Here's an article for bible curious folks!
(Not a religion discussion/debate)!!
Don't know what to read in the bible or where to begin? Does it seem daunting or outdated?
Here's an easier, more practical way...
There's a bible online, as you may know:
Most important, get your hands on a bible you can and will read. Even if that means it's an audio bible you listen to in the car or at night in bed. There are also videos of the books of the bible if you are more of a visual learner. Borrow from a friend, ask a pastor or someone else what they would recommend.
I'm sorry, but the olde English versions don't cut it for me. I tried that route, it got me nowhere. I really want to follow what I am reading though I may not grasp the "true" meaning (at least not right away).
If you are unsure what you are looking for, and this is MOST of us...
Several community, college, school and church libraries all have bibles you can check out and explore. Don't expect to get through them all in the short time they let you check them out, just use it as a preview time. You can also ask at the store or spend a few afternoons at Barnes & Noble (a favorite place of mine!).
If you want to purchase one inexpensively, look on eBay or half.com, these are wonderful resources.
Personally, I do not want to have to look up passages every day, but I want a bible that will allow this. So, I do have an NIV bible with topical references (an index) in the back.
Since I don't want to look up passages and wonder what to read each time, I bought myself a daily bible. This is not a chronological bible, but one that you read according to the day, like today I would read October 19th. This bible has an Old Testament Lesson, a psalm, a proverb and a new testament lesson. Takes only 10 minutes, if that. Lately I have been having a hard time getting through it because God is mad in the lesson I'm on!! Don't like to see that!
Anyway, all humor aside, this does help me keep up. Do I absorb everything or attempt to study in depth? Not with this. But it does keep me focused on God. If I come across Numbers or Chronicles, I do not read all the begats, as they call them and who was related to who. If you are inclined, great!
The devotions in this bible are terrific, as are the prayers! I don't agree with the devotions all the time, but most speak to me in some way. Know that you won't necessarily understand everything or much of it though you may have read through it. I feel God designed it that way so you'd come back for more. And we're all going to take away something different from it and that is a topic for your pastor, not this article's comments.
For me, the habit of regular bible reading keeps me on "the straight and narrow path".
I have a difficult life at times, as many of us. If I don't keep my eyes on God, my foot is sure to slip and I do fall into despair. And no, most days I don't feel like it and I get interrupted when I read, but I MUST press on.
Bible reading also gives me prayer ideas, hope and inspiration. Reading the bible is like having a friend who encourages you DAILY no matter what.
I also have the pink "Womens Devotional Bible" 1 & 2. I just like to page through and read the devotions and bible passages they are linked to.
In all bibles I have in my possession, I've written down prayers/thoughts and recorded favorite passages. It's a good idea to have passages on note cards for when I need them. People have also suggested placing post its around the house or on your mirror. There are even purse-size or car bibles!!
I keep bibles where I can easily reach them. Car, by my bed, magazine rack, bathroom, office, desk drawer and more. Yes, I've been known to keep a bible in my purse in case you're wondering!
Where to start, you ask? The New Testament books of Philippians and Ephesians. These are both very positive.
And, for the church year coming up, we will be studying Isiah in the Old Testament once again as we await the birth of our Savior.
I like Samuel. It reads like a story and has a special place in my heart. This is especially true for the part with David and Jonathan. This is heart-warming and an unlikely friendship example.
Check out your church's bible class offerings and see what they are studying or form your own small group. It's a great way to meet new people.
Never feel awkward or embarrassed because "you don't know the bible." Chances are others around you are the same way. Hey, that's why they invented those tabs, right?
I hope and pray this helps you discover how rewarding reading your bible can be! It is a habit that will surely change your life!
Please share what works for you.
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Comments: 36 ( 2 removed by Midnite Writer -- Kim )
jJack, I agree. We could all do with a little less "churchianity" and a bit more practical real-life living. That's why reading the Bible every day is so helpful. I look on the Bible as God's love letter to me. When you look at it that way, who wouldn't want to read it!
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If you have noticed, you read Bible and certain portions just spontaneously relate to the person reading the Bible. I get to know how I should act in certain circumstances. It is enough to make the reading percolate with our thoughts.
Bible ...yes, the only text that can have authenticity related to a superior spirit, the Almighty.
I find the New Living Translation Bible to be the best for me. It is very concise in understanding God's word.
Good posting!
We can save the beliefs discussion for another time.
This is only a simple help for those wishing to begin reading or read bible and other biblical materials more. Thanks!
The Holy Spirit is able to help us cut through all the changes and interpretations and help us learn exactly what it is God wants us to know and what he knows we are ready to accept and understand. God does NOT give us more than he knows we are capable of understanding. I have read the bible for over 40 years and there are places I saw things but didn't understand or see then reading them again when God is ready for me to see somthing it all comes clear. Not some mans ideas or thoughts but Gods through his Holy Spirit and then YOU know that you know and NOTHING and NO One can take that from you. You don't think it. You KNOW it.
Some might tell you that you need a pastor or rabbi or some bible scholar to to help you understand or that you might be led astray with your own interpertation. These are men telling you that most usually someone who wants control and for you to fall into line with what they THINK not what God wants you to know.
First Jesus Christ our Savior is a minister, pastor, rabbi and teacher. Who better can you have to show you throught the Holy Spirit the REAL truth he wants you to know. Second he gave us a scripture to refute people who try to dissuade you from reading and having God show you what it is HE wants you to know. II Peter 1:20 Knowing this that no prophecy of Scripture is of ANY private Interpetation, VS 21: For Prophecy never came by the Will of man. But Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Christ sent the Holy Spirit as a comforter and to teach us and guide us and to HELP us.
He did tell us NOT to forsake the assembling of ourselves togather for "FELLOWSHIP"
Not for preaching or sermons not for worship but fellowship visiting, sharing, being with one another eating and breaking bread togather. I Cor 1:9 , Philip. 2:1-7 and lastly Hebrews 10:21-25. God does want us to come togather with others of likemind and fellowship. On his Sabbath day.
Organized religions and "Churches" Do not follow what the bible tells us in how to fellowship. They ignore I Corinthians 12 and The entire book of Hebrews. They ignore I Corinthians 14: 26-33, 36 - 40. And they ignore scripture that tells us our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit not some building and that we the people are the church not some building built by man.
So when we are in fellowship we are the Church body no matter where we meet. Christ told us in Matthew 18:20 Where two or three are gathered togather in his name. He is in the midst of them or with them as long as we are gathered togather in his name. It can be in a car or a living room or a park around a picnic table or anywhere his people meet. The more we look to God to teach us the more freedom we have from "Organized Churches, Ways and Religion" So much so that you can go sit in one of their buildings and fellowship but know you answer to God not man and their doctrines of men you don't need to answer to because you can refute them with his word. Some might ask you to leave but if you go with a pure heart and not to sow discord you will be fine.
Kim you had a very good article and I am going to send the link to some others I know will be interested in what you had to say.
That said,even in the Old English text I have found resolution and peace in so many things based on The Great Book. Thanks for sharing!
this is wonderful
God bless all...
Thanks for the link, I 'm gonna check it out for the bible online.