Do you struggle with reading the Bible on your own? I do.
You’ll never find me without a good bible study on my coffee table- with folded pages, highlighter and pen nearby. I have an ongoing stack of books either waiting to be read, or I am currently reading, all written by faithful writers who offer their gift in helping others grow their faith through God’s word. They take up most of my bookshelves, table space, and desk surface. I’m a glutton for any good book that will teach me more about The Good Book and help me grow my Christian faith. I often buy them as gifts for friends too.
I’m kind of a Christian book hoarder.
I am.
Love me some Christian books- all shapes and sizes and authors and studies.
Just sayin’.
I am so grateful for every single one of them because each book helped me to understand the Bible more and gave me guidance in discerning God’s holy text with better clarity to apply His Truth in my life. I’m not sure my faith would have grown over the years if it weren’t for these authors and their wisdom.
You see, I’ve never felt assured that I would completely understand God’s word on my own. Sure, I’ve grown to feel comfortable in many of the New Testament books, through all these studies and small groups I have belonged to over the years. But from the beginning of my own faith walk, I always looked for and leaned on others to decipher and discern God’s Word. And there’s so much in this Holy Book I still don’t understand- there’s so much I need to learn, to discover, to comprehend, because my gosh it often feels so complicated and overwhelmingly sophisticated for my little brain.
I’ve always been inspired and in awe of Christians who have the gift of discerning God’s Word because I have never felt confident I could. And although I have depended on them often, I am well aware that the most important thing I can do as a Christian, is open The Good Book myself and take in the nourishment directly from God.
More often than not, I hesitate to do this. More often than not, I choose to grab my comfort zone books, Bible studies, and devotionals that will walk me through the Bible, instead of trekking it alone. I’ve surely grown this way and yet, I need to challenge myself further and discover the power of God’s Word straight from the source. Straight from Him.
When I heard about Summer Lacy’s book, “His Word Alone. A call to put down your Bible studies and pick up your Bible“, I immediately gasped with both conviction and excitement, because I knew I needed to read it. I jumped at the chance to get a copy and review it, because I felt it was written just for me.
And maybe it was written for you too?
Oh friends, if you can relate to anything I’ve said about the Bible- if you struggle to understand God’s Word, or simply find yourself relying on others to read it-
You need this book.
Not only will it encourage you and give you an entirely new perspective on the significance of reading God’s Word for yourself, but Summer dives deeply into sorting out our motivations and expectations behind our approach to reading the Bible.
This entire book was truly eye-opening and resonated so much with me. From the very first chapter, I felt like she SO gets it. She gets ME. I wasn’t the only one who struggles with reading God’s Word alone.
“I had spent years studying the Bible by this point, yet still had no confidence in my ability to understand it on my own. It seems my constant reliance on Bible studies had handicapped me in a way I didn’t expect. I have become dependent on those who knew the Bible better than me to teach the Bible to me and neglected my responsibility to dig into God’s Word on my own. I had allowed the Bible Study to replace my own study of the Bible.” (Excerpt from His Word Alone) <–THIS. IS. ME.
Summer’s compassionate and friendly voice helped me feel less threatened about such a difficult and intense topic as this because she so beautifully laces comforting encouragement through all her practical and wise suggestions when reading the Bible on your own.
Summer offers you a basic step by step process with clear examples in how to approach and read the Bible in ways that will equip you and enable you to be blessed by God’s Word without the bridge of a bible study. Although she is very adamant to clarify that Bible Studies are both valuable and worthy of our time, it’s the power of receiving and soaking in God’s Living Word directly that is not only an option for us believers, but it is expected.
There is no other route to God more direct than picking up His Word and hearing His Voice speak to you in a very intimate and powerful way, not filtered and deciphered through others, but straight from His Heart to yours.
I highlighted and folded so many pages I will be referring to, as I begin my new journey diving into the Bible on my own. I believe people like me, who shy away from this direct connection to God, are missing out on the most profound journey of our lives.
When you finish reading His Word Alone, you will hold a newfound sense of urgency to go straight to God’s source of power- The Bible: His Living Word. You will grow confident through Summer’s honest and heartfelt encouragement, and you will feel assured that God’s Truth will transform your faith in new and significant ways.
This book will be my most important “Bible Study” guide, because it has prepared me, equipped me, and taught me how to read it alone.
