Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes

Let’s talk about it.

There was a time when I would open my Bible in the morning like it was a task on a to-do list. I'd read a few verses, highlight something that sounded good, say a little prayer, and go on about my day.

But let me tell you something:

Reading the Bible just to check it off will leave you spiritually hungry.

Why? Because:

• It turns Bible study into a task, not a relationship.

• You walk away without truly engaging your heart or mind.

• You rob yourself of the intimacy that comes when you sit still and let the Word read you.

🛑 Let’s flip the script:

✨ Shift your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to meet with God.”
✨ Choose a small passage to sit with instead of trying to conquer a whole book.
✨ Ask, “Lord, what do You want to show me today?” and give Him space to answer.

Bible study methods don’t have to be complicated. You just need a rhythm that keeps you present, not pressured.

Okay, I’ve got to say this with love: context is not optional.

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was reading Scripture without understanding the who, what, when, where, or why behind it. I’d grab a verse off Pinterest, slap it on a sticky note, and apply it however I wanted. Whew.

But that’s how a lot of us end up confused—or worse, discouraged—because we’re trying to apply promises or instructions without knowing who God was even talking to or what was going on at the time.

💡 Here’s why context matters:

• It keeps you from misinterpreting the Word.

• It brings clarity to confusing passages.

• It helps you see how each part of the Bible fits into the bigger story of Jesus.

Instead of just reading a verse, try asking:

• Who wrote this?

• Who were they writing to?

• What was going on at the time?

• What does this reveal about God?

📚 Use tools like:

• The intro pages in your Bible

• The Bible Project videos (free and super helpful)

• Study notes in the Berean Standard Bible or a good study app like Logos

Sis, you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to get this. Just a little context goes a long way toward understanding the Word deeply.

Whew—this one right here.

There was a season where I only listened to sermons and devotionals and barely opened my Bible myself. Not because I didn’t love God, but because I didn’t think I had what it took to study on my own.

And while there’s nothing wrong with learning from others (God gave us teachers for a reason), depending solely on secondhand revelation will keep you spiritually stuck.

Here’s the truth:

• You miss what God wants to speak to you directly.

• You can’t test or discern teachings if you’re not in the Word for yourself.

• You start believing the lie that you’re not “qualified” to understand Scripture.

But listen to me: God didn’t just call pastors or Bible teachers—He called YOU.

The same Holy Spirit that teaches them will teach you.

So instead of only consuming content, start cultivating your own rhythm of study:

• Use a simple method like my F.I.R.E. method (I’ll break it down below).

• Journal your questions and reflections.

• Trust that you can understand the Bible, even if you’re just starting out.

If you’ve been wanting to go deeper but felt overwhelmed… I got you.

The F.I.R.E. Method is the simple, Spirit-led study method I created to help women like us study Scripture with clarity and depth—without all the confusion.

• Focus – Read the verse or passage slowly and prayerfully.

• Investigate – Ask context questions, look up word meanings, dig into what’s happening.

• Reflect – Journal what the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you.

• Engage – Ask, “How can I live this out today?”

It’s simple, flexible, and powerful. I created a free guide to get you started

If you’ve been feeling behind, discouraged, or like you just can’t “get it” like everyone else—let me gently tell you: that’s a lie.

God isn’t looking for perfect performance. He’s looking for your presence.

And the fact that you’re here, reading this, wanting more from your time in the Word? That says something powerful.

You were made to know the Bible—not just read it.

You were made to walk in truth—not just hear about it.

You were made to go deeper—and you don’t have to do it alone.