If you want to grow spiritually, you must read the Bible everyday. Or you should listen to the Bible being read. As the Psalmist said,

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).

But how can you get the most profit out of your Bible reading?

There’s a difference between reading it carefully and reading it carelessly. There’s a difference between speed-reading through the pages and meditating on the Word.

Are you reading the Bible seriously, or not?

John Wesley suggested asking the following questions to determine your level of seriousness.

“Am I reading the Bible in a way that brings me in contact with the whole of it?”

“Do I read scripture in large enough portions to see isolated passages in their larger context?”

“Do I use responsible aids to add the insights of others to my own study of God’s word?”

“Do I have any means of marking, noting, and recording my discoveries?”

Aren’t those very practical suggestions?

To paraphrase: First, aim to read the whole of Scripture, not just your favorite parts of it. Second, don’t just read your favorite verses out of context. Third, use good commentaries. Fourth, make notes so you’ll remember later.

At church I have been emphasizing the importance of making notes as an aid to learning. I bought a box of Bibles and notebooks in case someone was missing either.

Wesley understood that good Bible students are made, not born. Has your reading been profitable? What tips would you suggest to get the most out of Scripture?