Cultivate Daily Bible Reading Habits

   

Why do we need to develop the habit of reading the Bible? 

The Bible is not just a book. It is more like a library that houses 66 books containing the sacred Word of God. Written in a variety of ways—from historical narratives and poetry to parables and letters—it is also full of stories and lessons that help us discover what God is telling us. 

Reading the Bible daily provides the spiritual nourishment you need to grow strong in your relationship with God. Knowing the benefits you gain from reading the Bible is a good way to set your goals as a Christian. 

Why Read the Bible 

As you read the Bible, you may find verses that inspire and motivate you, or have helped you through difficult times.

The Bible is also a great source of knowledge. There is a lot you can learn from the Bible, and it is common to find yourself learning new things each time you reread a familiar passage. 

Inspired by God, the Bible serves as a good foundation for your faith. Dedicating your time to studying it is a fruitful spiritual endeavour. 

Here are a few ways how the Bible can enrich your spiritual life:

• It reveals who God is

We experience God’s goodness and learn about His attributes through the people who have interacted with Him. From the Old to the New Testament, we see how God worked His ways, and the love which Jesus embodied. The various Bible characters, from Abraham and Moses to Peter and Paul, all experienced God in their own ways, and their experiences can reveal to you who God is.

• It teaches you how to be a better disciple

Jesus did not work alone during His time on earth. He called and discipled followers who continued to carry on His work after His resurrection. As you learn from Jesus' teachings on how to become a better disciple yourself, you will also learn how to go out to make more disciples, and eventually disciples others. 

• It equips you for daily life

The Bible shows us what God wants to say to us. Reading the Bible is like reading a guidebook or even a love letter from God Himself! When you grow in your Bible knowledge, you will understand God's will better and apply the lessons learnt in your daily life as well. Being firm in God’s Word will also safeguard you from false teachings and equip you with the right tools to defend your faith. 

How To Read the Bible

Learning to read the Bible productively takes time and requires more than one reading. Even after you have moved on to another passage, you will always discover something new when you return to it the next time. 

Knowing how to read the Bible effectively requires some practice and skill. Here are some ways you can start with:

• Pray before you begin

“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Always pray before you begin reading the Bible. You can pray for the Holy Spirit to speak and guide you as you study His word. Only through the Holy Spirit can you fully discern the Lord’s word. 

• Read in context 

Much of the Bible is part of history. As such, contextual knowledge is necessary to better understand what is being said, and why some characters do certain things. It is helpful to find out the author and theme of the book. You can also follow the 5W1H (who, what, where, when, why, how) guideline. When you pick out a favourite verse, don't miss the surrounding context. Look at the paragraphs before and after it to fully understand the original background and reflect on how it can strengthen your understanding of the verse. 

• Study in a group

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 

Discussions in a group can enrich your learning. As different people might interpret things differently, hearing more than one interpretation of the same Bible passage can help you see it from a different angle. Coming together as a Bible study group also provides accountability and support. The applications you share in each Bible study session can also act as prayer items for one another. 

• Reflect on what you read

Some questions that you can ask yourself when reflecting on the passage you are reading are: “What is God trying to tell me?”, “How can I apply what the Bible says to my daily life?” and “Why did the author include this?” Reflecting on what you read involves thinking about how the passage is applicable today or what it reveals about God. 

Most importantly, start your session with the mindset to know and understand God’s word. As you continually seek God, the Holy Spirit can guide you to understand what the Bible says when you wholeheartedly and humbly come before Him. 

The Bible says that “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) From there, as you study His Word faithfully and continuously apply what you have learnt into your daily life, you will find the experience of getting to know and please Him extremely rewarding.

Resources for Studying the Bible

Need help to jumpstart your Bible reading?

There are various Bible Study series in our catalogue that are dedicated to the study of each book in the Bible or provide guides on studying the Bible. These handy guides can also help you facilitate your small group Bible studies as well. 

Cru Media Ministry recommends some of these:

• The Wiersbe Bible Study Series – Acts

By Warren W Wiersbe

Part of the Wiersbe Bible Study Series, this study guide focuses on the book of Acts, which chronicles the birth and growth of the early church. This study explores the power of God’s Spirit and how that power can impact our lives today. There are other guides in this Bible Study Series that focus on other books in the Bible.

• LifeChange Series – Psalms (Navigators)

LifeChange Bible Studies Series

The LifeChange Bible Studies Series is another good resource to help you grow in Christlikeness through encountering God’s Word. This guide focuses on the book of Psalms, which can help broaden and deepen your understanding and experience of prayer. Featuring 10 lessons, it will equip you to lead a Bible study through extensive examination of the book and explore thoughtful questions on key themes.

• Before You Open Your Bible

Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God’s Word 

By Matt Smethurst

Knowing how to approach the Bible in the first place is one of the key aspects of this guide. In a practical and engaging manner, this book presents nine ways to prepare you to unpack God’s Word. With the right heart posture that the author provides in this handy book, you will be ready to start reading in no time. 

• How Can I Get More Out Of My Bible Reading?

By Jeremy M Kimble

Offering biblical answers and practical applications, this guide from the Church Questions series explains how the church acts as God’s school, helping us read and follow Scripture through teaching, fellowship, and discipleship. There is also advice to improve your own Scripture reading so you can understand the big picture, ask good questions, and apply what you learn.

• Handbook for Personal Bible Study – 2nd Edition

By William W Klein

This handbook provides a comprehensive introduction to what the Bible is, how it came to be, and how it holds together. It also includes methods to engage the Bible and get the most out of it through reading, studying, memorising, and letting God work in you through it. 

• Bible Study Methods

Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God’s Word

By Rick Warren

Rick Warren provides 12 methods to explore the Bible, with step-by-step approaches to guide you through. Learning how to approach the Bible is a valuable skill, and this book will help you study, understand, and apply what the Bible teaches.

Cru Media Ministry is the trusted Christian bookstore in Singapore. We develop and publish Christian reading and multimedia materials to provide resources to individuals for their spiritual needs, including Bibles in both English and Chinese, as well as Children’s Bibles. 

Shop from our great range of Christian books and gifts for yourself or your loved ones.