Becoming people of the Book is vital. Our hunger for the Word is key to our spiritual growth.

As I talk about this over and over (and over and over), there are some key things that I have found helpful over the years as I have developed a hunger for the Word of God.

1. A good translation.

For me, it’s several good translations. (I’m an addict. I’ve confessed it several times.)

Get a good translation you enjoy reading. The Bible shouldn’t be difficult to understand as you read.

My suggestions would be Today’s NIV for a decent translation that is not so literal it’s difficult to read. On the more literal side of translations, I would suggest the English Standard Version (ESV), the New American Standard Updated (NASB), or the New Revised Standard (NRSV).

For even more readable translations, there is the New Living Translation (NLT) and Contemporary English Version (CEV).

I like using a couple of different translations because I can compare how things are worded in English.

2. Avoid study Bibles.

Honestly. There are so many study Bible versions it has, in my opinion, crippled our ability to be people of the Book. We rely too much on other people’s notes. We need to learn how to dig in and do the work ourselves.

3. Take notes.

Take notes IN your Bible (if you’re comfortable with that). One area publishers should pay more attention to is putting out WIDE MARGIN Bibles so people can take notes in their Bibles.

Take notes outside your Bible. Find a system that is comfortable for you. There are online study Bibles that allow for taking notes right next to the verse. There are free software programs that allow for study and taking notes.

I still am addicted to pen and ink. I use legal pad and pen. I have also started using composition notebooks. My current study on Psalm 119 is in my second notebook now.

Have a way to be able to take notes on what you read. Make it easy to do. The more complicated it is, the less likely you will take notes.

Take notes on messages. If you are in my church, do it for my ego! Just kidding.

Whenever I am listening to another preacher, I am taking notes. I want to capture what is relevant and helpful. I try to always carry a small journal with me so I can do this efficiently.

4. Read systematically.

Find a way to keep working your way through the Word. Begin with the Gospel of Mark. Read it and take notes. Ask questions. Find ways to research for answers. DIG IN.

There are seasons where I will pray through the Scriptures, so I will begin with a Gospel and read it prayerfully. As I am prompted by the Spirit, I will stop and observe through notes or pray. I will often write down my prayers.

There are seasons I follow readings from the Lectionary. During Lent I follow reading guides that give me daily readings to reflect on the season.

5. Don’t be afraid to repeat something!

It takes time. I have told this story before, but a few years ago I was studying Acts. When I completed the study I prayed about where to go next. The Spirit spoke to me and said, “Do Acts again.”

I said, “I just did that.”

He said, “You didn’t get it. Do it again.”

Ouch.

I did it again. When I got to Acts 10 I fully understood what the Spirit was saying to me and it changed my life.

Get over the “been there, done that” syndrome. This is a lifelong journey that is RICH and wonderful!

Let me know how else I can help with resources to make reading and studying the Word more accessible in your life.