- Read the Bible systematically, which means reading it book by book, all the way through. Although it's easier, randomly picking a different chapter each day will in the long run be a detriment to your understanding of the Scriptures - its easier to read a passage out of context, and its harder to understand the general point of the particular book. A good plan to follow is the M'Cheyne plan. Reading the four chapters a day is a lot, so I cut it in half and read two. As Harvey Newcomb says, "You had better study one verse thoroughly, than to read half a dozen chapters carelessly."
- Read the Bible thoughtfully. What's the point of reading your Bible if you don't come away with something you've learned, or been reminded of? Again, Harvey Newcomb has some helpful suggestions for questions to ask yourself while you read, which I've included at the end of this post.
-Finally, read the Bible prayerfully. Ask God to use the Scriptures to remind you of one of His promises; to prepare you for the rest of the day; to give you a greater knowledge of Himself.
Although there's so much more to be said on the subject, I hope and pray that these three suggestions will bless and help you in reading the most worthy Book ever written.
In reading the Scriptures, there are some subjects of inquiry which you should carry along with you constantly—
1. What do I find here which points to Christ? Unless you keep this before your mind, you will lose half the interest of many parts of the Old Testament; and much of it will appear to be almost without meaning. It is full of types and prophecies relating to Christ, which, by themselves, appear dry, but, when understood, most beautiful and full of instruction.2. The Bible contains a history of the church. Endeavor, then, to learn the state of the church at the time of which you are reading. For the sake of convenience, and a clearer view of the subject, you may divide the history of the church into six periods:
1. From the fall to the flood;
2. From Noah to the giving of the law;
3. From Moses to David and the prophets;
4. From David to the Babylonian captivity;
5. From the captivity to Christ;
6. From Christ to the end of time, which is called the gospel dispensation.
From the commencement you will see a gradual development of God's designs of mercy, and a continually-increasing light. Take notice of what period of the church you are reading; and from this you may judge of the degree of obligation of its members; for this has been increasing with the increase of light, from the fall to the present day; and it will continue to increase to the end of time. Note, also, the various declensions and revivals of religion which have occurred in every period of the church, and endeavor to learn their causes and consequences. By this, you will become familiar with God's method of dealing with his people; from which you may draw practical lessons of caution and encouragement for yourself.
3. Inquire what doctrinal truth is taught, illustrated, or enforced, in the passage you are reading; and also what principle is recognized. Great and important principles of the divine government and of practical duty are often implied in a passage of history which relates to a comparatively unimportant event. Let it be your business to draw out these principles, and apply them to practice. Thus you will be daily increasing your knowledge of the great system of divine truth.
4. Note every promise and every prediction; and observe God's faithfulness in keeping his promises, and fulfilling his prophecies. This will tend to strengthen your faith. You will find it profitable, as you proceed, to take notes of these several matters particularly; and, at the close of every book, review your notes, and sum them up under different heads.
(Taken from the chapter in The Young Lady's Guide entitled "Reading and Studying the Scriptures")
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