Scripture: From Reading to Rhythm

Have you ever sat down with your Bible, read a chapter, and realized five minutes later that you couldn’t remember a single word?

I’ve been there. For a long time, my personal reading time felt like surfing the waves—moving fast across the surface without ever knowing what was truly swimming underneath. I wanted a deeper connection, but if I’m being honest, I often sat down and thought, “Where do I even start?”

I didn’t need more information; I needed a framework. I longed for a way to reduce the friction of “study” and create a space where Scripture felt less like a textbook and more like a conversation.

Introducing the A.M.P.S. Method

That’s why I created the A.M.P.S. Bible Study Method. A.M.P.S. isn’t just an acronym; it’s a way to “crank up” your engagement with the Word. It’s designed to mirror the way we naturally learn and internalize truth—moving from initial attention to deep, life-altering saturation.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or picking up the Bible for the first time, this method provides the structure to move you from “skimming” to “dwelling.”

The Four Pillars of A.M.P.S.

A – Attention: We begin by pausing and preparing the soil of the heart. We read with purpose, noticing what the Holy Spirit highlights.
M – Meaning: We dive into the “meat”—the history, the original Greek and Hebrew terminology, and the full counsel of Scripture.
P – Perspective of God: This is the bridge to intimacy. We present our confusion and thoughts to the Father and ask for His clarity.
S – Saturation: We don’t just close the book and walk away. We ask for help to live it out, infusing His instructions into our daily lives.

More Than a Notebook: A Daily Ritual

The A.M.P.S. Bible Study Journal was built to be your companion in this process. In a world saturated with digital noise, there is something powerful about a physical space for dialogue and clarity.

A lined journal isn’t merely a notebook; it’s a personal space where your spiritual journey evolves. By using this framework, you remove the “decision fatigue” of study. You no longer have to wonder how to study; you simply step into the rhythm.

Are You Ready to Dive Deeper?

Stop surfing the surface and start exploring the depths. If you’re looking for a Bible study method that honors the original context while speaking directly to your heart, I invite you to start your A.M.P.S. journey today.

Grab your A.M.P.S. Journal

February 13, 2026 0

Can Scripture Shape My Prayers?

Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself repeating the same three sentences? We’ve all been there. While God honors every sincere word, our prayer lives can sometimes feel like a dry well.

The remedy isn’t necessarily to “try harder,” but to change the source of our language. By letting Scripture guide our prayers, we move from a monologue of our own worries to a dialogue with the Living God. Drawing from insights in 1 Corinthians, here are three steps to help you transform your prayer life from the inside out.

1. Let Scripture Influence Your Prayer Life

Prayer is a dialogue with the Lord. Often, we bring our own agenda and forget the will of God when talking with the Father. Scripture provides the vocabulary, focus, and depth that our natural minds often lack.

As you read, don’t just look for information; look for a bridge to God.

Seek Illumination: Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to “turn the lights on” in the text.
Dig Deeper: Pay attention to the context. Why was Paul writing this to the Corinthians? Use different translations or cross-references to see how one truth connects to another.
The Golden Question: Ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here that should become my prayer?” If you read about God’s faithfulness in a trial, let your prayer be: “Lord, I thank You that You are faithful even when I am anxious.”

2. Read with Intentionality to Pray

It’s easy to read the Bible for study and pray for needs as two separate activities. The power happens when you merge them. Approach every passage ready to “pray it into action.”

For Yourself: If a verse mentions the “wisdom of God,” pray for that wisdom to navigate your specific work conflict or parenting struggle.
For Others: Instead of just praying “Lord, help my friend,” use the text. If you’re reading about the unity of the Body in 1 Corinthians 12, pray that your friend would feel their unique value in their local church.
For the World: Use the promises of God’s Kingdom to intercede for global issues. Pray that God’s will—as revealed in the Word—would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to Lead

At the end of the day, praying Scripture is an act of submission to a relationship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your conversation with the Lord as you digest Scripture. Allow your Bible reading to spur your prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul reminds us that true power doesn’t come from “persuasive words of wisdom,” but from a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” Let this resonate with your prayer life. God is not longing for elaborate wording, but a simple, pure heart coming to Him to talk.

SO WHAT DOES THIS REALLY LOOK LIKE?

Practical Example: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 talks about growing in love. As you are reading this passage, you may feel a tugging at your heart for someone in your life that you may view as a “sandpaper person”. Immediately go to the Lord in prayer and use this verse to begin your conversation.

