The Three R's

READ, REFLECT, and RESPOND

The Bible is God's spoken word.  Incredibly, you are reading words written by the hands of men, but spoken by God. 


PRAY

Get ready to hear from God, by talking to Him first.  Ask for guidance, the ability to accept what is written and apply His will to your life.  When Jesus left this earth, another "helper" was given to us, God's Holy Spirit.  He is your teacher, your helper (John 14:16-18).

READ

The Bible is a historical record; but it's also a living document because Jesus is alive today.  As we read His words we know He is speaking to us today and will connect the details in the scripture to the details in our lives.  Here are a few suggestions that may help you better understand what you are reading.

• Read the passage a few times.  
• Consider any words or phrases that jump out at you.  
• Imagine yourself in the text.
• Paraphrase it - summarize what is happening.
• If you come across something that does not make sense, write down the problem area and continue.  You may discover the answers later in your reading. 

REFLECT

As you look at the text or even your paraphrase ask God;  What are You teaching? What does this tell me about You and your character?  Is there a commandment to follow?  Is there a promise to grab on to?  As His Spirit encourages and challenges you, write down what you "hear".  Remember, you aren't preparing for a sermon, you are reflecting on what you just read.  So, what you hear will more than likely be simple, not complicated.

RESPOND

Thank God for what you have read and for who He is.  Talk to Him about your part in what you have learned.  If there is a promise you need to grab on to, thank God and ask Him to fulfill that promise in you.  If He challenged you in an area of obedience, confess your sin and ask Him to change you.  Tell Him whatever is on your heart and mind.  Empty yourself of whatever is burdening you by giving it to Him.

 

Whenever you read the Bible, remember, you don't have to understand everything you read. Some of it might be confusing. Parts of it might not apply to you now (though they might later).  Just keep reading, a little bit every day.

No matter what, keep it up.  Keep talking to God through prayer.  And keep listening to God by reading what He says in the Bible.  Every day!