10 Bible-Reading Must Haves to Peacefully Enjoy God’s Word
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If you know me, you know I'm all about a simple Bible-reading routine. I don't want to get bogged down with too many Bible reading must-haves or trying to find the perfect plan for beginners or the perfect Bible study tools. I don’t want to limit my time with God by searching for the perfect Pinterest bible aesthetic. I'm a toddler mom. I don't have aesthetic early morning quiet times anymore. Some days, my Bible time looks less like a gourmet dinner and more like the snacks I grab off my toddler’s plate, but it all counts! It's important to get in our time with God whether we have hours to spend or a few minutes listening to the audio Bible in the car.
I'm sharing my list of Bible must-haves, but please don't let the name deceive you. You don't need any of these items to connect with God. All you need is a thrifted Bible or the app on your phone. Consider these items more like “nice to haves.” These items could guide you on your journey or make it a little bit smoother, but if you show up to meet with God without highlighters and a devotional book, you're not doing it wrong.
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A Simple Hard Copy Bible
I like having a good inexpensive hard copy Bible that I can read and mark up and enjoy. Actually, I like having a few of these around so I can keep one in the car, one in the diaper bag and one near the couch. I like having Bibles everywhere I could possibly have downtime so I can easily grab one when opportunity strikes.
My favorite Bible is inexpensive and lightweight made by Crossway. They come in all sorts of colors, but I like having a simple black one.
The She Reads Truth Bible
If you’re looking for a more aesthetic Bible-reading experience, you will love the She Reads Truth Bible. Each book has a beautiful cover, and it includes more in-depth study notes and devotionals. I ended up giving mine away because I found the size made it inconvenient to carry around, and I never actually opened it up. Protip: the best Bible is the one you actually read whatever that ends up being for you!
The YouVersion Bible App
I like to make the Bible the easiest thing to turn to when I have a moment of downtime. This means if I'm opening up my phone, I want to have the Bible more readily accessible than Instagram or Pinterest. I love the YouVersion app for daily Bible verse notifications, quick and easy study plans, or quickly pulling up a verse in a waiting room or when it comes up in conversation with someone.
Streetlights Audio Bible
Another way I easily access the Bible on my phone is with an audio Bible app. I love throwing on Proverbs or John in the car or listening to whatever I've been reading at home or at church to help reinforce what I've been learning.
The Jesus Storybook Bible for Kids
Though this isn't technically scripture, we read the Jesus Storybook Bible daily. Sometimes reading a childlike perspective on Bible stories I've heard my whole life allows God to reach me in a new way or reveal something new. I love that this is an engaging way to introduce my toddlers to the story of Jesus.
Bible Highlighters
Again, It's not necessary to create an aesthetic Bible reading routine. But I find having highlighters nearby can be helpful! These highlighters come in a wide variety of colours and don't bleed through the page. Instead of using the whole pack, I like to pick just a few that go together to keep things looking a little bit more cohesive.
get it on Amazon.ca | get it on Amazon.com
Bible Reading Tracker (Free Printable)
As a toddler mom, I'm often frustrated by Bible reading plans or trackers that are overly structured and time-bound. I created the exact Bible reading tracker I was looking for to be able to track my progress no matter what order I read in and no matter how long goes by in between reading. This Bible reading tracker is a free printable! Just add your email below and I will email you the PDF download.
My Utmost for His Highest Devotional
If you like to have a devotional book nearby to guide your reading, this one is short, sweet and straight to the point. Though it was first published in 1935, I find many of the truths in this book still relatable today. It is very “meaty” compared to some of the more fluffy modern-day devotionals I’ve read.
get it on Amazon.ca | get it on Amazon.com
Armor of God Study by Priscilla Shirer
When I'm in a season with more consistent routines and consistent blocks of time to spend in God's word I love to choose a more in-depth study to guide me. A few years ago I did the Armor of God study by Priscilla Shirer and I was incredibly blessed by it! This study reshaped my view on each element of the armour of God and added some structure to my time spent in God's word.
Journal or Notebook for Bible Study Notes
I love to keep a record of what God is teaching me. Again, this one fluctuates depending on the season of motherhood I'm in. If I have time, I love journaling my prayers. I find this helps me process as I pray and it gives me a record to look back on. I like to do this on my computer using Google Docs.
I hope you found this list helpful and inspiring as you compile your own Bible study tools! Remember, none of these Bible reading must-haves are going to make or break your time with God. It's more important for you to show up with a willing heart then with perfectly color-coded highlighters and Bible tabs. What did I miss? What do you like to have nearby as you spend time in God's word?
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