How to Deepen Your Faith Through Intentional Bible Study (+ Enduring Word Bible Giveaway!)
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Discover how to deepen your faith through intentional Bible study, explore the Enduring Word Study Bible, and enter to win a free copy!
A Season of Learning and Spiritual Growth
Over the past year I’ve been building what I call a personal curriculum – a list of subjects I want to study to grow both spiritually and intellectually. Instead of letting social media or algorithms decide what fills my mind, I’ve started intentionally curating my learning.
Some of the topics on my list include analog living, and cooking, but one of the most important areas has been Bible study. I didn’t just want to read the Bible; I wanted to understand it, and really dig into it.
I was recently sent a copy of the Enduring Word Study Bible, a resource that’s become an anchor in my morning quiet time. Today, I’ll share how I approach Bible study, what makes this new Bible special, and how you can enter to win a copy for yourself.
What Is a “Personal Curriculum”?
Think of a personal curriculum as your own self-directed syllabus for life. Just as a college student structures their learning around chosen subjects, you can shape your spiritual and intellectual growth around topics that matter most to you.
Creating mine has helped me reconnect with purpose. Bible study became the first “course” on my list because everything else flows from that foundation. Scripture has a way of grounding you, it shapes your values, quiets your fears, and refocuses your priorities when life feels noisy.
If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper in your faith but felt overwhelmed by where to start, approaching Bible study as part of your personal curriculum gives you structure without pressure. When you break it down as an academic deep dive, it makes the personal relationship aspect that much more fulfilling.
Why Intentional Bible Study Matters
It’s easy to skim a verse and move on with your day. But real transformation happens when you slow down enough to listen.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” That verse reminds us that Scripture isn’t just information – it’s illumination. Studying it with intention brings clarity, conviction, and comfort.
In a distracted world, intentional Bible study teaches us to focus again. It reminds us that God still speaks through His Word, and that our job is to show up, listen, and live it out.
If your faith feels stagnant, you don’t need a complicated system, you just need consistency, curiosity, and the right tools to guide you.
How to Start Your Own Bible Study Routine
Here are a few practical steps I’ve found helpful for building a sustainable, life-giving rhythm of study.
1. Choose a Time and Place
Set aside a consistent time each day – even 15 minutes counts. A cozy chair, a cup of coffee, and a quiet space can turn Bible study into something you look forward to rather than a chore. I often do my Bible study first thing in the morning. I feel like it sets a good tone for my day, and I am less likely to run out of time to do it.
2. Pick a Study Method
There’s no one “right” way to study the Bible. Experiment until you find a method that keeps you engaged:
- SOAP – Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Simple yet powerful.
- Verse Mapping – Define key words, explore cross-references, and note insights.
- Inductive Study – Observe what the text says, interpret what it means, and apply it personally.
3. Use Tools That Inspire You
A sturdy study Bible, colored pens, a journal, and maybe a commentary or app can bring new insight. I like to hand-write verses that stand out and note questions to research later. Some of my favorite tools are Frixion Pastel Highlighters, PaperMate Joy Gel Pens in Bright, and Post Its for notes that won’t fit on the page.
4. Reflect and Apply
Finish each session by asking: What does this passage reveal about God? What does it invite me to change or do? Faith deepens not only when we read but when we respond.
Enduring Word Study Bible Review
Now, let’s talk about a tool that has truly elevated my study routine: the Enduring Word Study Bible (NKJV).
For more than 20 years, readers around the world have turned to Bible teacher David Guzik and his verse-by-verse commentary at EnduringWord.com. Guzik has served in Christian ministry for over four decades, planting churches, teaching in Bible colleges, and serving as a missionary in Germany. His insights are pastoral, practical, and deeply rooted in Scripture.
The new Enduring Word Study Bible brings that same wisdom directly into the pages of Scripture.
First Impressions
The edition I received—the Brown Leathersoft—feels substantial and durable. It opens flat, and the 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print® text is crisp and easy on the eyes. The line-matched, double-column typesetting keeps reading smooth, with minimal bleed-through even when using highlighters.
Features I Love
- Book Introductions that lay out key themes and background context.
- Study Notes drawn from Guzik’s commentary that unpack tricky passages.
- 400 Application Notes showing how to live in light of Scripture.
- 50 Feature Articles that dig deeper into challenging topics.
- Concordance & 200+ Word Studies to explore original meanings.
- Translators’ Notes and Cross References that link related verses.
Together these tools make Scripture approachable yet profound. Instead of interrupting my reading to look something up online, the insights are right there in the margins, context when I need it, application when I’m ready to act.
A Thoughtful Note on Commentary
While this Bible is a rich resource, it’s important to remember that the commentary is written by one man. David Guzik’s experience and scholarship are valuable, but his notes—like all human commentary—should be viewed as study tools, not inspired Scripture.
Use them to illuminate, not replace, your own reading of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit remains our ultimate teacher, and every insight should be tested against Scripture itself. I appreciate that Guzik’s tone is humble and pastoral, encouraging readers to engage thoughtfully rather than accept his notes as the final word.
How It Fits My Personal Curriculum
Because my personal curriculum includes theology and practical faith, this Bible feels like a classroom and devotional in one. On days when my mind is full, the application notes remind me that God’s Word isn’t meant just to be known – it’s meant to be lived.
It’s also beautifully designed for analog learners. There’s enough margin space for short notes, and the structure encourages slow, thoughtful reading.
In short: it’s not just a study tool. It’s a companion for anyone who wants to deepen their faith intentionally.
Who It’s Best For
- New believers ready to move beyond surface reading.
- Seasoned Christians seeking deeper context.
- Pastors, teachers, or small-group leaders who want accessible commentary.
The combination of readability, trustworthy notes, and practical application makes it a standout among study Bibles.
A Balanced Perspective
If you’re looking for wide journaling margins or ultra-compact size, this edition may feel bulky. But for in-depth study at home, it’s nearly perfect.
Giveaway – Win Your Own Copy!
I’m thrilled to partner with Nelson Bibles and the Momentum Influencer Network to give one reader a Brown Leathersoft Enduring Word Study Bible!
To enter:
- Comment on this Instagram post and share which book of the Bible you’d like to study..
- Follow me on Instagram
- (Optional) Share the Instagram post to your stories.
This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.
Entries close November 17, and I’ll submit the winner’s name and address that week.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample copy for review. Opinions are 100 percent my own.
Studying the Bible intentionally has changed how I approach every part of life. It’s taught me to pause, to listen, and to live with a sense of rootedness that the digital world can’t offer.
The Enduring Word Study Bible fits beautifully within my personal curriculum—it’s both a guide and a companion on the journey of faith. Whether you’re opening Scripture for the first time or returning after a long break, this Bible can help you understand God’s Word and apply it in everyday life.
But remember: no commentary, no study note, and no teacher replaces the voice of God through His living Word. Let resources like this one enrich your study, not define it.
If you’ve been craving deeper connection, start small: choose one book of the Bible, one method, one moment each day. As David Guzik’s commentary often reminds us, God doesn’t just want us to know His Word—He wants us to live it.
So grab your favorite pen, find a quiet spot, and open the pages. The lessons you discover there may just become the heart of your own personal curriculum.
