There’s something different about reading the Bible when you stop trying to get through it and start learning how to walk through it with Jesus.

I think sometimes we approach Scripture with a finish line in mind.

How many chapters can I read?

Can I finish my Bible reading plan?

Did I complete today's devotional?

Did I check the box?

And while there is nothing wrong with having a reading plan, we can sometimes become so focused on completing the reading that we miss the Person we're reading about.

Jesus.

The Bible isn't simply a collection of stories, instructions, history, poetry, and letters.

It is God's Word, and throughout Scripture, we see His character, His faithfulness, His promises, His heart, and His plan of redemption.

So what if we slowed down?

What if instead of racing through the Scriptures, we walked through them with Jesus?

What if we allowed Him to meet us in the pages?

Let's take a few minutes and think about what that can look like.

Jesus Wants Us to Know Him Through Scripture

After Jesus' resurrection, two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus.

They were confused.

They were grieving.

They had hoped Jesus was the promised Messiah, but they didn't understand what had happened.

Then Jesus joined them as they walked.

They didn't recognize Him immediately.

And as they continued down the road, Jesus walked them through the Scriptures.

Luke 24 tells us that He explained the things concerning Himself throughout Moses and the Prophets.

Imagine being there.

Imagine walking beside Jesus while He opened the Scriptures and helped you see God's story in a way you had never seen before.

That picture stays with me.

Because sometimes we open our Bibles and think, “I don't understand this.”

And that's okay.

We don't have to understand everything at once.

We can ask Jesus to help us see.

“Lord, show me what You want me to notice today.”

That's a beautiful way to begin reading Scripture.

Not with pressure.

With invitation.

Don't Rush Through the Bible

There is a difference between reading Scripture and rushing through Scripture.

You can read several chapters and remember almost nothing.

Or you can read one verse slowly and carry it with you all day.

Sometimes one sentence is enough to stop you in your tracks.

Maybe you've read a passage dozens of times, and suddenly a particular phrase stands out.

Why?

Perhaps it's because you're in a different season.

The words haven't changed.

But your circumstances have.

And suddenly, Scripture speaks into something you're carrying right now.

That's one of the beautiful things about God's Word.

It meets us again and again.

Psalm 119:105 describes God's Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.

Notice the picture.

A lamp gives light for the next step.

Not necessarily the entire journey.

Sometimes we want God to show us everything.

He often gives us enough light for today.

So don't worry about getting through the entire Bible as quickly as possible.

Ask:

“Jesus, what do You want me to see today?”

Then slow down enough to notice.

Read Scripture Like You're Having a Conversation

One of the simplest ways to walk through Scripture with Jesus is to turn your Bible reading into a conversation.

Read a passage.

Then talk to God about what you just read.

If you're reading about God's faithfulness, thank Him for His faithfulness.

If you're reading about someone's fear, bring your own fears to Him.

If you're reading about obedience, ask God where He might be asking you to obey.

If you're reading about God's promises, ask Him to help you trust those promises.

Scripture gives us words to pray when we don't know what to say.

The Psalms are especially beautiful for this.

David writes about fear, joy, grief, confidence, anger, worship, loneliness, hope, and trust.

Sometimes you'll open a Psalm and think:

“That's exactly how I feel.”

You can use those words as your prayer.

You don't have to make prayer complicated.

You can simply say:

“Jesus, this is where I am today.”

And begin there.

Ask Better Questions

Sometimes we don't know how to study the Bible because we're asking questions that make Scripture feel like homework.

Who wrote this?

When was it written?

What happened next?

Those can be helpful questions.

But there are also questions that help us connect Scripture to our relationship with God.

As you read, try asking:

What does this show me about God?

What does this show me about Jesus?

What do I notice about the people in this passage?

What stands out to me?

What might God be inviting me to trust?

Is there something I need to surrender?

Is there something I need to obey?

How can I carry this Scripture into my day?

You don't need to answer every question.

Choose one.

Sit with it.

Sometimes one question can open up an entirely new way of seeing a passage.

Walk Slowly Through the Familiar Stories

Some of the most familiar stories in the Bible can become the easiest ones to skim.

We know the story of Noah.

We know David and Goliath.

We know Daniel in the lions' den.

We know Jonah.

We know the Christmas story.

We know the cross.

But familiarity doesn't mean we've exhausted what God wants to show us.

Take the story of Jesus calming the storm.

We've probably heard it many times.

But imagine yourself in the boat.

