Thank you for the application question, “How long should my personal Bible study be? I’m trying to deepen my relationship with God. Is thirty minutes too short? I know you’re supposed to commune with God all day?”
I commend you for your desire to deepen your relationship with God. This is to be a desire of each Christian to walk more humbly and in alignment with His Word.
Whether one reads the Bible, meditate on the Bible or study the Bible, those actions are not an end in itself. Those methods are a means in cultivating one’s heart and spirit before and with God. Please remember that it is not the amount of time, but what is the attitude in those moments when one reads, meditate or study the Bible. The critical question to ask is this, “What is the Spirit of God revealing to me as I open God’s Word?” It is never solely about acquiring more facts about the Bible, but my response to God’s Word. Is thirty minutes too short? Some may think so while others think that is too long for them. In many ways, it will depend on one’s responsibility and schedule.
The Scriptures exhorts us to hide/treasure the Word of God in one’s heart so that one will not sin against God. Bible study will help us understand the revealed will of God from the Word, but the Holy Spirit is the one who enables transformation of one’s heart and mind, one attitude an action. Thus studying the Word and submitting to the Holy Spirit go hand-in-hand. They are complementary for spiritual maturity and spiritual walk with the Lord.
Reading and studying the Gospel of John and I John is a very good starting point for any Christian.
SUMMARY: It is NOT time in the Word, but it time WITH God in His Word.
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