I'm a fast reader. I get through two or three book a week, plus many blog posts and articles.
I like to listen to mp3 recordings of talks and presentations at 1.5 to 2.0x speed.
I advocate a strategy of reading through the whole Bible in 30-40 days, in order to see the big picture and study themes.
But I advocate s-l-0-w study of the Bible for most days. Because the Bible is God's living Word to us, we interact with it deeply. Take one verse (or part of a verse) and dwell with it for 20 minutes. Let it wash over you and resonate in your mind the whole day. Make it the basis of your prayers for that day. Feel it in your chest!
That will do more good for you as a disciple and a teacher than reading twenty commentaries. Oh, you might not sound as smart because you can't quote a bunch of other people's thoughts. But your teaching will have more power, because you've been transformed by the living Word.
Slow down. God has work to do on you. Be still.
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2 comments:
Great advice. I approached the Bible as a young Christian intending to gain command of the material. In my later years I have learned to "feel it in my chest." I was startled to read that from anyone else. Though I have thought everyone would benefit from this way of allowing the Word to take command of my literal being.
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