authors of Living By the Book call understanding without application a tragedy..
What a tragedy because the Word of God does not bear fruit when it is understood, only when it is applied.
Living by the Book authors recommend, that for the aspect of studying purposes, starting with a very small book such as the book of Philippians or James.
They then suggest moving to the Old Testament and reading the short book of Jonah.
I like their suggestions as it is not overwhelming for those that may be intimidated by diving into a book as extensive as the Bible.
Richard Foster writes in Celebration of Discipline
Another approach to the study of the Bible is to take a smaller book, like Ephesians or 1 John, and read it through each day for a month…. Expect to hear new things in new ways. Keep a journal of your findings. In the course of these studies you will obviously want to make use of the best secondary aids available.
Which lead us to…what aids are those?
Do I Need to Invest in Materials to Study the Bible?
Use of “extra-biblical resources” should never be a substitute for personal Bible study. Living By the Book
If you can purchase a good Study Bible, that is your best option. Many Study Bibles will also have a concordance at the back.
A Bible concordance is an alphabetical listing of words and phrases found in the Bible and shows where the terms occur throughout all books of Scripture.
Study Bibles also have cross references to help us dig deeper into the verse’s meanings.
Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture
Learn how to cross reference Those small letters listed within a verse lead you to other related verses in the Bible. So if a word or phrase, catches your eye, check out the verses correlated to it.
What Other (Optional!) Materials Might Help Me?
Always have a notebook and pen nearby to jot down your thoughts.
Bible Study Steps and Questions to Answer
Keep this free printable nearby as you study your Bible.
A Bible Dictionary offers definitions and background information on key terms in the Bible. Holman’s is the one I have, but there are many options.
Reading a passage in different Bible translations is also a great way to study the Bible more in depth.
For years, my main Study Bible is an NASB 1995 Study Bible, but I also have an NIV and the Message version which I love.
Versions of the Bible like the Message or The Living Bible are considered paraphrases and they have their purpose too.
The authors of Living by the Book note the Message is “intended as an introduction to the Bible for those without a Bible background or as a fresh rendition for those seeking a new perspective”.
Bible Handbooks give a concise overview of every book in the Bible with historical background of key events.
For years I have been using What the Bible Is All About: Bible Handbook by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears. This was one of my first study tool that got me serious about studying the Bible and I still use it.
A Bible Commentary is an explanation of the biblical text by someone (usually a scholar).
My recommendation is to study scripture first on your own asking questions, developing your skills, and afterward consult a commentary like this one.
Online Resources for Bible Study
Because I can get distracted by my computer, I study first and then consult these resources at the end of my study time.
Enduring Word is a wonderful, free online Bible commentary. David Guzik, the founder, combines many different theologians’ thoughts all in one place. He also posts free videos to help you understand the scripture further. Some of his commentaries are also available in print.
Bible Gateway is an online resource that helps you compare different versions of a verse or passage you are interested in.
I also have to mention a recent discovery. Our family purchased the Ray Van Laan high school curriculum. Listening to him will give you insight on how to study scripture for yourself.
Our family now waits with anticipation for Tuesday nights when we watch his teaching video. I am often blown away by how much I have been missing in scripture. You can access some of his free material on YouTube or on Focus on the Family. Let me know what you think!
Study produces joy. Like any novice, we will find it hard work in the beginning. But the greater our proficiency, the greater our joy.
Alexander Pope says “There is no study that is not capable of delighting us after a little application to it.”
Study is well worth our most serious effort. ~Richard J. Foster
Equipped to Lead for the Single Parent
A Study in the Book Of Joshua on How to be a Successful Single Parent
First StudySecond Study
This is an easy dessert for those nights you want to end with something warm and sweet. Top with ice cream or whipping cream if desired and brew up a cup of decaf coffee. Sending you over to Paleo Running Momma’s website for this one.