Tips, Tricks & Tools for Studying the Bible

January 29, 2016 by Sharita

Bible study can be awesome.

But sometimes, before we get to the awesome, we have to get through the overwhelming.

I mean, come on… So many versions of the Bible to choose from, dozens upon dozens of interesting tools to use, and don’t even get me started on the massive amounts of Bible apps. #AllTheThings

In today’s video blog, I want to share with a few a tips, tricks and tools I have discovered over the last few years of walking with the Lord that have helped me go from an overwhelming to awesome relationship studying the Bible.

(Disclaimer: Bible study is a “GET to” with our faith, not a “HAVE to.” If we have genuinely said “YES” to following Christ, accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, then the work was finished when He breathed His last on the Cross. HOWEVER… Studying His Word helps us to know Him better, understand His nature and get a better grip on what living a fruitful life for the Lord can really look like. We should study the word BECAUSE we love the Lord, not because we are trying to earn His love or favor. #EndOfSermon)

Check out this video for some details on how I study the Bible.

Reading via email? Click here to view the video.

And just in case you want some links, here’s the 30,000 feet overview of my study tools:

A Good Bible. (I have used the NIV/MSG parallel version for several years and recently snagged a copy of the New Living Translation “Jesus-Centered” Bible. I’m loving it!)
Notebooks/Journals– because I’m a writer. Of course.
Nifty pens!! All the colors!
And a cool, non-bleeding highlighter (found my current heart-throb highlighter at Office Depot… the “Sharpie Gels” are really cool. And they were only $5 for a 3 pack… AND it was buy one get one free. A Jesus Geeks dream come true.)
Scripture memory box. Because hiding God’s word in my heart helps me with yuck of this world. (Thanks to my friend Lauren for introducing me to this technique a couple of months ago!)
Apps: I use Bible Gateway (mainly for listening to audio version of the Bible,) Blue Letter Bible for digging into the Greek/Hebrew and my new fave, Scripture Typer to keep a record of my memory verses, and practice/memorize God’s word on a daily basis… BEFORE I get on Facebook.

Dear readers, which of these tools do you dig the most? Or do you have some great Bible study tools that work for you? I would love to hear all about it. Join in and leave a comment below.

Now if you will excuse me– my turquoise Bible and new highlighters are calling my name.

Knowing Him Better,