by Andy Deane

This Bible study method is almost self-explanatory – but also worth explaining or you might not use it! Personally, I feel that this Bible study method is one of the most exciting—it is also one of the simplest! In short, it consists of choosing a New Testament book and reading it every day for a month. Reading the same book for thirty days will help you develop a deep understanding and familiarity with the text; you will begin to know it better than you ever have before, and will be able to identify and quickly locate passages within the book.

This study method is one that has become a part of my daily life. I usually do my devotions in the morning before the day’s distractions begin. However, I was looking for a Bible study that would help me refocus my thoughts onto the Lord at the end of the day—this study is the perfect fit for me. It has not replaced my devotional life, but it has become a great way to bring my mind back to Him at the end of each day.

Too Much Time and Work

It may sound like a lot of effort to read a whole book of the Bible every day, but is it really? One night when I didn’t feel like I had the strength or time to read the entire book of Ephesians, I decided to time myself in order to see how long it actually does take to read the book. I didn’t do this to show off how fast I can read, (I’m an average reader) I did it to prove to myself that reading a few chapters of Scripture really doesn’t take that much time. I did it to quiet my flesh! What I learned was that it only took me fifteen minutes to read the entire book at a normal pace. It’s hard to justify not having fifteen minutes to devote to reading God’s Word. So, if chapter your flesh is saying it’s too much to read a whole book of the Bible, maybe you should time yourself. I think you will be surprised to discover just how little time it really takes.

How to Do It

For the shorter epistles, reading the whole book in one sitting works great, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid studying the gospels or any of the longer epistles. If you choose to read a longer book, you can simply limit that month’s reading to about seven chapters. The following month, continue reading the next seven chapters. It may take a few months to complete the book this way, but it will be worth the effort.

Does It Get Boring?

This method could become boring, but with a little discipline and variation, your time in God’s Word will be fresh and exciting, every day. Below are a few hints that may help you overcome any feelings of repetition:

• Read the book aloud.
• Read it in different translations and try reading a paraphrase.
• Change locations—read at a coffee shop or while on a walk.
• Listen to the book using an MP3 audio version of the Bible.
• Watch a DVD version of the Bible, which allows you to hear the Scriptures while reading the words on the screen.
• Partner with someone else, and take turns reading the chapters.
• Print out the entire book and mark it up with colored markers.

Use your imagination. Some days I focus on finding my top ten favorite verses in the book. Then I’ll choose a few of them to memorize that month. Other days I’ll read commentaries on one chapter of the book along with my normal reading of the entire book. Sometimes I download messages from my favorite pastors who have taught verse-by-verse through that book, and I read along as I listen. What I’ve found is that when I get excited about being able to familiarize myself with a book of the Bible in just thirty days, I discover a number of creative ways to keep that time in the Word fresh.

Try It This Month

Why not give it a try for one month? I know if you do, you’ll be hooked! It is an exciting way to study the Bible. Believe me—you’ll be recommending this approach to people soon.

Learn more by visiting the book’s official website at http://www.LearnToStudyTheBible.com.

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About the author:

Andy serves as an associate pastor at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge in central New Jersey where he oversees a vibrant junior high ministry. In 2009 he published his first book Learn to Study the Bible: Forty Different Step-By-Step Methods to Help You Discover, Apply and Enjoy God’s Word. His greatest desire is to equip and inspire God’s people to dig into the Scriptures and begin comprehending and applying the richness of His Word into their daily lives.

You can follow him on Twitter at… @andydeane