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My sophomore year of college, shortly after I’d given my life to Christ, was when I truly began reading the Bible for myself. I remember sitting in a bagel shop on campus, a vanilla latte in had and my Bible opened to 1 Peter. As I read I marveled at the beauty of the words Peter wrote but I also became terribly confused.

I poured over the words searching for their meaning. I read the same passage over and over again grasping for understanding. The words and concepts were foreign to me. I had never heard the word “cornerstone” let alone had the ability to comprehend the spiritual depth that Peter was intending.

And then like a ton of bricks it hit me – Jesus was the cornerstone! He was the foundation of my newfound faith. Everything was built on Him. It was as if I had just put on my glasses after a long nights sleep; everything was clear and had purpose.

Reading God’s Word is a critical part to growing as a disciple of Christ. Scripture transforms, comforts, encourages, guides and equips us. But of course we can’t try and comprehend it on our own, we must yield to the Spirit and ask God to illuminate our minds.

That afternoon in the coffee shop was when Scripture truly came alive for me. It was the first time that I really saw and understood the power in God’s word. Since then, I’ve clung to Scripture in many circumstances. It has helped me make decisions, given me comfort and hope when I feel weary, and convicted me of sin that is lingering in my life.

So what does it look like to really read the Bible? How exactly does it go from being “just another book” to the living, breathing Word of God?

Here’s a few quick tips to get you started

1. First, you have to get Christ on the throne. He is the author so wouldn’t you want Him to be guiding your thinking?
2. Start reading. It’s really just that simple. Pick a book of the Bible (don’t do that eyes closed, finger pointed, flip to a random spot thing. God intended his Word to be ordered together certain ways not read in bits and pieces that we pick absentmindedly) and read a chapter at a time. I like to switch between reading a book from the Old Testament and the New Testament.
3. Write down your thoughts, questions and verses that stand out to you. Journaling helps you keep track of what you’re reading and allows you to go back and reflect on what God has taught you.
4. Apply God’s word to your life. Just like it says in James, we can’t simply hear the word we must take the initiative to act in the power of the Holy Spirit. As you are reading ask God “How should I apply this?” and as you begin to recognize His voice, you’ll be able to discern His will. (Sometimes that’s easier than others- for example 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Christ Jesus for you” so obviously God’s will for us is to be thankful in all circumstances)

As you read God’s Word, you will be transformed because you will grow in your knowledge of who God really is, seeing His character revealed. I hope that you will come to adore Scripture like the Psalmist as he says “I rejoice at your word like one who finds a great spoil” (Ps 119:162)

Angi loves Jesus, coffee, baseball and baking cakes. She is a missionary to college students and can't think of anything she'd rather do to serve God. Angi first met the Lord while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa but really understood His love and grace as a freshman in college. Her heart is to invest in college students in the same way that many others invested in her. You can find her blogging over at Stuff Angi Does where she tells stories about Jesus, college students, and life. You can also find her on facebook, twitter, pintrest and instagram.