Hi, BG~

Thanks for this really good question.

Since the Word of God is our spiritual food, we certainly cannot live without it.  So daily reading is vital...as well as memorization which gives us access to the Word during the times we do not have the written Word with us.

The daily reading programs you mentioned are a very good way to study the Word.

However, just about any way we study is beneficial...the object is to become infused with God's Word because it brings life and strength to us in so many ways.

Here are some other good ways I have enjoyed studying the Word:

1--Playing Bible CDs during the day...Psalms are especially helpful when dealing with emotional issues.  They can be played throughout the day, like music...you may not catch every word that way, but it is amazing how much you will retain just by playing them over and over again...I like to listen to the Bible when I am driving, sewing, or doing crafts also.

2--Playing Bible CDs at bedtime.  Again Psalms are nice to listen to at bedtime, especially if your mind won't quiet down after a stressful day or fears keep coming up.

3--Another method of study that I like is to use post-its for markers in the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs...and read a couple of pages in each section per day...I feel like I am getting a well-rounded "spiritual diet" that way.

4--Also, first thing in the morning, or any time of the day, God may bring something to mind...or a question may come up.  It is really important to pursue these thoughts and questions in His Word.  Very often this is how He leads us. 

If you are too busy at the moment to follow a specific leading...jot down your thought or question in a little notebook so you can get back to it later...I can't stress enough how vital this is.

Often when we least expect it, God can give us something important to check out.  There are times when our mind is more receptive...like when we are in the shower, watching a program on television, hiking outdoors, falling asleep...or just waking up in the morning.

Through daily experiences, the Word of God will often give us important clues--pieces of the puzzle--to our life that we need to examine in order to wisely make the serious decisions we are going to be faced with on a daily basis.

Life becomes a most exciting adventure when we experiene how His Word is used by the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us.

So enjoy the Journey.

NurturingLife