Friends, I promise you- this book will be the *second* most important book you could ever own. If you have always been hesitant to read the bible for yourself, if you’ve struggled to understand it, or if you are curious to learn more about the Bible- you need to get this book.
I’ll leave you with Summer’s inspiring and convicting words and call to us all:
“God’s Word is infinitely more worthy than any of the libraries of words written about His Word. There comes a point when every Bible study girl needs to sit down with nothing but her Bible. No pastor, teacher, or other intermediary. Just a girl and her Bible. This type of intimate meeting with the Lord through His Word produces a level of knowledge of Him that can be obtained through no other means. It is not only beneficial to study God’s Word in this way, it is necessary; a responsibility God has placed upon each and every Believer. Pick up your Bible. He’ll meet you there.”
You can buy it HERE on Amazon.
![His Word Alone: a call to put down down your Bible studies and pick up your Bible by [Lacy,Summer]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51w6fKz3ZUL.jpg)
I admit I haven’t read the bible in years since I went to Catholic school in all honesty. So definitely sounds like an interesting read and would like to hear Summer Lacy’s reasons why we should indeed be reading the bible more now than ever. So, thank you for sharing her book here with all of us, Chris.
Ooooh, Janine- I get it. I have spent years not reading the Bible, but having a strong faith! Then I went to a new church that was excellent in teaching the Bible, and WHOA did my faith flourish! I learned then, the power of God’s Word and I hope and pray you can too, my friend! There is a wealth of wisdom and faith building Truth in the Bible. God’s best tool for us to connect with Him and grow in Him is His Word. It may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! 🙂
Such an important topic!
Bible studies taking the place of Bible reading is something I have also experienced.
I love this post and am very interested in the book.
I will share with my readers today 🙂
Hey Lynn! I’m so glad you appreciated this post and learned about this amazing and faith inspiring book! I think Summer’s mission is SO important for so many of us who grow dependent on others to study the Bible. I will add you to the giveaway, my friend! 🙂
Just this morning I was guided by a bible study I’m doing to read the entire book of Ephesians. And I hesitated. Read the entire book instead of just a small verse and a few questions?! But it was great, to read the book in it’s entirety, instead of just pieces. Summer’s book sounds refreshing and something definitely needed by one’s like myself! Thanks for telling us about it!
Oooh good for YOU Lynn! I love that you chose to read the entire book on your own as you felt led. Seriously, I depend on those studies- and I KNOW I need to detach from them to delve into His Word directly. You would LOVE this book. Did you share it, friend? I need to go search for shares. I’m having trouble tracking some of them!
I have always struggled with reading the Bible. Isn’t that awful? I prefer to listen to others reading it. The book sounds great. Thanks Chris.
No, it’s not awful- it’s honest. And I thank GOD for people who do help us through understanding God’s Word. Summer takes us through a new perspective and makes it seem DOABLE- and down right necessary for us to grow our faith. It makes so much sense. Of COURSE God wants us to read His Word! He has lots to say to us DIRECTLY. <3 Her book instills a new confidence for us all to dive in, and ultimately be BLESSED.
Woo-hoo, I’m excited to read it!
It’s sooooooooooo good, sister! I hope you WIN! 🙂
I can SO relate to you, my friend. I’m a Christian book hoarder too! You are right. I need this book :). I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot lately, how much I really just want to read through the entire Bible. I’ve never done that and know that I’m missing out on so much of His incredible Word. Thanks for the recommendation, Chris! I hope all is well with you. I’ve been on another one of my long self-imposed breaks. I’m so glad to be back just in time to catch this. His timing is so perfect!
YAY! Another Christian book hoarder! LOL. 🙂 Do you know I have bought SO many ‘read through the entire Bible’ books and have yet to delve into any of them? Sigh…
And I’m SO glad to see you again, my friend. Breaks are important and necessary, and I’m glad you pull yourself away from time to time. I’m sure it’s needed. <3 Honestly, I need to do that more.
Did you share this post? I'm having trouble tracking the shares. Just let me know and I'll add you to the giveaway!
Hi Chris! Just a girl and her bible. I love that. I agree with you in that it can be hard to understand the bible on my own. I have been a part of many bible studies in the past. But there is something to be said for jumping into the Word myself, and making the effort to look up concordances and meanings on my own. I will learn what God wants to say just to me that way.
