Journaling is a great way to record your year through the Bible. It will help in two important ways. First, writing down a few sentences on what you just read will help you to organize your thoughts on the scripture and help commit what you learned that day to memory. Second, journaling will serve a s a permanent reminder of what God has taught your throughout the year.
There are many ways to journal, but here is one quick way effective way that uses the acrostic S.O.A.P.
S for Scripture
Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your bible next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
Focus in on one story or passage from the days reading and "observe' what the text says. Sum up, in a few quick sentences, what the text says in your own words. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Then, write it down.
Here are some helpful online Bible study resources:
Bible Gateway:
The Bible Gateway is a tool for reading and researching scripture online -- all in the language or translation of your choice! It provides advanced searching capabilities, which allow readers to find and compare particular passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference. For help using the Bible Gateway here is a helpful tutorial.
Blue Letter Bible:
Blue Letter Bible is a website meant to facilitate in-depth study of God's Word through an on-line interactive reference library continuously updated from the teachings and commentaries of selected pastors and teachers who hold to the conservative, historical Christian faith. For help using Blue Letter Bible here is a helpful tutorial.
E Sword Online:
e-sword is a downloadable Bible study software. e-Sword is a fast and effective way to study the Bible. e-Sword is feature rich and user friendly with more capabilities than you would expect in a free software package.