The most popular phrase, maybe of all time, in many churches is Read your Bible! You can call it quiet time, personal time, whatever you want to call it. But if you profess to be a Christian, you should be spending time with the Father, in his word, in prayer on a daily basis minimum. We did a whole break down of this and other things during a previous set of blogs called the non-negotiables of being a Christian. It also makes total, logical sense. So, I’m not here to convince that it needs to be done. Rather, I want to help you do it well. I have compiled a list of 5 resources that will help you grow spiritually and be edified in your time with the LORD.
Resource #1: A version of the Bible you can read & a Bible you are proud to own
Personal devotion and growth starts with and must always rest on the power of God’s Word. the Bible is the ultimate authority of faith and practice. It is the greatest book ever written. And it is paramount to the growth and understanding of the Believer. The problem is that many people who are Christians own versions of the Bible they can’t read. Reading does not come easy to many folks. And the Bible, on top of it, is a very complicated book. The Bible is a compilation of many books written by different people. All of the originals are in languages usually different than that of the reader. And there are some lofty, dense sections all through Scripture. So, it comes as no surprise that many folks feel like they get nothing out of reading the Bible– they can’t!
First and foremost, there are loads of Bible translations out there. Wretched does a decent job of laying out those primary differences for you, though I would personally not recommend using The Message Bible. Nevertheless, you should be using a Bible you can read and understand. If you are a new reader, you may want to lean toward something like a NLT or NIV Bible. If you are looking to really study the Bible, try an ESV or NASB. If you want something firmly in the middle of form and function, try the CSB.
You should also consider buying a Bible you are proud of. I know that may seem strange, but there are so many beautifully crafted Bibles out there. Find a Bible that you love to look at, to carry, to talk about, and to read. That makes a load of difference. There are things like journaling Bibles out there that have large margins you can write in. Companies like Scriptura make very high-quality Bibles that last a lifetime. A Bible you are excited about is a Bible that you will read. So, instead of forcing yourself to fumble through that wrinkly paperback KJV from 1991, invest in a good one. After all… you’re using it every single day, right?
Resource #2: A quality study Bible that can really help you understand the Bible better
Study Bibles are various and plentiful. They are essentially just Bibles that have loads of added material in them. Typically, they will include things like book introductions, maps, fairly basic commentary, topical breakdowns, and some systematic theology in them. They are really great for people who want to take that next jump into studying the true depth of the Bible without investing in or understanding the world of commentaries. My personal go-to is the ESV Study Bible. Something you should always keep in mind is that the extra material in Study Bibles is not the same thing as the Bible. So, something wise to practice is double-checking things you learn from them or even using multiples. But you’re smart… you can handle it!
Resource #3: The Blue Letter Bible (Website and App)
Blue Letter Bible (BLB) is perhaps one of the absolute best free resources for Bible study that I am personally aware of. BLB is pretty standard Bible website/app that allows you to read the Bible online in multiple translations, similar to YouVersion. What it also includes, however, is a plethora of language tools, commentaries, sermon audio/video, and much more. The interface is not the greatest– it seems a little dated. But I personally have been pulling out the app on my phone and the website on my computer for years for quick Bible explanation, sermon preparation, you name it. The work they do over there to provide what they provide for free is amazing. Once again, similar to a study Bible, these resources are not infallible, nor are they a replacement for your Bible. But, the BLB database can help you really dive into your Bible in a new way. I am a huge fan!
Resource #4: Journals and pens… no, seriously.
I think journals and Bibles go together like peanut butter and jelly. Survey your church on Sunday and see how many people are carrying both together. In my experience, it is usually a lot. If you’re not taking notes while reading your Bible, I would try to start doing that. You don’t need to take notes like you’re studying for a test, but research has proven over and over again that writing things down helps with retention. Furthermore, writing in your Bible and about your Bible is just good, meditative practice. Journaling is one of the spiritual disciplines Dr. Whitney advocates for in his book on spiritual disciplines– a fantastic read, I must say. Writing things down you notice, you have questions about, that stick out to you, and that resonate with you is a wonderful thing to start doing. It may seem trivial, but I am being absolutely serious: invest in quality materials. Bad pens can ruin your Bible, and bad journals can ruin your experience. Employing writing into your Bible reading is a shoe-in win for growing. And no…. writing in your printed Bible is not a sin.
Resource #5: Other people… duh!
I know, I know… but Cooper, I go to church and small group and (insert other Christian gathering time). That’s awesome– seriously. Gathering with other believers is paramount to your growth and obedience as a Christian. But have you ever really given much thought to the idea that gathering with them is one of the best ways to grow and be edified? And I don’t mean just going to get lunch or see a movie. I mean, intentionally reading the Bible with other people is awesome. Deep-diving into some Biblical material with a trusted friend, a spouse, even a coworker can be so great. God blesses those times, and so much can come from those moments. Think of it as a study partner or workout buddy. Doing things that are hard or challenging typically go well with someone else joining us. Growing in our faith should be no different! You know this intuitively. So, seriously… read your Bible with other people!
Final thoughts
I speak from anecdotal experience on these. I certainly am not advocating that you use all of these, all of the time, for all things. The point of our Christian walk is to grow gradually (but consistently) toward maturity. Too often, I speak with people who are praying shallow prayers, infrequently, and dropping their Bible on the floor and reading whatever it lands on. The Bible is sufficient for all things you could ever need. But it is certainly a fine thing to use available resources to understand it. None of these things– nothing at all, really– should replace your Bible. But these considerations, I think, can help you move toward the Father a little easier.
Do you have anything you would add to this list?
Caffeinated Christianity 
W man’s
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