Learning to Lean on the Holy Spirit

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A Modern Girl’s Guide to Bible Study
Ch. 3: Learning to Lean on the Holy Spirit (Pg. 39-51)
Ch. 4: Every Mess Can Be Organized (Pg. 53-76)

I have always wanted to read through the Bible.  However, once I get to Leviticus it all starts just flying over my head, and I quickly become bored.  I feel guilty, and then I pray that I am not the only person that has NO IDEA how to read the Bible, and get out of it anything worth remembering.

Just recently, I have developed a love and desire to read the Bible.  This came to me when my perception of the Bible and its words changed from being a rule book I couldn’t follow, to a history of who we are.

This shift in perspective allowed me to realize that God isn’t using these words as a law to follow, or as a way to confuse us with the differences between the Old and New Testaments.  Quite the contrary, these words are here to show us our history and that God is wanting to be in a relationship with us at all times.

He desires us. When we realize this, it becomes easier to invite the Holy Spirit to reveal understanding to us.  We cannot dissect and understand Scripture without our Helper.

I love all of Jen’s wonderful tips and tricks she gives to help aid us on our journey to reading and understanding Scripture.

Helpful Tips For Reading the Bible

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-18

• The Holy Spirit is our helper, who teaches, inspires, grants understanding, and carries us to completion.
• It is important to not go into reading the Bible and expect to get understanding on our own terms.  Listen for the Helper to guide you.
• Have a talk with Him about your frustrations and invite Him to meet you in the Word.
• Remember that it takes practice to get “good” at recognizing the Spirit’s gently whispers.
• Growing in the Word with the Holy Spirit takes work.
• Constant use of the Word creates a hunger for more.

Usually, when I read the Bible, I get bored and I don’t know what to do with what I just read.

About two months ago I started journaling while reading the Bible.  This is a way for me to respond to the words God has given to me through Scripture.  Audibly communicating with God is kind of out of my comfort zone, so it feels more authentic for me to write.  I have always been a writer of my thoughts and this allows me to have something to look back on and see how God has worked on me and through me.

This may not be your preferred way of communication, but it may be worthwhile for you to explore.

• Journaling Reflection
  • This is a great way to be able to respond to God while we are reading.
  • It helps to retain and process Scripture.
  • Includes questions, frustration, struggles, and doubts.
• Choose a section of Scripture to read from start to finish.
  • This protects Scripture from fragmentation.
  • You will begin to understand the passage in the way it was written.
  • There are usually bold headers within the chapters that can help you easily break Scripture into sections.

One of the great pieces of information Jen shares with us is how to read the Bible chronologically.  I never would have known where to start to determine when each book of the Bible took place, or noticed which books took place at the same time.  We are so used to reading a book from front to back, that the Bible seems to stump us.  On pages 63-65 Jen lays out a map of the Bible to help us in our journey.

• Take your time and read little sections at a time.
  • Read less Scripture at a time so you can spend more time focused on that small section and develop a better understanding and focus.
• Find accountability
  • Find someone you highly respect Spiritually to hold you accountable for reading. Finding this kind of accountability partner is very similar to having one for fitness; a friend or spiritual mentor who will help push you towards your goal and support you when you want to give up.
  • This can be done via phone call, text, email, or regular coffee dates. There is no right or wrong way to go about this kind of relationship.

Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be feared.  We can all enjoy and learn from it no matter what level of your faith journey you are on.  I love the tips that Jen shares in chapters three and four.  They are simple to implement once we set intentional time to do them.

Weekly Challenge

I encourage you to set aside 30 minutes before bed, your child’s nap time, a lunch break, or on the way to work listening to or reading roughly ten verses.  Then take time to journal your response.  Don’t forget to invite the Holy Spirit into your reading and to help teach you and bring understanding through the Scripture.

It’s exciting, this journey, and we’d love to celebrate your accomplishments with you!  Share them with us using the hashtags #intentionalfilling and #moderngirlbiblestudy

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Join the Discussion

Take a few minutes this week to comment, letting us know how you would answer the questions below.

Questions for Learning to Lean on the Holy Spirit – A Modern Girl’s Guide to Bible Study

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This is a great opportunity for you to personally consider how the foundation of your faith was shaped, as well as what has impacted you from the reading.

Weekly In The Know – Week 2 – A Modern Girl’s Guide to Bible Study

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