Rev Up Your Personal Bible Study:7 Ideas to Combat B-o-r-i-n-g

Bible study isn’t about how long you study each day. It doesn’t matter if you use world-renowned resources or read top-selling Biblical writers. It isn’t an item to check off on your to-do list. Also, it isn’t helpful if you study the original languages and you aren’t getting closer to God. It’s about cultivating a relationship…a relationship with God, the Creator of Everything.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share ideas that can jumpstart your Bible study. You won’t use each of the ideas. But making even one or two changes will affect the way you approach and feel about your quiet time. It will also help you enjoy the process of knowing God better.

Read on and let yourself be motivated by one of the below ideas.

Bored No More. When we do the same thing over and over and over, it can become b-o-r-i-n-g! This applies to activites as well as to  relationships. If your Bible study is boring you, stop! Change something now. There are many ways to learn. Find the way that best fits you. Go to a Bible bookstore and browse. Pick something from one of the following categories:

1. CD – Auditory learners will thrive on this type of study. I listen to teaching CD’s when I am in the car or when my eyes are too tired from extended computer use. I’ve listened to books (5 Love Languages of Children) and sermons from current teacher/ preachers (Joyce Meyer and Charles Swindoll) , my pastor (Mike Mitchum) and those long dead (CH Spurgeon).
2. Children’s curriculum – I often go this route when I am learning anything new. The study sticks to the main points, is short, and is visually pleasing. Your local Bible bookstore will have many options. I recently picked one up on Missions. Go the extra mile and then teach the study to a child (yours or a borrowed one).
3. Books – Many Christian books have a study guide at the back of the book or at the end of each chapter. You can go through it on your own or with others. It’s nice that you don’t have to pay extra money for these questions. Some example of books that include questions . . . The Five Love Languages for Singles, Facing Your Giants, and Power of Prayer.
4. DVD – If you are a visual learner this is a great choice. The topics are many and the study is usually well done. Get a DVD study and invite neighbors or friends to join you. Typically DVD studies are more costly. If cost is an issue check what’s available at your local library or church. Over the past year I’ve gone through Boundaries and The Power of a Praying Woman.
5. Topical studies – The choices here are numerous. Some have few chapters and some many. Some are in-depth and some give an over view. I’ve gone through Lessons on Christian Living with several ladies and it always impacts them and me. I’ve gone through The Treasure Principle twice. Grieving God’s Way is one I hope to lead in the fall .  
6. Magazines – Use a magazine as a jumping off point for study in the Bible.

Magazines cover a range of topics and purposes. These include . . .

• Devotionals (Journey, Walk Through The Bible)
• Inspiration (Guideposts , Charisma)
• Up-to-date news (Christianity Today, World)  
• Cover current culture for 20 somethings (Relevant)
• Teach (Biblical Archeological Review,  Leadership Journal ). Lastly some give info related to certain . . . 
• Professions (Journal of Christian Nursing, Christian Business Daily).

Lastly, try incorporating devotionals into your Bible study time.

7.   Devotionals – These are typically a few pages long, expound on one passage (point or person),  clearly define the main point and end with an application. Though this type of study requires few minutes, the depth of the material is apparent and the impact it has is real.

I’ve read many types of devotionals.  Some . . .

• Encourage me as a mom (The Official Soccer Mom Devotional)
• Are free (My Daily Bread – I pick mine up from church every three months)
• Are classics (My Utmost for His Highest)
• Inject humor (anything by Pastsy Clairmont)
• Give daily snippets about a topic I want to know more about (50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light).
• Bring family members closer: Each Christmas a friend buys multiple copies of the same devotional. She keeps one and gives the others to her family members. Sometimes they share their thoughts in-person, through email and on the phone. They use the devotional as a springboard for praying for one another. Reading the devo increases their intimacy with God, and reading the same thing each day as a group increases the feeling of community.

Stay Tuned for Idea 2 on Revving Up Your Bible Study: Small Groups.

Your Turn . . .

1. Have you even been bored with your Bible study time?
2. What do you do when you are bored?
3. What do you think it means if you are bored?
4. What resources would you recommend from the above categories? What would you add?
5. Please leave a comment if you try one of these ideas.