A Good Study Bible
Study Bibles contain notes along with the text that provide the reader with cross-references, translation helps, and explanations of historical and contextual situations. My recommendation: The ESV Study Bible
A Notebook or Three Ring Binder
This is for taking notes and recording insights that God gives you into the text and how it applies to you. It is also helpful to keep track of what you pray for so you can see God’s activity in your life.
An Appointed Time and Place
You will be surprised how much more consistent you will be if you treat your quiet time like other appointments. It is never wrong to pencil God into your daily schedule! It may be difficult at first, but with time, you will look forward to your time with Him.
Biblical Language Tools
Since the Old Testament was written in Hebrew (and a little Aramaic) and the New Testament was written in Greek, many words have shades of nuance that are lost in translation. Below are a few tools that will help you unlock some of the kernels of truth locked inside of language.
The Hebrew/Greek Study Bible by Spiros Zodhiates -important words have a number superscripted that leads you to a fuller definition and explanation in the back of the Bible. This is an excellent help for the Bible student.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words by W.E. Vine, Merrill Unger, and William White. Look up an English word and find it’s Hebrew and Greek counterparts, where they are used in Scripture and what they mean in context.
Commentaries – while I am not necessarily a big fan of commentaries, sometimes they are helpful. Look for one-volume commentaries that provide background information on the text rather than commentaries that give the author’s opinion on the meaning and application of the text. My recommendations: IVP Background Commentary on the New Testament and IVP Background Commentary on the Old Testament
Your Most Important Help: The Holy Spirit
One of the works of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to lead us into all truth. God alone is able to reveal Himself to us.
Online Tools
My Study Bible (Holman Christian Standard)
You Version. You Version also has a very good app for your smart phone and/or tablet.
Biblia.Com
Seven Ways to Approach a Bible Passage:
1 .PICTURE IT! Visualize the scene in your mind.
2 .PRONOUNCE IT! Say the verse aloud, each time emphasizing a different word.
3. PARAPHRASE IT! Rewrite the verse in your own words.
4. PERSONALIZE IT! Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name.
5. PRAY IT! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God.
6. PROBE IT! Ask the following five questions :
S.P.E.C.K. QUESTIONS
Is there a SIN to forsake?
Is there a PROMISE to claim?
Is there an ENCOURAGEMENT to hear?
Is there a COMMAND to obey?
Is there some KNOWLEDGE to be gained?
7. PRACTICE IT! Find ways to immediately put what God has told you into action.