Bible study essentials

Hey guys,

I have been updating my Bible study routine and collecting new tools that have helped me to grow in my time in God’s word. I want to share my method, tools, and tips with you guys in hopes to inspire you all to find ways to grow your spiritual journey too.

 

Let’s get into my top Bible study tools!

 

Disclosure: This page contains affiliated links which means: that to no added expense to you, I would receive a commission if you click and purchase the item linked. 

Bible Study time

 

1. Illustrated Bible 

 

This Illustrated bible has beautiful colored drawings of scriptures and note space. I use this Bible to simply read and grasp my understanding of what the scriptures are trying to teach me. The company that sells this Bible also has other styles of Bibles to suit everyone’s tastes.

 

2. Study Bible

 

I like to consult this Study Bible for a better understanding and help verse by verse. This study Bible has introductions to the different books of the Bible, answers to who, when and why the book was written and tons of helpful notes that explain each verse to give you a better knowledge of the book and to help with tricky verses. I like this Bible just for that reason; it helps me when I am looking for answers and also to let me know if I am on the right track with interpreting the scriptures.

 

3. Bible highlighters 

 

These Bible highlighters are made specifically for the thin pages of most Bibles. They do not bleed through the pages and are beautiful colors to use. I like to highlight according to my color code, which I will go into more in a few.

 

4. Coloring pencils 

 

I use coloring pencils to write my notes down in my Bible journals. I use the same color code that I use for my highlighters so that it is easier to follow my notes. Currently,  I am using a regular pack of Crayola pencils…

 

5. Scripture journals 

 

I do not own a set of these beautiful Scripture journals yet, but I am planning on getting them very soon! This set has a different cover and individual book for each book of the Bible. I think these journals would be great for recording my study notes since they have a ton of note space in them.

However, they are a bit pricey, so I have a tip for what I do now for my study notes, for anyone who doesn’t want to get these journals. There are printable free versions of the Bible on the internet. I print out whichever book I am currently studying and put it in a binder. This is the printable bible I use.

Notes: The scripture journals I linked are the English standard version of the Bible, and the printable Bible is the new international version. *I usually read the new international version in my first reading of the text, then look at different translations to get a deeper understanding of the scriptures.*

 

6. Commentaries

 

It is always good to include commentary in your Bible study routine. There are a ton of them out there to choose from. I suggest you take your time looking for a good commentary that suits your needs. I am still on the lookout for a good one for myself.

 

 

Church/Sermon

 

1. Rocketbook notepad

 

Like I said in previous posts, I try to avoid using paper when I can. Therefore, I found this cool notepad that I use for my sermon notes. Instead of using a regular book that will either be thrown away once filled up or become clutter on the bookshelf, this notepad has unique pages that work along with the FriXion pens so that you can reuse them over and over again. Once a page is filled, you can erase everything with water and a cloth and start writing again. The best part of it all for me is that I can scan my sermon notes onto my computer for better organization and safe keeping.

2. Bible case 

 

I like to use a case to carry my bible and other material to church or meetings so that I do not lose anything or damage my Bible. There are tons of Bible cases out there with different styles and functions. I am currently using a simple black case…

 

Prayer

 

1. Prayer Journal 

 

I am currently using this Prayer journal to record my prayers. It has a beautiful design on the cover and Bible verses at the bottom of each page. I like to write my prayers down so that I can stay focused. Also, it’s incredible to look back at them to see how God has worked in my life and to see how much I have grown spiritually.

Note:* I know I said I like to avoid paper when I can but I think my prayers are special, so I do not mind using books for them.*

 

2. Abide prayer app/ website

 

I like to use this app to help me with guided meditations and prayers when I am feeling a little confused or do not have the words to pray. It is also great to use on the go, such as; while driving to work or on the plane to get some helpful meditation in our busy lives.

Notes: This app does offer free prayers and mediations along with additional in-depth meditations for the subscription price. I do not pay for this app nor am I being sponsored by them in any way. This app has helped me in my prayer journey, so I wanted to share it with others.

 

Other tools

 

1.  Youversion Bible app 

 

I am sure a lot of you guys already know about this awesome app, but I will share it for those who may not know about it yet. This app gives you the Bible right at your fingertips! They give you tons of Bible versions to choose from and has the option to download them for offline usage. This is great for when you are not around Wi-Fi. Also, they have a bunch of helpful and inspirational Bible studies to follow. I like to use this app when I’m running errands and stuck in long shopping lines or traffic. Instead of carrying a Bible around you can pull out your phone and dive into the word!

 

2. The bible project

 

This group of individuals is making amazing content to teach the story of the Bible to everyone. They have their content in a podcast form and YouTube videos. The podcast is great for people who do not have the time to sit down and watch a detailed video but can still get the lessons from the dialogue. The YouTube videos are so well illustrated that it keeps your attention and gets the point across. The videos are great for young and old alike and are the perfect length!

 

3. Tim Mackie

 

I came across Tim Mackie by watching the Bible project. He is a co-founder of that fantastic organization. I was clicking around one day and came across his sermons and website. I found that he has a podcast named “Exploring my strange Bible,” which has a lot of his sermons and lectures on there and his site has a lot more resources. I enjoy listening to his podcasts while cleaning the house or while driving. He is very informative and easy to understand!

 

4. Women of the Word

 

I have mentioned this book before but thought that it needs to be on this list. Check out my August Favorites post where I go into a little bit more detail of the book.

 

5. The Daily Grace company 

 

This company has a bunch of fascinating Bible studies and other items that represent God. I have never bought from them, but I have been planning on it for some time now. Unfortunately, living on an island makes it a little bit harder to get everything right away. I will be buying some of their studies soon though.  * I am not being sponsored in any way from this company*.

 

6. Bible study color code printable

I have put together a simple color code for anyone looking for guidance on how to make study notes. This is the color code that I use for both highlighting my Bible and for making notes in my scripture journals. It has helped me focus on what I am looking for in words and has enabled me to refer back when reading commentaries and my study Bible.

 

That is all for my Bible study tools and tips. I hope that I have helped or inspired you guys with growing your Bible study time. If you guys have any other suggestions or tools that are worth mentioning, please leave them in the comments below!

 

Until next time,

yasmin rose xoxo