Writing Scripture: A Tool for Putting the Word into Action

If you follow me on social media you’ll know that on December 31 I completed my journey of reading through the Bible in one year. I hadn’t read through the entire Bible in ten years and it is amazing how different the experience can be with ten years of maturity and grown faith. My reading and writing of Scripture last year was rewarding, fulfilling, convicting and I looked forward to it every day!

What Tools I Use to Write Scripture

For Reading Scripture

I used a New King James Version of Dr. David Jeremiah’s Study Bible. and I was also able to read through all of his commentary and study portions as well. That really helped with my understanding a lot.

I really recommend getting a good study Bible.

I also used a program on my phone called You Version Bible to help me track my progress each day. I loved this because I am a box checker and loved seeing my progress move forward every day. It also kept track if I missed a day. Then I knew I had to make it up. There is an option to read the Bible that’s on your phone but that is not my cup of tea. I like to hold a book with paper.

I also like to have my pen handy to underline and make lots of notes in my Bible and I really liked the “study” aspect of the paper Bible I used. One of the great things about this year in the Bible plan is that you get to read through Psalms twice! The second time I read it, starting in July of last year, I decided to also write out the Psalms I was reading.

For Writing Scripture

I really can’t emphasize enough how life-changing writing out Scripture can be! There is a series of hardcover books that I used to write out the Psalms. This series is wonderful because they are meant to be heirlooms. How wonderful would it be for your grandkids to discover a book or two of the Bible written out in your own handwriting with your own personal notes? I would treasure that from my Grandparents!

These books leave a lot of space for notes on the left-hand side and the right-hand side is used to write out each verse of the book of the Bible. I found there was ample space for writing the verses and never felt like I had to cram anything in.

Occasionally, on the left side of the book where your personal notes go, they will prompt you with a short question. I really liked the questions because they further helped to examine the section of verses I was concentrating on.

Sometimes I filled the page with notes and sometimes I didn’t write any notes. It just depended on the time I had, the scripture I was reading and if I had any further thoughts I wanted to share. I really love that they give you space for notes though.

This series doesn’t have every book of the Bible in hardcover; I mean who wants to write out Leviticus or Numbers? There are Genesis, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs,  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude, & Revelation.

Of course, you don’t need to have one of these hardcover books from this series to write scripture out. You can create your own journal or even just get a notebook at the store to pen your words in. I do love the quality and look of these hardbound books though.

I also Use This Powerful Tool to Write Scripture Topically

It is called QUEST {Quiet Unmatched Enjoyable Scripture Writing Time} and what I love about it is that I can choose the topic {like fear, or identity in Christ or forgiveness} that I want to write God’s Word about. Plus, through the journaling prompts, I am able to dive deeper into the topic and really work it out in my heart with God. I absolutely LOVE the QUEST program.

Why Writing Out Scripture is a Powerful Tool

It can happen where we are doing our daily quiet time and reading each section of verses but maybe our mind is somewhere else. Or maybe we are just skimming as we read? Maybe we are tired and having a hard time concentrating (I have an oil for that!)

Regardless of the reason often times what we read doesn’t actually penetrate our minds.

When we write out Scripture it causes our mind to slow and focus on what we are writing. We concentrate on the letters we have to form with our pen or pencil. Writing demands focus. When we slow to write the words we are reading we concentrate on them much more.

As I said before, I read Psalms twice last year. Although both times were fulfilling, the second time, when I also wrote all the Psalms, was the best. I saw words I didn’t see before. I meditated on the meanings and the heart and soul King David poured out with his pen. I pondered King Asaph and King Solomon and the times they were facing when writing the Psalms they did. I got even more curious about the anonymous Psalms that were written as well. Each chapter became clearer and more poignant as I wrote each word by hand and notes of why these beautiful words meant something to me.

When we write Scripture it has time to soak in to our hearts.

It becomes tender, sharp and melodic all at the same time.

“Thoughts disentangle themselves when passing over the lips and through the fingertips.” An ancient proverb. 

When we take the time to meditate through writing we can better remember what we read and more easily put the Word into action in our lives. Writing actually engages a different part of our brain that reading does!

Will you take the time to write some of the words in Scripture this year?

I am planning on writing Proverbs as well as Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians. I can’t wait! Will you join me? If you do, I’d love to hear thoughts from you in the comments.