The wind is strong.

The disciples are afraid.

Jesus is asleep.

Then the storm comes.

What stands out?

Jesus isn't panicked.

Jesus isn't surprised.

Jesus is present.

And when He speaks, the storm responds.

Maybe today the passage isn't simply about Jesus calming storms around us.

Maybe it's reminding you that Jesus is with you in the storm.

That's where walking through Scripture with Jesus becomes personal.

We're not simply asking, “What happened?”

We're asking:

“What is Jesus showing me about Himself?”

Let Scripture Reveal God's Character

I think this is one of the most important ways we can approach Bible reading.

Before asking, “What does this passage tell me to do?”

Ask:

“What does this passage show me about God?”

Because Scripture is filled with reminders of who He is.

He is faithful.

He is merciful.

He is patient.

He is holy.

He is compassionate.

He is just.

He is trustworthy.

He is near to the brokenhearted.

He keeps His promises.

He sees us.

He knows us.

He loves us.

When we understand God's character, obedience becomes less about trying to earn something from Him and more about responding to who He already is.

We trust because He is trustworthy.

We obey because He is good.

We surrender because He knows what we cannot see.

We worship because He is worthy.

That's why Scripture isn't simply information.

It's an invitation to know God.

Let Scripture Meet You in Your Current Season

One of the reasons I love returning to Scripture is that we don't always come to it in the same place.

The verse that encouraged you five years ago may speak differently today.

A passage you once struggled to understand may suddenly become comforting.

A familiar story may challenge you.

A promise may become especially meaningful during a difficult season.

That's not because Scripture changes.

It's because we change.

Our experiences change.

Our questions change.

Our needs change.

And God's Word continues to meet us.

Maybe you're in a waiting season.

Look at the stories of people who waited.

Maybe you're afraid.

Read the passages that remind you of God's presence.

Maybe you're grieving.

Spend time in the Psalms.

Maybe you're beginning again.

Look at the Scriptures that speak about newness and restoration.

Maybe you're simply hungry to know Jesus more deeply.

Start with the Gospels.

Read about how He walked.

How He spoke.

How He treated people.

How He responded to suffering.

How He prayed.

How He loved.

Walk with Him through the pages.

You Don't Need a Complicated Bible Study Routine

Sometimes we think we need the perfect Bible study setup.

A beautiful journal.

A stack of highlighters.

A complicated reading plan.

An hour of uninterrupted quiet.

Those things can be wonderful.

But they're not requirements for meeting with Jesus.

You can open your Bible at the kitchen table.

You can read a passage before the children wake up.

You can listen to Scripture while you're driving.

You can read one Psalm before bed.

You can keep a Bible beside your coffee cup.

The important thing isn't creating a picture-perfect quiet time.

It's creating space to be with God.

Start small.

Maybe try this simple rhythm:

Read

Choose a short passage.

Read it slowly.

Notice

What word, phrase, or idea stands out?

Reflect

What does this show you about God?

What does it reveal about Jesus?

Respond

Talk to God about what you've read.

Carry

Choose one truth to remember throughout your day.

That's it.

Five simple steps.

Read.

Notice.

Reflect.

Respond.

Carry.

What If You Don't Understand the Passage?

There will be times when you read something and think:

“I have no idea what this means.”

That's okay.

Don't panic.

Don't assume you're doing Bible study wrong.

Some passages require more study.

Some are difficult.

Some take time.

When that happens, pause.

Pray.

Look at the verses around the passage.

Read it again.

Consider the larger context.

Use a trustworthy Bible study resource if needed.

And remember that you don't have to understand every detail before Scripture can draw you closer to Jesus.

There will always be things we don't understand.

That's part of being human.

We are learners.

We are growing.

We are walking.

And Jesus is patient with us.

Let Scripture Change the Way You Live

There's a point where Bible reading needs to move beyond the page.

James 1 reminds us not to be hearers of the Word only, but doers.

In other words, Scripture isn't simply meant to inform us.

It's meant to shape us.

If Scripture reminds you to forgive, ask God how you can practice forgiveness.

If it teaches you to love your neighbor, look for an opportunity to love someone today.

If it calls you to trust God, notice where you're trying to control everything.

If it reminds you to be generous, ask God who you can bless.

If it calls you to patience, pay attention to the places where you're tempted to rush.

Sometimes the application is very simple.

And that's okay.

One small act of obedience matters.

Let Jesus Walk with You Into the New Year

If you're entering a new season, Scripture can become an anchor.

