Whether you’re new to the Bible or you’ve been walking with God for years, having the right study Bible can make a world of difference in how you grow in your faith and enjoy your time with God. Personally, I’ve spent nearly 30 years in ministry, and for most of that time, I’ve relied on the KJV and NKJV study Bibles. They’ve been faithful companions in my study, and I’m sure you’d agree with me that having a Bible you can trust is key.

One of the things I love about my study Bibles is how well they align with my concordances and other resources. But no matter which Bible you choose, the most important thing is that it fits your study style, is easy to follow, and makes your time with God something you look forward to.

Here are my top 5 picks for beginners:

• KJV (King James Version)

• NKJV (New King James Version)

• NIV (New International Version)

• Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

• NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

So, why these Bibles? Let me explain.

One of the biggest challenges when starting to read the Bible is understanding what it actually means. Many verses can be hard to grasp, especially if you're just getting to know the Scriptures. This is where a Bible with clear, modern language comes in. It makes all the difference in how easily you can connect with the text. This is why versions like NIV and NKJV are great—they balance readability with accuracy, helping beginners (and even seasoned readers) feel confident and engaged.

As you dive deeper into the Bible, you’ll likely find yourself asking questions about historical context, difficult passages, and how it all connects. This is where the study notes, maps, and charts in these Bibles come in handy. They offer clarity, historical background, and explanations that help you understand what you’re reading and why it matters. These features don’t just help you read the Bible—they help you live it.

One of my favorite features in a good study Bible is the introduction to each book. Before you dive into a new book of the Bible, these introductions provide an overview of its theme, the author, the historical context, setting, and purpose. Knowing this up front helps you understand the “big picture” before you start reading, which makes it easier to connect the dots as you go along.

Ultimately, the right study Bible is the one that helps you grow in your faith, deepens your understanding of Scripture, and enhances your relationship with God. Don’t be afraid to take your time exploring different options. The goal is to find a Bible that resonates with you and makes your study time a joy, not a chore.

Check out my recommendations for great study resources on the Home page. Enjoy your journey, and happy studying!

Where do I begin my faith journey when it comes to quiet time, especially setting aside time and space for my Bible Study routine? I begin with the desire to have a special daily devotional with God the Father everyday.  So, I ask myself, how do I create a quiet time routine for Bible study? It's easy and can be done any time of day or evening but the key is to be intentional even if you need to shift the time, the routine can be the same. 

Here are 5 steps to a focused Bible study routine I feel will be helpful to get you started.

• Step 1. Designate a specific space and time. It doesn't have to be in a closet, the space can be where you will be uninterrupted for the time frame you determine works for you.

• Step 2. Gather materials (Bible, notebook, pen, etc.). If it is a place where you can leave it that's fine, however, when you are journaling I would suggest to keep your notebook/journals close to your heart and not where anyone can pick up and read.

• Step 3. Start with prayer to calm your heart and mind. Take a few deep breaths. If you are not sure about your prayer life or feel you don't know how to pray, I suggest reading passages from the Book of Psalm. It's ok to begin this way. There are many people who don't understand the principles of prayer as a new Christian but it will come in time as you learn more.

• Step 4. Focus on a favorite passage or theme (love, peace, faith, etc.) in Scripture. As a beginner I would simply open my Bible in Psalm, Proverbs, or the Gospels, and read a passage and not be too concerned if I was getting it right. 

• Step 5. End with a reflection or takeaway. You can write anything that comes to mind in your journal. Keep it light and don't stress if you do not get anything specific during that time. Just relax and enjoy your quiet time. 

I also created a three ring binder to keep any printable downloads handy from different ministries that I know will be helpful in my studies.  You can download your free  "Quiet Time Checklist" to add to or begin your resource library here.  I hope this is helpful to get you going in your faith journey. 

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Yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, which one suits you? Personally I like to use color pens and underline but whatever your preference highlighting is a great tool which helps you personalize your study and believe it or not, track your growth. Once you deicide on a study Bible it becomes your best friend and goes with you everywhere. I take mine on trips, to church, ministry conferences, etc., it sits on my desk because I never know when God will speak a word and I want to record it in a special way. I write notes on the side margins with arrows, pictures of eyes, and all sorts of symbols I create to remind me of a revelation I received from my study or the ministry of the Word that day. I also record in my journal any thoughts that come to mind. When I became a Christian I never wrote in my Bible until I attended Bible School and our instructor made us journal as part of the class assignment. From that time forward I have always highlighted, underlined, took notes in my Bible, and journaled, It's a great tool since I am able to look back at my growth and be reminded of the promises God has kept in my life.

My tips for highlighting  and taking notes are: 

• Assign colors to themes (e.g., promises, commands, warnings). If that works for you. I like certain colors so I keep it simple.

• Take notes. Don't be afraid of writing in your Bible, it's YOURS. 

• Use sticky notes, tabs to help you find the books of the Bible and/or write in a separate journal, I have at least 50 or more journals I used down through the years.

Check out my YouTube video on Finding a Good Study Bible, here, where I discuss what makes a good study Bible and included effective Bible marking tips. Keep in mind you don't have to write or highlight in your Bibles every time you pick it up. It's up to you how your brain processes note taking and/or highlighting.  Make it your OWN!

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