“Lord God, Your Word says love is patient and kind. I don’t always have this mindset. Transform my heart so I can show this same Christ-like love to (NAME). Help me see them the way you do, your child. Allow my heart to be filled with Your love so I can extend kindness and a patient spirit towards them…”

Moving From Page to Prayer

Learning to pray Scripture isn’t about mastering a new spiritual “skill”—it’s about deepening a relationship. You don’t need to be a scholar to start. All you need is an open Bible and a heart willing to say, “Lord, teach me to pray.”

As you begin to shift your prayers around Scripture, I pray you will find that your conversations with the Lord become more grounded in the Word and your spirit becomes more attuned to the voice of the Father.

February 10, 2026 0

From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

Did you know that nearly 90% of American households own a Bible, yet less than 15% of people actually read it daily? (Source: American Bible Society, 2021).

That is a staggering gap. It leads to a question we don’t always want to answer out loud: How many Bibles are in your home right now… and how many are actually being opened?

Let’s be honest—for a long time, my Bible reading felt like “just looking at ink on paper.” Those letters (the typography) were there, but the intimate connection with God that I craved was missing. I was reading words, but I wasn’t hearing a Voice.

If we aren’t careful, Bible reading becomes just another box to check on a “to-do” list. We see the history, but we miss the Heart, His Heart.

It took me years to distinguish the difference between reading words and experiencing the Word. I wrote my latest study, Beyond Scripture Typography, so it doesn’t have to take you years. I want to help you move past the “ink on the page” and into a framework where you feel confident, capable, and connected every time you open your Bible.

CLICK HERE

Tell me in the comments:

What is the biggest thing that keeps you from opening your Bible daily? (No judgment here—we’re in this together!) 👇

February 3, 2026 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Four

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I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

Chapter four is entitled “Embracing Beyond” but exactly what does that mean? It could simply be an emotion of longing for more with little effort or it might be defined as an action filled with sweat and tears to fight like crazy to get to new heights. Like most things in life, the definition lies within the beholder.

In Ephesians, Paul expresses his thoughts regarding “embracing beyond.” He clearly illustrates the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Paul emphasizes this “beyond” is an action which takes a lot of time building rapport and intimacy with the Lord. He defines it as a lifestyle of gaining the full knowledge of the Lord by embracing a personal relationship.

Pastor Darren Dye of Freedom Fellowship Church in Canyon, Tx recently reiterated Paul’s primary point in Ephesians 1:17 when he made this statement from the pulpit, “When you agree with God’s Word, you invite the living power into your life.” Scripture opens the door to knowing about God, but when you go beyond and align your life with God’s ways, the relationship of knowing Him personally begins to blossom into a transformation of life like no other.

“The Lord wants you to know Him intensely, as He knows you.”

Our one-on-one experience with God is enhanced when we acknowledge and invite His presence. Each personal union with the Lord comes with its own uniqueness, beauty, and thorns. It is a commitment filled with daily habits and ways of the Lord so foreign to our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Often it requires us to:

Engage in conversation with God
Ask for spiritual wisdom
Be open to His insight
Invite Him into circumstances
Walk with Him minute by minute
Trust His understanding and timing
Posture ourselves under His influence
And the list goes on…

Under His authority, we must be calculated with our time and ignite our passion for God and His ways through our actions. God reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is up to us to determine our “beyond” and make the most of every opportunity to delight in the Lord with all that we are.

Chapter four is an extension of the Father’s invitation to come and partake in a relationship apart from what the world offers. For me, it was an opportunity to self-reflect on the main barrier holding me back-a gap in my daily conversation with God.

What might it be for you?

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees… Deut. 10:12-13 (NIV)

February 17, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Three

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

What do you think of when you hear the word grow? Plants-Kids-Puppies? Very rarely do I associate this word with God, however the Bible reminds us over and over that we continually develop in our faith.

The Lord has equipped us with tools to embrace an ongoing movement towards spiritual maturity and He has given us a list of qualities He wants us to strive to obtain. 2 Peter 1:8 reminds us that these qualities prevent us from being ineffective and unproductive. What are these attributes you ask? Faith*Goodness*Knowledge*Self-control*Perserverance*Godliness*Mutual Affection*Love (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Scripture also tells us that our faith must go beyond what we believe-faith must be displayed as an action as well. Our life reflects growth or the lack of through our daily way of life. (2 Peter 1:9). Growth requires continual practice and training just like an athlete because the Father wants us to refine our skills and abilities, study His word, and display a deep desire to grow in knowledge. Train and practice-strengthening our spiritual muscles.