This sounds like a wonderful book, I like the way you describe the author’s tone. I hope I win a copy 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Ain’t that the truth, Ceil? Summer made so many powerful points in this book that truly inspired and convicted me on this. I am both challenged and excited to dive into His Word ALONE. 🙂 Did you share this post, my friend? I’d love to enter you in the giveaway!
Sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing about it. I confess that my devotionals have become bare-bones, mostly because of time in the morning (yes, I realize that’s a wimpy excuse). I’d love to slow down and soak some more of the Word in!
Girl, I know it! I keep asking myself why I don’t put GOD first, instead of all the other *priorities*… Here’s to fresh grace each morning, sister. This book will truly inspire you to dive back in to His Word. Did you share this post? I’d LOVE to enter you in the giveaway. 🙂
I have read through Summer’s book twice already, and bought an extra copy, but ended giving both away to friends of mine. This is a truly convicting, powerful book! I’d love to have another copy so that I can read again and make my notes again to refer back to as I start attempting to read my Bible all the way through!
Oh Danielle, that is awesome! It is SO GOOD, and definitely worth reading over and over again. You need your own copy! Did you share this post? Just let me know when you can! 🙂
I absolutely did! I couldn’t figure out how to tag you. I’ve shared about the book several times. I had he privelage of meeting and listening to Summer at a conference recently and she was incredible!
Aw bless you Danielle! I’m thrilled you got to see her and listen to her speak! Oh, I wish I could! 🙂 You are IN the giveaway!!
I am currently trying to read the Bible through this year. I have this issue too. I love to read but find myself reading books more than the Bible
I’m right there with you, Jane! I’m so inspired by your choice to read the Bible through this year! That is amazing. <3
I love a good Christian book too, Christine! But, sometimes I feel the amount of christian material available is just overwhelming and literally pulls us away from the bible. I skirted around the old testament for years, and then one day I felt led just to start reading. No ‘read-the-bible-in-one-year-plan’, no commentaries, no pressure, just me and God, and I read until I was finished. Don’t even know how long it took me because time was not an issue, I just read a bit more each day and I learned so much about God’s character. The bible is alive and active, though, and we can never learn enough, so I’m feeling the need to dive in again, and stop skimming the surface. Will definitely add Summer’s book to my Books-to-read list. Thanks so much for sharing.
Carlie, that is AMAZING! I can’t imagine reading the entire Bible. I look at all the highlights and notes I have on many pages in many books- but I have not even ventured into much of the old testament at all. SHAME. You inspire me, my friend! 🙂
I admire your dedication and studious efforts, Chris. I don’t think I have the attention span. Very nice share here!
Thanks so much, my friend. <3 I really do need to put MORE effort into this. I've been lazy and unmotivated. Summer's book helped me be excited about doing this, though!
I’ve only tried to read the bible by myself once. I’d much rather read with a group and have a discussion or listen to a sermon about a particular passage and learn about his or her thoughts on it. This book sounds great! Thanks for sharing it Chris!
I understand, Kristi. I love me some reading with discussion or listening to someone who is well versed in great knowledge about God’s Word. It’s hard to read it alone! Summer’s book really helps with that. <3
I am also a Christian Book Hoarder. I have a huge basket of various Bibles including a Women’s Study Bible and Journaling Bible, Devotionals, Bible Study books and other Christian books by C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Joyce Meyer and others… I am an excellent reader, but like you, have trouble discerning His word… I would Love to win “His Word Alone” by Summer Lacy… Thank you so much for your Blog!
We are SO much alike, Kimberly! So so much alike. 🙂 I’m so sorry you didn’t win the copy, but I really do hope you can purchase the book because it really is SO helpful for gals like us. <3
This book sounds like a good read, Chris! I find myself doing less of the Bible studies nowadays and wanting to just read the Bible by itself. My main Bible, the Spirit-filled Life Bible, has good footnotes and other relevant tools, so just reading that is enough for me. I guess we all go through the Bible study phase at some point, but the Word on its own is truly powerful!
That is so wonderful that you dive right into the Bible, Alison. THAT is my goal- straight to the source! I need to do it more instead of going straight to my books ABOUT the Bible!
I found this book on pinterest and id love to be in the giveaway! Thank you for doing this!❤
Aw I wish I could get you in the giveaway, but it has ended Celine! I will tell you that it is worth every penny though. My women’s group is LOVING it. 🙂