Someone with almost no Bible background asked me recently for a way to become more acquainted with God’s Word. One of the most effective ways is through writing out Scripture. Here’s why…
- It forces you to really think about what’s being said. (It’s hard to skim over something you are writing)
- It forces you to slow down. (We usually write slower than we read, type or talk.)
- It helps you gain better context of what’s going on. (Having to write out several verses at a time helps you gain the flow of thought.)
- It gives you a fresh perspective. (Not only the text but how the author might have felt writing it. This is also how the Bible was passed from person to person for a long time. You become a part of history.)
This is not end but could be a great beginning.
HOW?
1- I would recommend starting with some of the smaller books in the Bible like Philippians, Colossians, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and/or Jude. Don’t worry about going in order. We’ll get to them all.
2- Only write about 5 verses at a time. Don’t be in a hurry. The Bible isn’t going anywhere and this is not a race. God won’t love you more if you write extra or love you less if you write less.
3- After writing out the verses for that day, write a short summary of what you have read. Are there any big ideas, questions, or decisions you need to make? Is there a way you can apply what you read? Are there any fresh insights gain?
4- It’s okay to miss a day… just focus on not missing two in a row. Start thinking of it as making a chain. The more days you write in a row, the more you don’t want to break your streak. It becomes a game.
