DAY TWO

Imagine getting a gift that really shows someone knows and loves you deeply. Now, think about a unique gift meant just for you from someone who knows everything about you, needs, and loves you incredibly. This gift is the Bible, a special kind of library you can hold or access on your phone. It’s not just any book; it’s a collection of many books, written over different times and places, yet it all connects to tell one big story about Jesus.

The Bible helps us understand God, live like Jesus, and find guidance for every day. Starting to read it regularly can seem tough if you’re new to it or only know a little. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are free tools to help. Today’s video shows you tools and techniques to break down the Bible’s big story and its books in an easy-to-understand way.

Here’s a simple way to read the Bible: Start with prayer, asking God to help you understand. Then read a passage, observe what’s happening, apply it to your life by thinking about how it can guide your actions and decisions, and end with prayer, asking God to help you live out what you’ve learned. This approach makes the Bible a daily guide for living and loving like Jesus.

MY ACTION STEPS

  • SOAP Method for Devotional Bible Study
    • Scripture: Read the passage at least twice, carefully.
    • Observation: What details stand out to you? Who is speaking, who is in the story, and what are they doing? What is the story about?
    • Application: How can I apply what I’ve learned to my life?
    • Prayer: Close your time by praying and thanking God.
  • 5 Simple Prayer Steps from Day 1:
    • With gratitude, celebrate God.
    • Ask God to reveal His will.
    • Pray for your needs.
    • Confess your sins.
    • Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance today.

TODAY’S READING

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

RESOURCES