By James Melton
Get a King James Bible
Don't waste your time with these modern perversions. They'll only hinder your spiritual growth and understanding. Use the Book that GOD uses. (The New King James Version and the New Scofield Reference Bible are NOT King James Bibles.)
Develop a Regular Reading Habit
Bible study is great, but don't forget to spend some time each day simply reading the Bible. The Christian needs to feel at home in the "Bible environment". By reading it regularly, you'll become familiar with it's vocabulary, it's characters, special memory verses, it's precious promises, valuable lessons, and doctrinal truths. The more familiar you become with God's word the more you'll enjoy it.
Take Your Bible With You
God's word is your spiritual food and your weapon, so why leave home without it? I personally have a few different Bibles that I use for different purposes. I keep one in my truck for reading, one in our family vehicle for personal work, one for street preaching, one in the bedroom for reading, and the rest in the office. This way I avoid having to carry the same one everywhere. There's nothing wrong with carrying the same Bible everywhere, but you will wear it out quickly.
Pray for Wisdom and Understanding
The Author of the Bible is STILL ALIVE, so He can help you understand it (James 1:5; I John 2:27; I Kings 3:5-12). When is the last time you asked the Lord for understanding?
Keep Your Sins Confessed
Keep yourself clean (I John 1:9) so that God can pour His truth into a clean vessel, a vessel that is fit for the Master's use. God is not particularly interested in teaching His word to someone with a wicked heart (Psa. 66:18; Eze. 14:1-9). I believe it was John Bunyan who said that the Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.
Always Believe What You Read
To question God's word is satanic (Gen. 3:1), so don't ever question it. Just believe it by faith. If you can't understand it, then at least believe it.
Make It A Habit to Mark Your Bible
You aren't growing any younger, so your memory isn't growing any better. Start marking your Bible by underlining or circling special words and verses. Write important notes and references in the margins. A few years from now you'll be very glad you did. Just ask anyone who does it.
What should you mark it with? I've tried these special pens that aren't supposed to bleed through the paper, and I personally do not care for them. I use a fine point, black, ball point pen and dry highlight markers. For special notes, I use other color ball points, but they're all fine point and I never press hard. Never use felt tips or roller balls.
Bible Marking pens available here
Start Your Own Library
Get started on those found here
Get a Bible
Such as the amazing commentaries here
Thank God for Everything You Learn
We really are unworthy to sit at the feet of our Saviour and learn, yet He commands us to do so. We should count it an honor and privilege! When you learn a new truth, no matter how small, always THANK Him! (I Ths. 5:18; Rom. 1:21).
Apply What You Learn
James 1:22 tells us to DO the word, not just hear it. A sponge that only soaks up water will become sour! Don't be a sour Christian. God teaches us the word because He desires to use us in His service. He feeds us that we might be healthy and strong to fight His battles. Don't be a draft dodger. Apply what you learn as you learn. Get your basic training and then get on the battlefield!