I’ve been thinking about Bible study lately and yesterday’s interview with Elyse Fitzpatrick only reinforced those thoughts. I want to know God’s word. I want to truly understand it, apply it, and properly reference it. The older I get the more eager I am to know God—the only way to know God is to read His word.
What I am learning is in order to understand God’s word I must study it. I am also learning that I can’t do it alone, I need help. But I am a mom of two beautiful babies, a wife, a friend, a church member, a sister, a writer; how can I add anything else to my plate? I believe there are compelling reasons we, as busy moms, should study the Word. But I also sense the tension we feel daily to get everything done. We are just happy when the kids are fed; if they are also dressed that’s a bonus!
But if you are like me and eager to learn more about God’s word I thought I’d compile a very short list of ways to get started that are flexible and not time consuming.
A Study Bible
The best source, if you want to know more about God and His word is through His word. And if you are eager to understand context and history, like I am, I would suggest using a study Bible. I use the ESV Study Bible. The Bible provides the historical details of each book, explanations, reference material, teaching, charts, articles, maps and much more. It’s a Bible and a text book (in my opinion) in one. I have been richly blessed by using this Bible.
Devotionals
Devotionals are useful to help guide you in your Bible study. I have a few that I have most benefited from because the writers are very careful with the text. They also have a desire for the reader to know how to read on their own and therefore their studies are more designed as guides. I would suggest three but I am sure there are many others: Kathleen Nielson has a series of studies. I have read her study on the Book of John. Another writer I have enjoyed is Keri Fulmar (a CBMW contributor!). She has only written one study Joy! A Bible Study on Philippians. For daily study I have also read and benefited from D. A. Carson’s For the Love of God.
Classes
You don’t have to be a seminarian to be a student of the Word. There are free or relatively affordable classes you can take to study. Here’s the good news, they are also flexible and online! You can start and finish whenever you’d like. Be on the lookout for various classes. I’ve noticed Justin Taylor will post classes, lectures and free resources on his blog Between Two Worlds. You can subscribe for daily updates. Many of his posts are theologically rich and may also be used as sources for understanding God’s word on a deeper level. Check out the Charles Simeon Trust Training resources as well. You can watch videos on Bible study on your own presented by biblical scholars.
The key word to all of the above is flexible! You can read, listen, watch, any time you want. I realize that I am only scratching the surface (I think I’ve said that a few times) and probably left some key resources off this list. This is partly intentional—busy moms don’t need to be overwhelmed by long lists.
But I’d love to hear from you, so if you have more resources let us know! Head on over to our twitter page and share your favorite tools. Share at https://twitter.com/CBMWkaris
You, too, can help support the ministry of CBMW. We are a non-profit organization that is fully-funded by individual gifts and ministry partnerships. Your contribution will go directly toward the production of more gospel-centered, church-equipping resources.
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