Just pick it up and read it. Sounds simple enough. Right?

But, grabbing your Bible ten minutes before you fall asleep and reading a few verses. That does not qualify as fruitful study time.

Sure, you’ll be able to say you read something. And, if that was all you wanted to accomplish, then you hit your goal.

But, your Heavenly Father does not want your time in His Word to just be another item to check off of your to-do list.

He wants it to be a time where He can use His Word to renew your mind. Where He can change you into the person He predestined you to be.

So, how do you study the Bible?

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that's How!

"But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)..." - John 16:13 (Amplified)

So, now you have discovered the first of your Bible Study Basics.

Bible Study Basic #1: Never Study Without The Spirit of The Lord!

But what other techniques can help you make your Bible study time bare good spiritual fruit?

Bible Study Basic #2: Don’t be afraid to write in your Bible!

Some people are scared they'll mess up their Bibles. Don't be.

Make notes in the margins of your Bible and highlight passages that touch your heart. This makes it easier to sit down from time to time and revisit the things you’ve learned.

Reading over your notes and revelations regularly is one of the best ways to remind yourself of thing that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as you study.

Bible Study Basic #3: Invest in mini post-it notes and sticky tabs.

Want to leave a larger note right on the page of a specific scripture? Use a mini post-it so that the revelation you received will be there waiting for you next time you flip past.

Instead of using bookmarks, use small sticky tabs to indicate verses you want to come back to or meditate on. This way, you can color code your study topics by using different colored tabs, and even keep track of more scriptures.

Bible Study Basic #4: Select A topic or reason for your Bible study.

Focus your study around something you're interested in, and you'll never forget to study your Bible again!

Find out what God has to say about developing faith or raising godly children? Hunt for all of the wisdom in the Proverbs or pick apart the story of creation in Genesis?

This is the best way to personalize your Bible study experience.

Bible Study Basic #5: Keep a Bible Study notebook.

As you study, write down the things that you learn. You can keep a running list of your favorite scriptures or write down things that God reveals to your heart as you study.

Using your notebook to journal is also key. Journal on specific scriptures, what they mean to you, and how you'll incorporate them into everyday life.

Of course, reading the Word is not the only way to study the Bible. Bible study workbooks and classes can be excellent ways to grow closer to God through His Word.

You can also do your Bible study online. Free online Bible study lessons make God's Word available wherever you are. While everyone else at work is taking a smoke break, take a Word break and shoot over to your favorite Bible study online website!

No matter how you study God's Word, don't forget your #1 Bible Study Basic. Pray before you begin your Bible study sessions and invite the Holy Spirit in to be your guide. That way, your study time will always bare good fruit!

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Ameerah Lewis helps people develop a more intimate relationship with God through free Bible study online courses . To learn 3 more techniques that will make your Bible study time fruitful for the Lord, enroll in her free Bible Study Basics E-course . You'll learn how to use the Bible to truly connect with the heart of God.