Pressure Point: How to Get More Out of the Bible

91% of all households own at least one Bible.
80% of those surveyed named the Bible as the most influential book in human history.
58% believe the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches.
80% say the Bible specifically says that "God helps those who help themselves."
56% say a good person can earn their way into heaven.
12% say that the name of Noah's wife was Joan of Arc.

1. Humbly accept the word .

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

How does this apply to my life?  
What do I need to stop doing or start doing?  
What do I need to start believing or stop believing?  
What does God want me to do about what I just read?

2.  We reflect on what says.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself immediately goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:23-24 

The man who looks intently into the perfect law. James 1:25 

...and continues to do so… James 1:25 

... not forgetting what he has heard. James 1:25 

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 

If any one considers himself religious and does not keep a tight reign on his tongue he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26 

Religion that our God and Father accepts as faultless is this. To look after orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:27 

To keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

How to Get More Out of the Bible

1. Begin with a set time every day where you will get alone time with God. 

2. Make sure you have an easy Bible to read. 

We would recommend the NIV or the NLT translation of the Bible because those are translations of the Bible written in the language of our day.

3. Start in the right place. 

There is a Bible reading plan on the Sagebrush app. We would suggest to read the New Testament to start, feel free to use the plan on the app. 

4. Don't try to read too much too fast. 

Try to read one chapter of the Bible each day. Everyday! It will take you 3-5 minutes to do. Underline the verses that really spoke to you and as you read, ask yourself the following questions about the passage. 

~ Is there something here that I need to stop doing?

~ Is there something here that I need to start doing?

~ Is there something I need to talk to God about or thank God for?