Creative Bible Study

The study of God's Word is especially important to our spiritual growth (2 Timothy 2:15). We should always be looking for ways to to add meaning to our quiet time and Bible study, ways to "dwell" on God's Word throughout our day (Colossians 3:16).

Ever since I became a Christian, I've done small pencil drawings in the margins of my Bible. I don't write over the text, but I've found it helpful to put notes, symbols💙and small drawings in the margins to help remember certain concepts.

In the last few years, creative Bible journaling has become very popular, and many publishers are selling Bibles with extra large margins where it's easy to "draw" meaning from the text using notes, illustrations, and symbols.

Creative Bible journaling isn't for everyone, but it's an example of something that can improve our understanding and retention of God's Word.

3 Other things that can help make our Bible study more meaningful:

1. Regularity and Repetition. See A Trick to Improve your Quiet Time Habit.

2. Adding something new to your quiet time. See Spice up your Quiet Time. 

3. Memorization. See Filling our Minds with Life. 

Take some time today to pray about ways you might enhance your time in God's Word. It's important to your spiritual health!

If you are a subscriber or if you would like to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes, I'll be glad to send you the e-booklet "10 Days to a More Meaningful Quiet Time." Find out more HERE.

If you think creative journaling might be something you'd like, scroll down for more info and examples from my creative journals.

Notes on Creative Journaling: 

1. You don't need a special Bible. You can simply use a journal or a notebook. You don't need to be an artist. It's not about artistic skill; it's simply a tool for studying Scripture. If you want ideas to copy or trace, check out my Pinterest Board: Jesus Journaling.

2. If you'd like some examples of how creative journaling helps me study passages, please see:

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (Tearing Down Strongholds)

Ephesians 3:17 (Rooted in Love)

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (Good Soldiers)

Psalm 26:2 (Examine my Heart) 

3. There are some people who consider it improper to write in a Bible, and they should follow their conscience. The Words of God are holy, but the ink and paper on which they're written is simply ink and paper. There is nothing disrespectful about illustrating passages.

4. Several years ago, I started a creative Bible journaling group on Facebook called Jesus Journaling. When my Bible Love Note's duties increased, my good friend Judith took the group (for women only). She shares great ideas in the group and on her blog.