Bible Color Coding | My Method

I posted a picture on Instagram recently that showed my color code chart while doing my daily devotions.  Since then, I’ve had a few inquirers asking about HOW I color code my Bible, if there’s a specific method I use, what pens work best, etc.

I decided to write a post about it on my blog that would answer all the questions at one time.  Before I begin this though, I just want to clarify one thing.
Everyone is different.  Everyone studies the Bible differently.  And everyone will have a different color coding system.  My structure is my own.  All I hope to achieve in this post is showing you HOW I do it and hoping that this helps you in forming your own plan and system.

It’s not about how you mark your Bible, though.  Remember that.  It’s about how you allow the Bible to mark you.

—

[Suggested] Supplies:

• a Bible
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Post-it notes
• 3×5″ cards
• a blank notebook
• whatever else you want to add to it to make this method YOUR OWN;)

—

Why do you write in and mark your Bible?
For a few reasons.  Mainly these:
- It forces me to slow down and focus on specific passages.
- It makes studying His Word fun and interesting.
- It makes it easier for me to find specific verses when just flipping through looking for a certain one.
- Marking and journaling my Bible during my devotional time has truly helped and encouraged me.
Besides, I love colors and color coding my favorite book is beautiful:)

What Bible do you use?
Well my brother bought me R.C. Spiral’s recently released ESV Reformed Study Bible for my birthday.  So that’s the one I use this specific color code in.  My everyday, nightstand favorite is an NASB and I actually have a different color code for that one.  Similar, but not exactly the same.

**Some people are really nervous about marking brand new Bibles.  If this is the case with you, don’t be afraid to just go buy on at a used bookstore and start color coding in there.  Just until you get the hang of it, you know?**

What is the best brand of pen that you’d suggest?
For color coding, I use Fashion Gel tip pens.  They are my absolute favorite.  They show clearly, the colors are vibrant and deep, and the ink dries quickly.
I would suggest getting Papermate pens for taking notes in your journal.

What colors do you use and what do each of them signify?
I wrote up a color code chart and drew little squares of color, then next to each square, I wrote what that specific color would signify in my Bible highlighting.  MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!

How does your method work?
I read.  I write what I learn.  I highlight according to my color code.  Pretty simple.
As far as deciding WHAT to read in my day to day devotions, in the above photo, you can see a Good Morning Girls Bible chart.  I just printed that from here and it’s super fun to check off each chapter and see how much I’ve read.  I heartily suggest it.

What are some pros and cons that you’ve found while using your specific method?
I have made a couple mistakes when highlighting certain verses.  I should’ve marked it pink, but accidentally marked it red.  Or wanted to mark a specific passage with blue and yellow, but accidentally did green and yellow.  It happens, though!  Don’t beat yourself up about it.

Why do you journal?
- It helps me retain what I learn and be able to look back and see what I felt the LORD was teaching me.
- It helps me to dig deeper and deeper into His Word.
- It’s a form of worship to God through writing out specific Scriptures, observations, how it applies to me, prayers, etc.
- It encourages me to put the passion in my heart into a form of art on paper through praise, confession, repentance, and surrender.
- It’s so awesome to look back and see how much I’ve grown, what I’ve improved in, and what God has taught me over the years.

—

Suggested articles and websites:
Gypsy Mama
Women Living Well
Radically Christian