Your aunt is apparently a remarkable woman, and I hope you will heed her example. Nothing can shape our lives in the right way more than the Bible, and nothing can make the Bible come alive to us more than reading it every day.

You’re right about one thing, however: If we don’t get anything out of it, then it is a useless habit. But it shouldn’t be that way! God gave the Bible to us, and He wants us to understand it and apply it to our lives. He wants to teach us about Himself through its pages, and He also wants to use it to change our lives. The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

How can you make the Bible come alive? First, take it seriously. If an angel were to speak to you, wouldn’t you listen very carefully? But God has already spoken to us in the Bible, and we should listen to it even more carefully. Before you open it, take a moment to ask God to help you understand it.

Then ask two questions as you read. First, what is happening in this passage? What is it all about? Second, what does this teach me about God, or Jesus, or how I ought to live? Keep a pen and paper handy, and write down your answers to these questions. Then ask God to help you make them a part of your life.