The Bible can be intimidating. 

It contains parables, symbolism, analogies, and language that we do not hear frequently.   Fear not!  There are simple ways to dig into God’s Word and have some fun at the same time.  The following 3 tips are designed to help you simplify and apply the Bible into your daily life.  Grab your Bible and let us dig in. 

#1 A Proverb a Day!   

So many people get stuck with what to read each day.  A straightforward way to get in the Word is by reading one Proverb per day.  The best method to do this is by using the actual date of the month as there are exactly 31 Proverbs in total, so it aligns great.  For example, if the date is July 7^th, then you would read Proverbs 7 that day.  On July 8^th you would go to Proverbs 8 and so on.

Before you ask, “what about the months that don’t have 31 days (about 1 month)”, relax – you have two options.  You can

1. double up on the last day of the month or
2. catch it on the next month with 31 days (about 1 month). 

Either way this is a terrific way to actively get into the Word and build a rhythm that you can stick with.    

The Book of Proverbs is great for growing as a leader.  Each day look for one or two areas that you would like to incorporate in your day.  For instance, on the 27^th of the month consider verse 2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth”.  On that day pay particular attention to how you speak about yourself to others.  If you find yourself starting to be boastful let this Proverb reign you in.  

By digging into the book of Proverbs every day your wisdom will increase.  Multiply these over months/years of your life and you will be in a great position to lead and make a tremendous impact on the Kingdom. 

#2 Start with John 

The gospel of John is the easiest to read and comprehend.  This makes it a fantastic way to get started with simplifying and applying the Bible.  When you start reading replace “Word” with “Jesus” and it will make it easier to comprehend.  John’s gospel reads like a play-by-play story of the journey of Jesus.   

Know that John’s gospel does not cover Jesus’ birth but instead picks up when He is beginning his earthly ministry. It contains seven sign-miracles that you can apply directly to your walk. Focusing on these seven areas is a wonderful way to get started.  Here are those seven sign-miracles:  

1. 2:1-11 Turning water to wine – this points to the joy of eternal life  
2. 4:46-54 Healing the royal official’s son – Highlights the condition of eternal life specifically regarding faith  
3. 5:1-9 Healing the invalid in Bethesda – Shows us the power to live the Christian life   
4. 6:1-14 The feeding of the 5,000 – He provides food for the life  
5. 6:15-21 Walking on the sea – wonderful guidance for the life  
6. 9:1-41 Sight restored – He is the light for the life  
7. 11:1-44 Raising of Lazarus – Proves that He has victory of life over death  

These are a few areas to focus on when working through John.  You will find this an enjoyable gospel full of wisdom and insight into the ministry of Jesus.  Look for the Lion moments as this gospel is chocked full of them.   

#3 Mirror not Binoculars 

Many times, when reading the Bible, we have the idea that it is a story, and we are simply reading to see what happened.  When you take that approach, you are using binoculars and looking across the horizon.  While that is a great approach when reading anything else in life, when it comes to the Bible that strategy is flawed.    

The Bible is the living Word of God.  It is given to us to learn and grow in our own walk.  The only way to truly simplify and apply what He provided is by putting the binoculars down and picking the mirror up.  Every time you read scripture ask yourself “what are you showing me Lord” and put yourself in the narrative.    

From the Old Testament to the New there are always areas in the Word that can be applied to our current circumstances.  While it may not always be abundantly clear, the best approach to using a mirror is by asking the Lord for help.  This means that before you begin reading, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what He wants.  Basically, surrender your personal ambitions and humbly ask God to show you how to use your mirror.   

Simplifying and applying God’s Word is possible when you take a strategic approach.

Applying these three areas to your daily walk will make an impact.   However, nothing beats consistency and intentionality.  If you consistently open the Bible (daily guys) and intentionally take time to see what the Holy Spirit will reveal to you, powerful things will begin to happen.  Get to work and unleash the Lion Within!