Beyond the Devotional: 5 Ways to Go Deeper in Your Bible Study

Devotionals are like spiritual snacks

They’re quick, convenient, and often uplifting—but they weren’t meant to replace a full meal. If your walk with God feels stagnant or surface-level, it might be time to move from nibbling to dining on the richness of Scripture

This post is for the woman who wants more than a 5-minute feel-good moment—you want depth, direction, and transformation. Let’s explore five practical ways to deepen your Bible study time so that the Word becomes a well you draw from daily, not just a box you check.

Let’s be real for a minute.

Most of us didn’t grow up being taught how to study the Bible. We were told to read it. Love it. Live by it. But when it came to how to actually understand it for ourselves? That part often got skipped.

So what happens? You open your Bible, flip to a page, try to make sense of what you’re reading… and then you close it feeling a little discouraged because it just didn’t hit like you hoped.

Sis, I get it.

If you’re here, you probably want to study the Bible deeply—but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by complicated methods, heavy theology, or a checklist that leaves your heart dry.

You want to grow. You want to know what the Word says and why it says it. You want to hear from God—not just hear about Him.

That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

This blog is your beginner-friendly, grace-filled, practical guide for studying the Bible in a way that’s Spirit-led, do-able, and actually life-changing. Not just for information—but for transformation.

First Things First: Why Bible Study Matter?

Reading the Bible is one thing. But studying it? That’s where transformation begins.

Here’s what happens when you start studying the Word intentionally:

• You develop spiritual discernment instead of depending on others to interpret for you.

• You grow in confidence because you’re actually engaging with Scripture—not just skimming it.

• You start to hear God more clearly because you’re getting familiar with His voice and His character.

Bible study is about relationship, not religious routine. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present. And the good news? You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to start.

Step 1: Start with the Right Posture

Before you pick up your pen or open your Bible app, pause.

Ask yourself: Why am I studying today?

If the answer is guilt, pressure, or performance, sis—pause and shift.

The goal of Bible study is to know God, not just check off a spiritual box. Approach the Word with:

• Curiosity – God, what do You want to show me?

• Humility – I don’t know it all, but I’m here to learn.

• Surrender – Whatever You reveal, I want to respond.

Pro Tip: Before you begin, pray this simple prayer:
"Lord, open my heart and mind. Speak to me through Your Word. Help me understand what You want me to see today."

Step 2: Use a Simple Bible Study Method (That Works)

Okay, so let’s talk how to study.

This is where a lot of beginner Bible study guides get overly complicated, which leads to frustration and giving up. But listen—you don’t need a seminary degree to go deep. You need a method that works for real life.

That’s why I created the F.I.R.E. Method—a simple, Spirit-led study framework that helps you understand Scripture and apply it, without getting overwhelmed.

🔥 The F.I.R.E. Method:

F – Focus
Pick a short passage (a few verses). Don’t feel pressured to read a whole chapter. Read it slowly, more than once. Let the words settle.

Ask:

• What is the main idea?

• What words or phrases stand out to me?

I – Investigate
This is where we dig in a little. You’re not just reading—you’re studying. Ask:

• Who wrote this and who were they writing to?

• What’s happening historically or culturally?

• Are there any key words to look up in Hebrew or Greek?

• What’s the context before and after this passage?

R – Reflect
Bring it into your heart. Ask:

• What does this passage show me about God?

• Is there a promise to hold onto?

• Is there a sin to confess or a truth to believe?

E – Engage
Now, take it from head to heart to hands.

Ask:

• What is God calling me to do with this truth?

• How can I live this out today?

And pray it out. Let this be a moment of worship, repentance, or rededication.

Step 3: Choose A Study Guide That Supports Your Growth

One of the easiest ways to stay consistent and grow in confidence is by using a Bible study guide for beginners that does the heavy lifting for you—giving you structure, Scripture prompts, reflection questions, and study support.

That’s exactly why I created Rooted & Ready and From Study to Surrender.

🌱 Rooted & Ready (FREE 5-Day Starter Guide)

If you’re just starting out and need a guided on-ramp into deeper study—this is it.
It walks you through the F.I.R.E. Method over five days with handpicked passages, journal prompts, and room to process what you’re learning.

Perfect if you:

• Want to stop feeling stuck or unsure of where to start

• Need simple steps and space to grow your consistency

• Are craving a fresh, focused connection with God through His Word

👉🏽 Click here to grab your free guide now

From Study to Surrender (60-Day Deep Dive)

When you're ready to go all in, this is your next step.

From Study to Surrender is a full 60-day Bible study journey through the Gospel of John—designed to help you study deeply, reflect honestly, and walk boldly in obedience.

Includes:

• Daily guided studies using the F.I.R.E. Method

• Word study tools, cultural context, and historical notes

• Space for surrender, reflection, and real application

👉🏽 Start the full 60-day journey here

Step 4: Don't Just Study, Journal and Track Your Growth

Taking Bible study notes is a game-changer.

Why?

• It slows you down and helps you process what you’re reading.

• It gives you something to look back on when you’re feeling discouraged.

• It tracks how God is speaking to you and how you’re growing.

📃 You don’t need a fancy system. Just grab a notebook or digital journal and keep track of:

• Key verses or insights

• Reflections and prayers

• Promises, convictions, or patterns you notice

This turns your quiet time into a space of transformation—not just routine.

Step 5: Give Yourself Grace, and Stay Consistent

You will have off days. You might go through dry seasons. Life will happen. But grace still covers you.

This isn’t about performance, it’s about presence. Keep showing up. Even if it’s five minutes. Even if it’s just one verse.

Over time, the fruit will grow:

• Your confidence will build.

• Your understanding will deepen.

• Your walk with God will feel less like striving and more like abiding.

You’re not behind. You’re being built.
Brick by brick. Word by Word.

Your Next Step: Let's Do This Together

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’ve created tools to walk with you—every step of the way.

🌱 Start here:
Grab the Rooted & Ready free 5-day Bible study guide and learn the F.I.R.E. Method with zero pressure.

🔥 Ready for more?
Take the full 60-day deep dive into the Gospel of John with the From Study to Surrender Bible study guide and experience what it means to live rooted in the Word and surrendered to the will of God.

You can do this, sis.

God is not hiding from you in the pages of His Word. He’s inviting you in.
Not to perform. Not to prove.
But to know Him. To walk with Him. And to be transformed by His truth.

Let’s study together.