I bought my first Bible for my 31st birthday last week. Okay, not my first Bible ever, but the first Bible that I purchased for myself. Kind of crazy sounding, but I'm certain it will become my new favorite Bible. I've been using the same one for about thirteen years. The Bible before that I received on my 6th birthday. I have them all and it is quite hilarious to see some of the things I have written in my childhood Bible.
For a long time I tried to avoid writing in my Bible (the one I got for my 18th birthday). I kept journals through the years with countless pages of Bible studies I've done. I have a box of journals that on occasion I must pull out to remember what God spoke to me back then. I really love that Bible. It is the Women of Faith Study Bible, NIV.
Four years ago I decided to start writing in my Bible. It is marked with prayers for every member of my family. Philippians 4 is marked from top to bottom with prayer requests, some answered and some still unanswered. I must admit, once I decided to start marking things up, my prayer life shifted. I've always been one to write and rewrite scriptures. Marking in the Bible, adding tabs, and writing personal insights has created a more exciting and easier study and prayer life.
This month I've now added a new favorite Bible to the mix. I purchased a single column journaling Bible, the English Standard Version. I'm excited to begin a new phase as I continue on my personal relationship with Jesus. My note taking and marking should be more legible with lines. It is a Bible I'll hold onto forever. Each of my favorite Bibles are like looking at a piece me, for His Word is like a secret treasure written upon my heart (Psalms 119:11).
How do you study the Word? Do you mark in your Bible or in a journal? I'd love to hear your study preference.
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