As we work towards knowing God intimately and discovering the attributes of Jesus, we become equipped to increase our discernment from what is of him and what is of the enemy. Our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has a way of heightening our senses to acknowledge things of the enemy and it guards us from being quickly deceived by the world around us.

Chapter three clearly presents growth as “a follower’s responsibility to cultivate it, knowing there is a progression to each bonding aspect with God, including communication with Him.” Growth relies on the intimacy with God and the discipline to carry out Proverbs 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

“Your development is continual and dependent upon the power in Christ.” (see Philippians 2:13) Be encouraged my friend “to stay active and tenacious” by making every effort to growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cling to His promises and embrace your growth progression.

Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8 (NIV)

February 13, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Two

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

Have you ever feared something in your life? I know I have and compiling a list might be overwhelming. So, what is fear? It can be an emotion, or an action based on believing something or someone may be dangerous and/or cause pain. From my past experiences, I might add – it can raise your anxiety level because of what you feel is to come. Fear can also be a chance to respond by decelerating or igniting even more fear.

What do you think of when the word fear is spoken? What if I said fear could be a healthy thing?

The Bible often references fear word regarding the Lord.

Job 28:28b “. . .The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 “. . .Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind.”

I have struggled with “Fear of the Lord” throughout my lifetime especially when I reflect on Proverbs 1:7 which clearly states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. But as I have pressed into His Word and gained a greater appreciation for Scripture, I have come to realize fear of the Lord begins with accepting the fact that God is the only one who knows everything.

Fearing the Lord displays a healthy relationship with God. It is an action where we surrender to His authority not because we are forced to do so, but because we know He knows best. He expects us to keep an open mind to His advice and embrace His reproof. The Father is very clear about the outcome of those who follow Him and those who do not.

Romans 11:19-22 ESV Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.

This verse gives us the knowledge of God’s position on following Him. He wants us to seek His wisdom and love His ways by being a lifetime learner. As a helpmate, He provided His very words, the Bible, to give us Godly counsel and instructions yet much like our salvation, the choice is ours.

We must believe Scripture is:

A living document assisting in engaging with God
A source of inspiration to change our perspective and actions
A guide to molding and shaping our lives to do His will
A window to knowing God’s character
Transformational, miraculous, powerful, set apart from all other text
A love story with us

Elevating biblical text necessitates work and a commitment to go BEYOND!

Fear-do you value God enough to understand the fear of the Lord? How deep is your awe and submission to the Father? Does His Word play a significant role in your life? To what lengths are you willing to go to make Scripture engagement a life-changing event in your life?

Chapter two of Beyond Scriptural Typography is entitled Exceeding Reasons. We each must find the exceeding reasons to embrace the fear of the Lord and why we would seek Biblical knowledge. The personal choice does come with the wisdom that “obtaining life-changing engagement skills with God’s Word is a refining process with a time factor attached.”

How will you spend your days ahead?

February 5, 2024 0

Happy Birthday Jesus

Hey Friends! Merry Christmas to each of you and your family. I pray your day has been a joyful time filled with peace and love. May you have time to reflect on the gift of Jesus and the hope born for us on that first Christmas.

We had a turn of events on Christmas Eve and spent the majority of the night and early morning in the ER with one of our parents. As I watched our family gather, I experienced joy among the concerns. The peace in each heart was a reflection of the Lord working within. This is the joy that is always present regardless of the life circumstances. Although there is surgery tomorrow and several months of rehabilitation ahead, everyone is filled with hope because of their faith in God.

A few members of the family were able to gather briefly today for our Savior Celebration. We completed the advent candle and my husband read the Christmas story. After lunch, we presented ourselves to the Lord by choosing a different colored candle. As we each placed our candle on the cake, we thought about the gifts given by the wise men. Our focus was to give our best to the Father as each of our candles were lit. I could hardly hold back the tears when we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus!

This Christmas was another learning (Refining) experience in my journey. God is teaching me to exercise my faith and know that He doesn’t waver although my world does. I am growing in wisdom and staying disciplined in worshipping the Father although my heart is broken for my sweet mother-in-law. God’s love changes my perspective when I surrender to His will and trust in His plans.

I love each of you and pray for each person who reads the blog. Thank you for enduring the ramblings God places on my heart. 2019 has brought changes and direction beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot wait to see what He has planned for 2020! Merry Christmas my sweet friends. Love to all and to all a good night.

December 25, 2019 1