The world will give you plenty of messages about what the new year should look like.

Set bigger goals.

Become more productive.

Do more.

Achieve more.

But Jesus offers something different.

Abide.

Remain.

Stay close.

John 15 gives us the picture of branches remaining connected to the vine.

That is the invitation.

Not simply to know more about Jesus.

But to remain with Jesus.

So as you begin a new year, perhaps your spiritual goal doesn't need to be complicated.

Maybe it's simply:

“I want to know Jesus more.”

Read His Word.

Talk with Him.

Listen.

Obey.

Return when you wander.

Begin again when you miss a day.

Keep walking.

Journal Prompts for Walking Through Scripture

The next time you open your Bible, take your journal and spend a few minutes with these questions:

• What stood out to me in this passage?
• What does this passage show me about God's character?
• What does it show me about Jesus?
• Is there a promise I need to remember?
• Is there something God may be asking me to surrender?
• Is there an attitude or action I need to change?
• What am I learning about trusting God?
• How can I live out this Scripture today?
• What do I want to talk to Jesus about after reading this?
• What one truth do I want to carry with me today?

You don't need to write pages.

Even a few sentences can become a meaningful record of what God is teaching you.

And over time, you'll have something beautiful to look back on.

You'll see the prayers.

The questions.

The Scriptures.

The seasons.

The ways God answered.

The ways He sustained you.

The places where you grew.

A Prayer Before Reading Scripture

Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word.

Thank You that when I open the Bible, I am not simply reading an old book.

I'm coming to a place where I can learn more about You.

Help me slow down.

Help me stop rushing.

Give me a heart that is willing to listen.

When I don't understand, give me patience.

When something challenges me, give me humility.

When something comforts me, help me receive it.

When Scripture shows me something I need to change, give me courage to obey.

Help me see Your character throughout the pages.

Help me notice Your faithfulness.

Help me recognize Your love.

And help me carry what I learn into my everyday life.

Jesus, I don't want to simply read about You.

I want to know You.

Walk with me through Your Word.

Teach me.

Correct me.

Comfort me.

Encourage me.

And help me become more like You, one day at a time.

Amen.

Keep Walking

Maybe today you don't need another Bible reading plan.

Maybe you simply need to open the Bible.

Choose one passage.

And slow down.

Read it like you're sitting with Jesus.

Ask what He wants you to notice.

Ask what it reveals about God.

Ask how you can carry it into your day.

Then close your Bible and keep walking.

Because that's really what faith is.

Walking with Jesus.

Not sprinting.

Not performing.

Not trying to prove that you've got everything together.

Just walking.

Sometimes the road will feel clear.

Sometimes it won't.

Sometimes you'll understand the passage immediately.

Sometimes you'll have questions.

Sometimes you'll feel encouraged.

Sometimes Scripture will lovingly challenge you.

Through all of it, Jesus is still there.

Remember those disciples on the road to Emmaus?

They didn't recognize Jesus at first.

But He was walking beside them.

And perhaps that's a beautiful reminder for us.

Sometimes we don't realize just how close He is.

So keep walking.

Keep opening His Word.

Keep asking questions.

Keep listening.

Keep praying.

And keep coming back.

You don't have to race through the Scriptures to know Jesus.

You can walk through them with Him.

One page.

One passage.

One prayer.

One day at a time.

Continue Your Prayer Journey

If you want to create more intentional space for Scripture and prayer, the 21 Day Prayer Journal is a simple companion for your time with Jesus.

Use it to record what you're reading, what you're praying, what you're learning, and the ways you're seeing God work.

You don't need to make your quiet time complicated.

Just create a little space.

Open your Bible.

Bring your heart.

And meet with Jesus.

Start small. Stay faithful. Keep walking.

Keep Walking with the Campfire Experience

And if you're looking for a way to continue growing in faith beyond your personal Bible reading time, I also want to invite you to experience The Campfire Experience 2027.

There is something special about growing alongside other people who are also learning to slow down, listen to God, and follow Him through everyday life.

Because we were never meant to walk alone.

Whether you're in a season of learning, waiting, growing, or simply wanting to know Jesus more deeply, keep making space for Him.

Keep opening His Word.

Keep bringing your questions.

Keep listening.

And remember:

The goal isn't to get through the Bible.

The goal is to let the Bible lead you closer to Jesus.

So take your time.

Walk slowly.

And let Jesus meet you on the road.