STOP SPEED-READING THE SCRIPTURE
STOP SPEED-READING THE SCRIPTURE
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
A Common Mistake
When reading the Bible, many of us focus on how much we can read in a certain period of time—rushing to finish the Bible in a year. While this may seem like an admirable goal, it often leads to speed-reading rather than spiritual understanding.
Key Truth: The Bible Is Not Like Any Other Book
💡 Speed reading can be used for subjects like history, literature, or science, but it cannot be applied to the divine truths of Scripture.
When you read your Bible, the goal should not be about covering pages, chapters, or books—it should be about depth.
What Happens When You Speed-Read the Scriptures?
1️⃣ You Miss the Deeper Meaning
The Bible is spiritually coded and requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fully understand its meaning.
2 Peter 1:21: “Holy men were carried along by the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that comes from God.”
What you read may appear simple, but without the Holy Spirit, the true meaning will remain hidden.
2️⃣ You Focus on the Wrong Things
Quantity of pages read doesn’t matter to God.
What matters is quality: Did you gain understanding? Did you hear God speak to you through His Word?
3️⃣ You Lead Instead of Letting the Holy Spirit Lead
Many times, we rush ahead, trying to read and understand the Bible with our human intelligence, instead of humbly letting the Holy Spirit lead us.
Analogy: When reading history, you’re learning about events. But when reading the Bible, you’re encountering the Holy Spirit—you need Him to guide you.
John 14:26: “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”
How Should You Read the Bible?
1️⃣ Read Slowly, Repeatedly, and Attentively
Don’t rush. Take time to meditate on a verse or passage.
Revisit the same passage multiple times until the Holy Spirit reveals its deeper meaning.
2️⃣ Examine Everything You Read
Approach the Scriptures with humility, asking the Holy Spirit to open your understanding.
Luke 24:45: “Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
Remember, the Bible is not just a book; it is a mirror—as you read it, it reads you.
3️⃣ Be Forgiving and Humble
To understand Scripture, your heart must be free from offense, bitterness, and pride.
Forgiveness creates room for the Holy Spirit to dwell and guide you into all truth.
4️⃣ Let the Holy Spirit Lead
The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of Scripture. You cannot outpace Him.
Prayer is key: Before you read, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Example Prayer:
“Holy Spirit, open my heart to understand Your Word. Speak to me as I read and give me the grace to follow Your leading. Amen.”
Why Is This Approach Important?
1️⃣ The Bible Is a Mirror
James 1:23–25 describes the Word as a mirror that reflects who we are and what we need to change.
When we read it with humility, it reveals the areas of our lives that need God’s touch.
2️⃣ The Scriptures Are Spirit and Life
John 6:63: “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
You need the Holy Spirit to breathe life into the Scriptures, turning them from words on a page into divine truth that transforms your heart.
3️⃣ God’s Word Is a Lamp to Our Feet
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
When you read with understanding, the Word provides direction and guidance for your life.
Practical Tips for Reading the Bible Effectively
1️⃣ Start Small
- Focus on a few verses or a short passage instead of trying to read entire chapters in one sitting.
2️⃣ Meditate on the Word
- Turn the Word over and over in your heart. Ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me through this passage?”
3️⃣ Pray Before, During, and After Reading
- Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and reveal the truth.
4️⃣ Use Other Tools for Deeper Understanding
- Bible commentaries, study guides, and devotionals can help you gain insights, but always depend on the Holy Spirit above all.
5️⃣ Journal What You Learn
- Write down the revelations and lessons the Holy Spirit gives you as you read
A Final Word of Encouragement
Remember: You cannot be faster than the Holy Spirit.
If you try to speed-read, you may miss the treasures hidden within the Word.
Take your time, read with humility, and let the Holy Spirit decode the mysteries of Scripture for you.
A Prayer for Deeper Understanding
🙏 Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Teach me to approach the Bible with humility, patience, and reverence. Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to understand Your truths. Help me to meditate on Your Word daily and live by it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Good Morning
and PROSPER
today
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References
STOP SPEED-READING THE SCRIPTURE
Published by SpiritWorshipGen – A Generation of Spiritual Worshippers