The Bible Recap: Prep Episode 4 - Preparing to Read the Bible

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble

In the fourth preparation episode of The Bible Recap, host Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into practical strategies for effectively reading the Bible. This comprehensive guide is designed to help listeners establish a meaningful and sustainable Bible-reading habit. Tara-Leigh shares her personal experiences, offers actionable tips, and emphasizes the importance of mindset in cultivating a deep relationship with God through Scripture.

1. Establishing the Right Time

Tara-Leigh begins by addressing the crucial aspect of timing in Bible reading. She underscores the importance of scheduling dedicated time for engaging with Scripture to ensure consistency and respect for the practice.

• Setting a Schedule:
  "Set a time for it. Put it in your calendar so you treat it with respect." [00:02]

• Personal Experience:
  Initially, Tara-Leigh preferred reading at night, believing it was convenient. However, she found this approach ineffective as distractions like social media and emails diminished her retention and impact.
  "I'd rush through it half focused while my mind went back to whatever had happened that day... It wasn't impacting my thoughts or the way I lived." [00:02]

• Shift to Morning Reading:
  Determined to improve, she experimented with reading in the morning. This shift led to more fruitful interactions with the Word, highlighting the benefits of early-day Bible study.
  "I started to see how fruitful it was, and since I'm a results-driven person, that was enough to make me want to build my schedule around that change." [00:02]

• Encouragement for Listeners:
  Tara-Leigh advises listeners to find the time that best fits their lives, emphasizing that even if dedicated time feels challenging, any effort is beneficial.
  "If it's been no time, then anytime will be better. There's no shame in the nighttime quiet time game, but if there is any way at all that your time can be within the first hour or so of waking up, all the better." [00:02]

2. Choosing the Right Location

The next focus is on selecting a consistent and conducive environment for Bible reading. Tara-Leigh emphasizes the necessity of finding a space where one can be alone with God, minimizing distractions.

• Personal Sanctuary:
  Suggesting that listeners create a specific spot for Bible reading, Tara-Leigh shares examples from her own life.
  "Even if it's the floor of your closet underneath the winter coats... maybe it's when the kids are down for a nap, right before you crash too." [00:02]

• Acknowledging Diverse Situations:
  Understanding that listeners' circumstances vary, especially for parents with young children, she offers flexibility while encouraging prioritization.
  "We're all in different spots, so there's no shame in this either. You just do the best you can and know that it's huge that you're prioritizing this in your life." [00:02]

3. Developing a Consistent Process

Tara-Leigh outlines her personal Bible-reading routine, providing a step-by-step approach that listeners can adapt to their own lives.

• Utilizing Technology:
  She leverages the Bible app by placing it prominently on her phone and setting up daily notifications to ensure she doesn't miss her reading time.
  "I have the Bible app on the home screen of my phone... I set up a notification in the app itself that reminds me every morning to read my Bible." [00:02]

• Morning Engagement:
  Upon waking, Tara-Leigh listens to the day's readings aloud while performing morning routines, integrating Scripture into her daily life from the outset.
  "I push the Play button to have the app read that day's chapters to me aloud. That's my rule. I want God's words in my ears before my feet are on the floor." [00:02]

• Physical Reading and Journaling:
  After listening, she reads the same chapters with her eyes, takes notes, and journals insights or questions, fostering deeper understanding and reflection.
  "When I sit down with my Bible, I read those same chapters with my eyes that I just finished reading with my ears... I ask God questions about what I'm reading." [00:02]

• Maintaining Simplicity:
  Tara-Leigh advises keeping materials minimal—only a Bible, journal, pen, and coffee are necessary for effective study.
  "I only take my Bible, my journal, and my pen, and my coffee. If you want to get fancy with highlighters, you totally can, but you don't need anything other than the basics." [00:02]

4. Cultivating the Right Mindset

Perhaps the most profound segment focuses on the mental and emotional approach to Bible reading. Tara-Leigh encourages treating time with God as a valued relationship, akin to any significant interpersonal connection.

• Relational Approach:
  "Treat it like other relationships, for most of us, this is not a downgrade, but an upgrade from the way we've been treating him." [00:02]

• John Piper's Insight:
  Drawing inspiration from theologian John Piper, she shares his analogy of treating time with God like a scheduled meeting with a person.
  "John Piper said that he treats his time with God like he'd treat a meeting with any other person. If he's reading the Bible and someone rings his doorbell, he asks God for permission to be excused." [00:02]

• Engaging with Scripture:
  Tara-Leigh emphasizes the importance of active engagement, such as asking questions, taking notes, and seeking deeper understanding.
  "When something stands out to you as really awesome or encouraging, take note about it in your journal... If you're confused about something you read, write down a question about it in your journal." [00:02]

• Continuous Learning:
  She highlights the dynamic nature of Scripture, ensuring that even multiple readings can reveal new insights.
  "I've now made 10 plus trips through the Bible and I still expect to learn new things about God that I've never seen before every single day." [00:02]

5. Practical Tools and Resources

Tara-Leigh provides listeners with additional resources to aid their Bible-reading journey.

• Bible Translation Tips:
  She recommends using the Bible app to compare translations and encourages obtaining a printed Bible for constant visibility.
  "If you don't have any idea which translation you want to read, you can use the Bible app to compare and contrast readability... I strongly encourage you to get a print Bible." [00:02]

• Journaling and Research:
  The host suggests dedicating time for research, particularly during the Sabbath, and teases an upcoming exclusive episode on effective Bible study techniques.
  "We'll be releasing an exclusive episode for our Recaptains in January with more info on how to actually study the Bible instead of just read it." [00:02]

6. Encouragement and Community Building

In her concluding remarks, Tara-Leigh motivates listeners to commit to their Bible-reading plans and engage with the community.

• Invitation to Subscribe and Support:
  She encourages subscribing to The Bible Recap and joining the Recaptains, a support community that offers additional content and benefits.
  "Join the Recaptains... They get access to more TBR content based on their support tier... To learn more about joining the Recaptions, go to our website thebiblerecap.com or click the link in the Show Notes." [00:02]

• Vision for Personal Growth:
  Tara-Leigh expresses her belief that this year will be transformative for listeners, fostering a deeper trust and intimacy with God.
  "I believe you're going to learn things about God that you'll be shocked you never knew... your intimacy with him and your relationship with him is going to be so deep and rich." [00:02]

• Partnership with Dwell Audio Bible App:
  She announces a partnership that integrates daily recaps into the Dwell Audio Bible app, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
  "We've partnered with the Dwell Audio Bible app to bring my daily Recaps right into their app... get a free 7 day trial or click the link in the Show Notes." [00:02]

Key Takeaways

1. Consistency is Key: Establish a regular time and place for Bible reading to build and maintain the habit.
2. Personalize Your Routine: Adapt your reading process to what works best for you, whether auditory, visual, or a combination.
3. Prioritize Your Relationship with God: Approach Bible reading as a vital relationship, engaging deeply and thoughtfully.
4. Utilize Resources: Leverage tools like Bible apps and journals to enhance understanding and retention.
5. Engage with Community: Support and be supported by a community committed to growing in Scripture.

By following Tara-Leigh Cobble's insightful guidance in this preparatory episode, listeners are equipped to embark on a fulfilling and transformative Bible-reading journey.