Some often overlooked resources:
Your Bible
Read it. This is the place to start. Don't fall into the tyranny of legalistic reading such as a chapter a day or 15 minutes a day. Read it with a listening heart. If something twitches your inner being, stop and think about it. Trust the Holy Spirit as a teacher.A reference Bible
Almost every Bible has some sort of cross references. That is the column in the middle that has all those tiny little Bible verses listed. Sometimes it is in a side column. Sometimes at the end of the verse. Sometimes it is at the bottom of the page. Look a few of them up and see what else the Bible has to day about the things you just read. Engage your heart and mind.
A Study Bible
This will have a lot of comments about the verses you are reading. I don't find these very useful, but it might be just what you need to get started. Remember that it is the opinion of the editors not the inspired word of God.Calendar or Date Book
You may need to seriously consider scheduling in worship time. For most of is it will not happen unless we deliberately set aside time for this purpose. If it is a priority you will find the time.
I-Pod
Technology can be a real source. The I-Pod is great for music of course, but you can download podcasts of sermons by people you respect and trust. Use this while you are driving and turn your boring commutes into times of inspiration.
Traditional Tools
Concordance
A concordance is a listing of every word in the Bible, every time it is used. Most Bibles have a selective concordance in the back. Start with that, but you will want a complete concordance for real study.
I have only used concordances that are linked to the Strong Numbering System. I have only found that available for the KJV and NASB. They are useful because they link each English word to it Greek source. This makes it possible to see when different words are translated the same or the same word is translated different. It tells you the root and how many times a word is translated different ways.
Commentaries
This can get expensive. They can be helpful but I have found that what they say is either too technical, too obvious or too much of their personal opinion. If you can borrow a couple before you put out large amounts of money, do so.
On-Line Sources
E-Sword
This is a free download that is installed on your hard drive so it can be used without wifi. It has excellent Greek and Hebrew tools linked to the KJV.
You can also download many other books, commentaries and maps for free. If you want things under copyright, they are also available for a fee.
Blue Letter Bible
This is another free resource. I have used it very little because it requires you to be on line and access it from their website. That does not work with my study habits, but I have a friend who thinks it is great.
