It may sound like an elementary act, but don’t forget that the Bible is God’s Word to us. Therefore, ask Him to speak to you through His Word. Ask Him to give you eyes to see, a mind to understand, and a willing heart to respond in obedience to what He is calling you to do.

Make a habit to spend time daily reading God's Word, and if you get stuck on something you read, try reading it in a few different translations (such as the CSB, ESV, NIV, NLT). As you read, remember the goal in reading Scripture is not simply to get through the Bible, but to allow the Bible to get into you. Let it penetrate your thoughts, emotions, and actions. That’s the reason why this next step is so important.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on what you’re learning from God’s Word by asking eight simple questions:

Four Questions To Understand What You’ve Read:

• What do we learn about God?
• What do we learn about people?
• What do we learn about relating to God?
• What do we learn about relating to others?

Four Questions To Apply What You’ve Read:

• What does God want me to understand?
• What does God want me to believe?
• What does God want me to desire?
• What does God want me to do?