Author: Dave

From Intimidating to Inviting: Reading the Bible with SPACES

Using the SPACES Bible Study Tool

Overview

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating. The SPACES acronym is a simple tool to help you engage with Scripture, understand it, and apply it to your life. You can write this acronym on a piece of paper or in your journal and use it as a guide every time you read a chapter.

What SPACES Stands For

S — Sin to Avoid

  • Look for sins mentioned directly or shown through characters’ actions.
  • Ask: What behavior or attitude should I avoid?

P — Promise to Claim

  • Identify promises God gives in the passage.
  • Ask: What can I confidently trust God for in my own life?

A — Attribute of God

  • Notice what the passage teaches about God’s character.
  • Ask: What does this reveal about who God is?

C — Command to Obey

  • Find explicit or implicit instructions to follow.
  • Ask: What is God calling me to do or change?

E — Example to Follow

  • Observe positive examples in characters’ lives.
  • Ask: Who should I imitate in this passage?

S — Something to Pray About

  • Turn what you read into a personal prayer.
  • Ask: How should I respond to God in prayer based on this passage?

How to Use It

  1. Write “SPACES” at the top of your notes when you start a chapter.
  2. As you read, jot down insights under each letter.
  3. Use your notes to guide prayer and application.
  4. Share it with a friend or in a small group study to help others engage with Scripture.

Why Use SPACES?

  • Reduces intimidation when reading the Bible.
  • Encourages deeper understanding and reflection.
  • Makes it easier to discuss and share Scripture with others.

Start using SPACES today and enjoy a more meaningful time in God’s Word!

Adapted from content by Jeremy Vuolo, shared in an Instagram video post.

July 15, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17

Common Theme

These chapters describe the deepening unfaithfulness of Judah and Israel, leading to Judah’s defeat under Ahaz and Israel’s ultimate exile by Assyria. They show how persistent idolatry and rejection of God’s covenant result in judgment and loss.

Questions

  • What small compromises in worship or allegiance might lead us away from wholehearted devotion to God?
  • How does God’s patience with Israel and Judah challenge our understanding of His justice and mercy?

God Shot

God is shown as a holy and jealous God who cannot overlook persistent rebellion and idolatry. Yet even in judgment, His actions reveal a deep desire for His people to return to Him and acknowledge His rightful rule.

July 14, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Micah 1-7

Common Theme

God confronts His people’s sin and injustice with righteous judgment, yet promises future restoration and deliverance through a Shepherd-King. His faithfulness shines as He shows compassion and offers hope beyond their failures.

Questions

  • How does God’s combination of justice and mercy challenge your understanding of His character?
  • What areas of your life need to be brought into alignment with God’s call for justice and humility?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as both the righteous Judge who cannot overlook sin and the compassionate Redeemer who delights in showing steadfast love. He pardons iniquity and casts sins into the depths of the sea, demonstrating His unmatched commitment to mercy and faithfulness.

July 13, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12

Common Theme

God is sovereign over both righteous and unrighteous rulers, and He promises a future reign of perfect justice and peace through the coming Messiah. Despite present corruption and judgment, God’s ultimate plan is to establish His righteous kingdom through a faithful King from David’s line.

Questions

  • How does seeing God’s promise of a perfect future King shape the way you view current leaders and earthly kingdoms?
  • In what ways does God’s commitment to justice and righteousness encourage you today?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the faithful King who ensures His purposes prevail regardless of human failures. He delights in establishing justice and peace, showing that His heart is set on restoring creation through His own righteous rule.

July 12, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Amos 6-9

Common Theme

God warns of judgment against Israel’s complacency, pride, and injustice, but also promises ultimate restoration for His people. Despite severe discipline, God’s covenant faithfulness leads to a future hope of renewal and blessing.

Questions

  • In what ways can comfort and prosperity make us blind to spiritual decay and injustice?
  • How does God’s promise of restoration shape our understanding of His judgment?

God Shot

God is both the righteous judge who cannot ignore sin and the merciful restorer who rebuilds and blesses His people. His unwavering commitment to justice and His gracious determination to restore show His steadfast love and faithfulness.

July 11, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Amos 1-5

Common Theme

God pronounces judgment on the surrounding nations and Israel for their injustice, oppression, and empty religious rituals. He demands true righteousness and justice rather than outward religious performances.

Questions

  • In what ways might we be offering God empty worship while neglecting justice and righteousness?
  • How does God’s hatred of injustice shape how we should view our own treatment of others?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as a righteous judge who cannot tolerate hypocrisy or oppression. He desires justice to “roll on like a river” and righteousness like a never-failing stream, showing His deep love for moral integrity and compassion.

July 10, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 5-8

Common Theme

God exposes the deep moral decay of His people and warns of coming judgment through foreign nations, yet He also affirms His sovereignty by promising a future sign of hope through Immanuel. These chapters show both His righteous anger against sin and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive plan.

Questions

  • What do these chapters reveal about God’s response to persistent rebellion and hypocrisy among His people?
  • How does the promise of Immanuel shape our understanding of God’s long-term purposes despite immediate judgment?

God Shot

God is the holy and righteous King who cannot tolerate sin, yet He graciously offers a sign of His enduring presence through Immanuel. He is unwavering in justice and relentless in His commitment to bring salvation.

July 9, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 1-4

Common Theme

God confronts Judah’s deep corruption and calls them to repentance, warning of coming judgment while also promising a future purification and restoration. Despite their rebellion, He envisions a renewed people and a glorious future marked by justice and holiness.

Questions

  • What does God’s willingness to reason with His people (Isaiah 1:18) reveal about His heart toward them?
  • How do judgment and hope coexist in God’s plan for His people?

God Shot

God is a righteous judge who cannot overlook sin, yet He is also a compassionate redeemer who desires to cleanse and restore. His vision for His people reflects His unwavering commitment to holiness and His longing for a purified, faithful community.

Living From Love, Not For Love

We often act out of a deep desire to be loved, seeking approval, validation, or respect from others. This mindset can leave us anxious, disappointed, and focused on ourselves.

But when we remember that we are already loved by God, everything changes. We can act from a place of security and freedom rather than striving for acceptance. We can serve, give, and relate to others without hidden agendas or unrealistic expectations.

Living because we are loved means:

  • We can humble ourselves without needing to prove anything.
  • We can give our worries to God instead of obsessing over our performance.
  • We can resist lies and stand firm in faith rather than relying on feelings.
  • We can embrace growth and strength instead of choosing comfort and ease.

When we live from the truth that we are loved, we find true freedom and clarity. We stop striving and start living with purpose and grace.

Lord, help me remember today that I am loved. Free me from self-focus and striving, and help me live out of Your love. Amen.

Adapted from Lysa TerKeurst, Because I Am Loved.

July 8, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

Common Theme

These chapters highlight the instability of Israel’s leadership and the prideful downfall of Judah’s King Uzziah. God’s holiness and justice are evident as He acts decisively against sin, even among powerful rulers.

Questions

  • How does pride lead to a leader’s downfall, even when they start faithfully?
  • What do these accounts reveal about God’s expectations for those in authority?

God Shot

God is shown as utterly holy and intolerant of prideful presumption, even in His own sanctuary. His swift judgment against Uzziah underscores His unwavering commitment to protect His holiness and uphold His glory above all.