Fresh Ways to Enjoy Your BibleSample

Let’s Dig In!

The Bible is the most-read book in all the world, yet sadly, it is not often read well. Rather than feeling inspired and energized, we feel confused, disenchanted, or removed. Many get stuck in a rut when approaching the Word. The fact that you are reading this devotional shows that you are sensing a need to take your Bible reading to a new level. Perhaps your time in God’s Word has become routine and dull.

Like many Christians, I have had a varied track record when it comes to enjoying reading the Bible. Some days are exhilarating, while other days are dull and boring. Throughout my theological education and even while I was a pastor, I was certainly committed to reading it regularly, but I often just powered through it to check it off a daily to-do list. For the most part, I was what you would call a passive Bible reader. I was content to focus on the people, places, and events described in the text without too much attention to how the biblical authors were crafting that information beyond historical accuracy. But there’s more!

God’s Word is not only a record of His revelation to humanity but also a literary masterpiece. Within its artistic pages, there are accounts of intrigue, mystery, and valor. There are also tales of disappointment, abandonment, and brokenness. But its enduring message is one of hope, joy, and resurrection. It’s the least boring book in the world!

The strategies described in this study were developed by observing the artful and skillful ways in which authors compose literary texts. Since the Bible is a literary book, it should not be surprising that it contains some of the same devices that great authors implement as they go about their craft. If God has created beauty and structure in the created world around us on both the macro and micro level, it should not surprise us that the same beauty and design are also woven into the revealed Word of God. You will be amazed at the artistry contained within the pages of the Bible and come away dazzled that you have just been in the presence of a literary masterpiece.

Over the next three days, I want to equip you with three strategies for maximizing your reading pleasure of the Bible that will make you marvel at the creative artistry of God’s Word and bring your Scripture reading to life.

Let’s get started!

Digging In:

1. Have you ever thought of the Bible as a literary masterpiece before? How does this impact your view of God’s Word?
2. What have been the biggest barriers you have faced to enjoying the Bible? Why?
3. Spend some time thanking God for the creativity and beauty in His Word and asking Him to use the strategies you learn in the next few days to enhance your Bible reading so that it will never be the same.