How To Get In The Habit Of Reading And Understanding The Bible.

[hmb1265]

I am not new to accepting Christ and knowing of all his greatness, however I do not take the time out to read his word daily. I attend Church every Sunday and I do feel I am living better in many areas of my life as I take my Christian walk I just have to ask how does one other than just by doing it. Question 1. is How does one get into the habit of reading the Bible daily? I ask because when I read it, it's so hard to understand at times and it almost feel like I am just reading a lot of words. Second question: Is there a best time to read the Bible to gain a better understanding?

Thank You I look forward to your reply.

HMB

 

[joesephus]

Just do it, then for the rest of your life the Holy Spirit will bring to mind different verses you have read. It is truly a miracle and you will want to know more I promise. Don't look at it as something boring, rather take 10-15 min. at first. Job is good, the psalms too, don't worry about where you start, just start and be at peace!! God bless, J

 

[makamae]

Lord we pray in your name for salvation and guidance over this brother/sister, Continue to keep blessings over him/her and open your heart unto them, In Jesus name I pray. Amen

 

[clay pot]

Start with the Book of John. 'In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God' is the way the chapter begins. Read the bible out loud! You need to hear yourself speaking the Word. It's ok if you don't understand it right now. Just keep reading it anyway. You can start with dedicating 30 min. each day and stick with it. What happens is the word will go from your head and drop down into your heart eventually where you will begin changing from the inside out! It's exciting. Just keep reading John over and over until you have it down pat. The Holy Spirit will lead you every time you open the bible. The long-term goal would be to read the bible from cover to cover so you can get the gist of it, but for now just start off with John. Your understanding will be opened the more you read and pray about it. A version that is popular with young people today and is easily understood is called "The Message" and you can read it free online! There are many websites with the various bible versions, however, try to stick with the KJV. I prefer the "New Living Translation" as it is very easy to understand. Thank you, Lord, for helping me explain to them and thank you for leading them in your word. Give them the hunger they need to read the word daily, in Jesus' name, amen! (the best time to read is anytime!) Try to memorize as many of God's promises as you can. They will be badly needed in the days ahead!

 

[BJG]

Lord this sister is asking the questions many of us have. Open all our minds and hearts and illuminate Your Word. Holy Spirit, we ask you into our hearts to help us understand the Word more completely and effortlessly. We give our hearts and minds to you and trust in Your guidance in living a Spirit filled life. AMEN

 

[teddybear]

Praise You God for this beautiful woman who has just joined Your family!!! I pray that You guide her with Your Holy Spirit giving her that still small voice that advises and guides her as she continues her walk with You. I pray that Your word will become more clear as she reads and that Your message for her or for that passage and book will become clear also. I pray for hmb1265 to be blessed by You and blessed for desiring to seek You!!! In Jesus name I pray. (When Jesus died and returned to his Father he left with us a helper, a comforter, and friend, the Holy Spirit, and it is His voice that we hear within our hearts that will guide us here in this world.) Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. AMEN.

.....

I have read some of the replies and would like to suggest John as the 1st book as well. I like how the gospel, story of Jesus' life is presented and it is truly uplifting to know "that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son"! Wow, He loves us so!!!

I have purchased many different Bibles over the years and have found it true that some are easier to read or understand than others. I remember when I was a girl praying something like this before I read "Lord, please help me to understand what You are saying here as I read Your word. And Lord help me to crave Your word"

I remember not understanding really everything, but reading anyway. And, then somehow things just started to make more sense without me worrying about it so much. It will come. And we allowed to

take baby steps and grow. Some will find they grow quickly where for others it may be a process and take longer, as was the case for me. But, God knows and is in control and has His reasons.

We are not all the same. But we are the same in that He loves and forgives us! And we will be in His Heaven one day!

God is a graceful God so He is not strict about the time of day you read. He speaks to us with His word, His Bible, His letter to us. I sometimes miss a day. He forgives that.

And in time You will find His words come to You in times when You need them. "Be still and know that I am God."

God can lead You in this as in all things.

I like the NIV life application Bible. There are pages which talk about applying the word to your life.

And some explanations. They will outline the purpose of the book, the style of the writing, the author or who they think may have been the author and many other features.

They have editions for children, teens, adult, couples, women, and men that I know of.

NIV (New International Version) was written by a large group of scholars who met and came to agreement on how the passages would be written. It is a translation of the original writings. There is a students version which is more complicated so I would recommend looking at the Life Application one.

Some Bibles such as

"The Living Bible" are translations of translations. If you go on line you could search this. Or ask at a Bible Book store. You could also get the translation that your church uses.

However I believe that God controls all and any that You choose will be His. He can help you to understand.

Later on You may want to join a Bible study group for newer Christians if one is available in your area. Or adult Sunday School if available.

I pray for you and for your journey with the Lord! I am so thankful for You! Keep on fire for God. And may he bless You because You have asked. "knock and the door will be opened, seek and you shall find." bev. xo

 

[hmb1265]

I want to thank each and every person, Kristie, Joesephus, Makamae, Clay pot, BJG, and teddybear he for advice given. I thanks you all for sharing and caring. I feel more so blessed just knowing I joined a site that is uplifting and helping others in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you all. Wow 2011 is starting off in a most powerful way and all advice shall be followed. I read Luke yesterday and today I shall read John and contiune on until I have completed the advice of you all. So Please note if I have questions after reading the Book any of you advised me to read I shall be making contact with you if I have any questions. I am not new to reading the Bible but this go around I want to make sure it is for a life change not just becasue it can make for good conversation from time to time or to justify my actions.

HMB1265