‘R’ You READY? is the bible study method I created and use when I am studying God’s Word on my own. There are 6 steps to the ‘R’ You READY? method.

READ

It is just that simple. Take the time to read God’s Word. Observe the text. Don’t overthink, just read.

RESEARCH

After you have read, take the time to research what you have read. Read the same passage in other versions of the bible. Look at cross references. Look up definitions of words, both in the English dictionary and a Hebrew or Greek dictionary. Search commentaries of trusted authors.

REFLECT

Now that you have read and researched, sit still and allow what you have learned to soak in. Meditate on God’s Word. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you through the words you have read and researched. Reflect on what He is saying to you.

REMAIN

You want God’s Word to be a part of you. You don’t want to lose the treasures you have read, researched and reflected on. Now remain in His Word, abide in it and let it remain and abide in you. This means you ponder it often, you memorize Scripture, and you allow it to take root so that it guides your actions.

READY

Now you are ready for whatever the world throws at you, whatever the enemy tries in order to make you stumble, whatever God leads you to as a result of being in His Word and whatever anyone asks about the hope that you have.

REST

After all of that, REST. Rest in the Word. Rest in God. Rest in Jesus. Rest in the Holy Spirit. Rest in the fact that God has your back, Jesus is your foundation and the Holy Spirit guides you. Part of truly resting is trusting; trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.

Get your Bible, journaling notebook, and study resources. Pray and ask for God’s guidance and direction. Also, ask for your heart and mind to be open to what He wants to say to you through His Word and get READY to dive in!

Scripture references for READ:

• This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Joshua 1:8 AMP
• Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4 MSG
• Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. Romans 15:4 MSG
• …There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15b MSG

Scripture references for RESEARCH:

• Study this Book of Instruction continually. Joshua 1:8a NLT
• I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. Psalm 119:15 NLT
• Tell them, “No, we’re going to study the Scriptures.” People who try the other ways get nowhere-a dead end! Frustrated and famished, they try one thing after another. When nothing works out they get angry, cursing first this god and then that one, looking this way and that, up, down, and sideways-and seeing nothing, a blank wall, an empty hole. They end up in the dark with nothing. Isaiah 8:20-22 MSG
• Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 NASB

Scripture references for REFLECT:

• Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all that you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT
• Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
• I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. Psalm 119:15-16 MSG
• Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. Psalm 119:97-99 NLT

Scripture references for REMAIN:

• Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT
• If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. John 15:7 AMP
• But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6 NASB
• As for you, the anointing [the special gift, the preparation] which you received from Him remains [permanently] in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you. Bur just as His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as His anointing has taught you, you must remain in Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him}. 1 John 2:27 AMP
• The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift]. 1 John 3:24 AMP

Scripture references for READY:

• Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others]. So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD, I have taught these things to you today, even to you. Proverbs 22:17-19 AMP
• Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2 NASB
• But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy-acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 AMP
• Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you. Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth which is held firmly in your grasp. 2 Peter 1:10-12 AMP

Scripture references for REST:

• The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads my beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3 NLT
• He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!” Psalm 91:1-2 AMP
• My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear,; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:21-26 NLT
• Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NASB
• “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG