I was in college, about to get married, when I received a letter from my dad. It was the only letter he had ever written me.
When I picked it up from the mailbox, I immediately knew who it was from. In the letter, my dad gave me fatherly advice about becoming a bride. He reminded me he valued me as his daughter. He shared how he enjoyed spending time with me. He closed the letter by telling me how much he loved me.
More than thirty years later, that letter is one of my most prized possessions. I have read it countless times. I still value the advice in it. And I cherish the hand who wrote it. My dad is no longer with me. But his written words give me a lasting reminder that I am his daughter, and he loves me.
The Bible is like God’s handwritten letter to us. In it, God tells us he loves us. He promises to be our Heavenly Father who never gives up on us. He reminds us we are created in his image so we can learn to mirror his wonderful attributes. Because of this, the Bible is the greatest love letter ever written.
In God’s letter, he comforts us and keeps a record of all our tears. He values us. He equips us. He sent his son for us. The Bible is like a sourcebook for everything we will face. It’s unique because it is written for anyone who reads it.
The Bible says it “is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT). The Bible is an instruction manual about how to live life well. It guides us and keeps us on the right path. It teaches us to make better choices. It encourages us to love well and know that we are loved too.
But even more than teaching us, the Bible points us always to the most breathtaking attribute of God—that he loves us. He gave the biggest sacrifice, his son Jesus, so we could be part of his story. So every time I pick up the Bible and read, I can’t help but think of how my life is so immeasurably more because I am a part of God’s bigger story. So are you.
So you may be asking, “How do I read and understand the Bible and then apply it to my life?” One simple method for reading, learning and applying the Bible is called the ALL Method. The ALL Method, helps you break down a passage of Scripture and allows you to better understand God’s truth for you. Here’s how it works.
Reading the Bible for ALL it’s worth
A-L-L Method
ALL is an acronym for:
A = About Using the word ABOUT, simply ask what this passage or verse about? Ask questions about the facts: Who, What, When, Where, How and Why. (It may not answer all these questions.)
L = Lessons learned Ask yourself what LESSONS do you learn from this passage. What are the truths from the passage?
L = Live Using the word LIVE, ask yourself how am I going to live as a result of reading and studying the verse(s)? How does this apply to my life?
Let’s use John 3:16 as an example.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Ask what this passage is About:
Who is it about: GOD, World, Me
What is it about: Loved
When does this happen: past (Loved, gave) present (believes)
Where is this happening: the world – everywhere
How does it happen: Gave his Son
Why does it happen: So I can be in a relationship with Him forever
What are Key Words used: Believe used 4 times in chapter 3 alone
What is a LESSON(S) do I learn after asking what this passage is about:
Example: God loved me even before I was born.
God loves me individually and personally
God is wants me to be in relationship with Him forever
God values/loves me enough to give his only Son for me.
How will I LIVE today and tomorrow as a result of studying this passage:
Example:
I will believe God and all His promises; especially this one about the Him giving the great sacrifice of His Son so I will be with Him eternally.
Sometimes believing God loves me is the hardest thing to believe. Today, I am going to redirect my thinking by remembering all God’s promises to me.
Susan Campbell’s Biography:
Since the age of nine, Susan has had a wild and wonderful relationship with Jesus. Her involvement in women’s ministries for the past twenty-plus years has allowed her to develop several women’s ministry programs. Susan has trained hundreds of women on leadership, volunteerism, and program development. She is founder of More Than You Imagine Ministries Susan’s desire is to equip women with the tools that help them “do life” as Jesus would. She’s been married to Steve for more than 33 years and describes her grown son, Jack Bart, as “incredible.”
Susan loves the heart of women, coffee, and a good story. Stop by and say “hi” on Facebook at More Than You Imagine Ministries, or learn more about this ministry at www.morethanyouimagine.org.
