by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

When we want to write Scripture-based content, we have an adventure waiting for us—to be readers of Scripture. In order to write the best possible messages for our readers, first we have to take in the message. To understand it, know it, and live it. Then to learn from God how to present our message whether we’re writing a blog post or a book. To know what Scripture is saying and how it applies to life today. That takes time.

And it’s time well spent. When we abide in God’s Word and let it abide in us, “good” happens:

• We find light for our path (Psalm 119:105).
• We find a treasure that brings us joy (Psalm 119:162, Jeremiah 15:16).
• We find strategies for refusing sin and its influence (Psalm 119:11, 133).

• We gain comfort in affliction (Psalm 119:50).
• We gain hope of victory (Psalm 119:81).
• We gain success, God-given and God-sustained (Joshua 1:8).

• We build a life, with God’s help, that survives the storms (Matthew 7:24-25).
• We learn what to pray for, and we receive God’s answers (John 15:7).
• We understand the kind of character God wants us to have and we’re ready to make a difference in His name (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I’ve seen the transformation in my own heart—more godliness, more peace, more joy, more soundness. I can attest that the benefits are endless, like knowing what God wants us to do and depending on Him for it. Answered questions. Healed hurts. Renewed zeal. With every blog post and chapter we write, we become better. Stronger. More trustworthy. We can make more of a difference in His name because we think more like He does, we love what He loves, and we choose to follow Him regardless of the obstacles.

As we study Scripture, we grow in understanding and become prepared to write about our topic and Bible passages from the inside out. We know what Scripture means and how it’s relevant, at least for the current writing project.

How to Make the Most of Your Study Time

So how can we get the most out of studying Scripture and maximize the time we spend?

Pick a topic or passage you would love to write about.

We study and write with our best ability when we care about our topic. Unless your current writing project is an assignment from a publisher, pick a topic you’re passionate about, and it will be harder to run out of zeal and “go get ‘em.”

Some people tell us that everyone’s attention span is shorter today, and that we need to keep our message simple and quick. But how about playing video games? Or watching a gripping movie? We still pay attention if we are motivated. We give time to what we love and enjoy. So pick a subject or Bible passage that resonates with you and your audience.

Use resources that have depth, special insights, and sound doctrine.

Streamline your study time by using high quality resources that give you meaningful insights. My go-to Bible study tool is Online Bible. (The name indicates that it is not a printed book; it is used on a computer or other device. You don’t have to be online to use it, but they named it that before the internet was a thing.) An affordable computer software and mobile app, Online Bible contains my favorite source of definitions that always help me to understand Scripture better. When the time comes, it also includes commentaries. While I may not use every commentary the program has, I have learned which ones enhance my understanding and are likely to give me quotable insights for my writing. What is your go-to resource for insights?

God is the best Teacher and “commentator.” I love to write down insights I find when I study something with God leading me, and then I pray through the application I’ve discovered. Often, praying through a passage gives me extra insights I’ll want to share in my writing in some way.

Keep your main idea in mind.

What is the main idea for a blog post, article, or chapter you want to write? Instead of writing down every insight I see about a Bible verse, I record enough insights that help me to understand the meaning, context, and relevance of a passage; and I jot down ideas for writing my message. If I see a cool definition but it’s not related to my main point, I write it in a different place.

Keep your main idea in mind by turning it into a complete thought. Give it a subject and verb, and write it (or type it) at the top of your page. As you study, you can look back at the main idea often to remember where your writing is headed and what you need to include or leave out in your notes.

What strategies do you use to make the most of studying Scripture? Share those in the comments, and happy studying!

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations. Her writers’ newsletter called The Lighthouse Connection shares writing tips, inspiration to write, and news of submission opportunities. Katy is also the co-director of the Enrich Conference for Bible study writers, speakers, and teachers.

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, draw flowers and landscapes in her sketchbook, and do yard work in the morning sun. Connect with her at www.lighthousebiblestudies.com