If you study your scriptures, how do you keep from falling into a rut when doing so?

Question

I study the scriptures every night. Sometimes I see myself falling into a rut and reading more than studying the scriptures. Sometimes I really study a verse or a paragraph or chapter very intensely. Other times I read through a whole story or section so I can get a general feel of it, instead of getting bogged down in the details. What about you? How do you keep the scriptures fresh?

Answer 1

Getting into a "rut" about studying the Bible is a big warning sign!

"To whom shall I speak and give warning That they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed And they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the LORD has become a reproach to them; They have no delight in it." - Jeremiah 6:10

Reading out of self-discipline is not pleasing to God. You must DELIGHT in it.

"If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction." - Psalm 119:92

If you have to force yourself to study, chances are that you are "religious". If you truly delight in God Himself, you will long to read His word to better appreciate His beauty.

Also, trust no church or organization to interpret Scripture. Be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11;
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11

Answer 2

Use E-Sword. It is a free download.
It has the New King James of the Bible with the Strong's Concordance of the Bible in One.
You'll see a verse, for example 1 John 5:7 (The E-Sword) says "For there are three that bear record in heaven, The Father, The Word,
and The Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit: and these
three are One (1520, strongs concordance, one in the greek is Hice meaning are certainly One Another)."
After every word in a scripture it gives a number, and you put your curser on the number and it gives the meaning of the word in the original Hebrew for the Old Testament and the Greek for the New Testament!!

This way you know for yourself the True meaning of All the words in the Entire
Bible.

Good Question. THANK YOU !!!

Answer 3

Set about your study of The scriptures with a goal in mind. For example: Do you know the theme of th Bible? If so how do the scriptures you are reading Tie in. You may also look for what the Bible really teaches as opposed to the doctrines you have learned for example: Is it okay to use statues and crosses in worship? Is the devil really a red colored creature who is in charge of hell? Consider the intent of each writer.Ask yourself how can what I read help me and others? Sharing what you learn makes the experience more enjoyable.

Answer 4

Studying the Bible does not mean we will get and understand everything we are reading right away.
I cant remember what scripture it was but it said that God will give you knowledge and understanding as he feels you are ready.
I believe if there is something we don't understand then it is not time for us to know or God wants us to recieve the answer another way.
I have the same problem, but I don't let it bog me down I just ask God to show me what he feels I need to know.

Answer 5

Do not get obsesive about it. If you understand what you read...I would say you are doing just fine. Not every good deed has to imply suffering, effort, pain... you can just enjoy and learn... even if you dont know in the moment what is it you are learning.