How about a personal study method that is simple and works! The methods outlined below are ideal for all Christians, to build a fuller knowledge of the Scriptures.

Tools

Here are a list of helpful tools to use. All you really need is a good bible, a pen and paper to get started.

A good Bible and other versions for reference.
A good concordance.
A good commentary such as:
- ‘Believer’s Bible Commentary’ by William McDonald https://gospelfolio.com/product/believers-bible-commentary-second-edition/
- ‘The Bible Knowledge Commentary’ by Walvoord & Zuck https://gospelfolio.com/product/bible-knowledge-commentary-old-new-testament-2-volumes-set/
Looseleaf paper. It is important to write your thoughts down as you meditate on what you read. I use smaller looseleaf, so it will fit in my Bible.

First Study Method

Set a consistent time to read, that works for you.
Select a short book to start.
Set a goal to read one chapter per day and journal your observations.
Use a commentary for brief suggestions to kick start your journaling.
When you have finished reading a book, or at end of each week, go back over the chapters you have just read and develop lines of thought running through the book.

Giving it a try

If you are disciplined in using this first method in reading and journaling a chapter each day, you will accomplish something of lasting value. The New Testament contains 260 chapters and could be read and studied all within one year.

Try not to get discouraged or bogged down with any method, make it your own. If the chapter is two long, take two days to tackle it. Be flexible, but disciplined. If you miss a few days, don't give up, pick up where you left off and keep going! I tend to struggle with spending all of my time on the first few verses of my chapter, so I am concentrating on trying to outline each chapter, then going back to individual sections as I have time. The beauty of the looseleaf journalling system, is that you can add thoughts later, next time you cover the ground, or when you hear ministry etc. I am also putting my notes on my computer, which makes it even more flexible. Another suggestion with this method is to follow your daily family reading, that is, if you usually cover a chapter a day in it.

Note: Use study books sparingly, as reference. What you learn through books or commentary tends to leave you, what you discover while reading tends to stay with you.

Complementary Reading Methods

It addition to spending a daily time doing more extensive journaling, setting aside another time in your day with a complementary reading method will be a blessing as well.

Choose a reading method to either
- familiarize yourself with overall scripture, such as one year bible reading plans.
- devotional, a few verses at a time, particularly good before praying.
Search out cross references that are part of your reading, using a concordance can help
Relate one scripture to another
Write down your observations
Meditate
Pray

Giving it a try

These complementary reading methods can both be used throughout the week. For example, Monday through Friday you could be following some type of "one year reading plan" and then use the more devotional style reading on Saturdays and Sundays. An interesting fact regarding reading, the entire New Testament can be read in about sixteen and a half hours. The entire Bible can be read in sixty-six hours. It doesn't seem that unreasonable then to give the reading methods a try.

Final Thoughts

What I enjoy about these methods, is that they can be picked up again readily even if you cannot keep it up all the time. But using these methods tends to develop discipline in the reading and the study of God's word. Also, the method tends to develop an overall understanding of each book in the bible.