I've heard some believers admit they don't have a good relationship with the Word of God. Although there are some various methods to studying the Bible, in reality, no one has to have a "method" to be able to enjoy reading His Word. The most important thing is to have a daily relationship with God and His Word. In other words, fall in the love being in His presence and fall in love with reading His Word every day. Even if it's just one verse or one chapter a day. Read His Word coupled with prayer.
Keep in mind, it's that relationship with the Word of God that leads to abundant life. John writes, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).
There are four verbs that describe a person's possible relationship with God's Word: Read, Study, Memorize, Meditate. Reading is the probably most ideal way for a believer's full relationship with the Word of God. In Revelation 1:3, again John records, "Blessed is he that readeth ...." Reading and studying the Word of God is so vital to the spiritual health of believers. Paul writes to Timothy, "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (I Timothy 4:13).
The second verb is to Study. This discipline is as rewarding as any other involving the Word of God. We are mandated to study the Bible. There's no way we can give a reason of real hope that lies within us without studying the Bible. Peter says, "but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Be sure to study the Word of God and seek out its truths; not your own agenda, motive, or "truth." Don't be a seeker of worldly truth instead ... study and dig deep into His Word. For Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
The third verb is to Memorize. Regarding this verb, the Word of God doesn't state that we are commanded to memorize Scripture; however, David said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11). Committing God's Word to our memory ... in other words ... hiding the Word in our heart is an excellent preventative to sin. It blocks out negative and fearful thoughts and inspires faith that's needed in our lives. By saying Scripture (preferably out loud) over and over, we hammer into our hearts the Word of God and our memory bank. Simply put, memorization allows the Word of God to be carried in our hearts instead of in the hand.
Lastly the fourth verb is to Meditate. Scripture commands us to meditate on the Word of God. Paul states, "... meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all" (1 Timothy 4:15). The Greek meaning for meditate means "to revolve in the mind." When we meditate on the Word of God, it goes around and around ... circling our minds. Meditating originated with Almighty God; don't hesitate to meditate on His Word. This world has perverted the real and true meaning of meditation. Meditating on the Word of God fills our minds and enables us to avoid thinking on carnal, worldly things. In Psalm 119:97, David says, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." When you meditate on the Bible, it guards the door of our minds (the battleground!). The Word of God places holy boundaries against "trespassing" thoughts!
Obedience to and love for God's Word acts as an antidote against deception of all kinds. By reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God, believers are able to protect themselves against deception by the enemy of our souls. By reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating the Word of God, you are applying His Word to your life.
Thanks for reading. God bless.
Pastor Charles Gonzales