Before we get into how to read the Bible, let’s first take a quick look at the reasons why reading the Bible is essential. First Timothy 3:16 says that the Bible is “God-breathed,” which means that it is God’s words to us; and we need God’s Words to guide us to a spirit-filled life of Godly Living.
I started reading the bible as a small child living with my grandparents in rural southern, TN where we were in church on most Sundays. I didn’t mind going to church because I liked reading bible verses.
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I am not sure why I was chosen to read; I don’t remember seeing many other kids. It was a small church. Confession: the main reason I enjoyed reading the small bible verses was that I always got an almond joy candy bar.
As I grew older, my church attendance decline and there was less bible reading; when I returned to reading daily, I began with daily devotions; the daily devotions led me to the bible for research and a better understanding.
I began with Geneses and move to Proverbs because they were easy to read and understand. Proverbs reads like a guidebook.
Like most other things there are many articles on how to read the bible.
Here are some steps to help you get started.
First: let's talk bible version. Most people find the Bible hard to read, this is where bible versions come in. The original version of the bible was written in Hebrew and Greek, one of the first translations into English was the King James Version (KJV). Get Free Download: A Guide to Bible Translations.
But since then there is a variety version to choose from. As a beginner I found the New Living Translation (NLT), English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV) to be the most readable.
The ESV is an excellent study bible. You can go to biblestudytools.com and find great bible study tools here.
Second: Starting Place I started at the beginning, but you don’t have to. Some people start with the Gospels: Mark, Luke, and John, they will familiarize you with Christ Life and Ministry. There are various suggestions on where to start.
I recommend that you start with a book that you find interesting and easy to read. I am a fan of Proverbs, they are easy to understand and very helpful in living a godly life. An excellent book to read is The Complete Guide to the Bible.
Third: Read Every day Like many people I read shortly after getting out of the bed, for me, there are fewer distractions during the morning. I usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depends on what I am reading. If you miss a day try to catch up the next day.
Regularly, I read daily devotionals from three different spiritual books, this brings me to the bible for further understand and reference.
Maybe just 5 or 10 minutes of reading is best, sometimes less is better if it means you remember more.
Fourth: Get Your Highlighter Out Yes, get your pen and paper out too. When you begin to read you will find verses that seem to leap at you; maybe the scripture speaks to an issue you may be dealing with. You may want to highlight the verse and take notes for future reference.
As you read the bible (or daily devotionals) here are three questions you can ask yourself to gain a better understanding.
What does this teach me about God?
What does it teach me about how I should live?
How can I apply this to my life?
When a verse speaks to you, highlight it, underline it or stop and write it down, word for word. Now read it over slowly to let the message sink in because these words are God’s words to you.
Fifth: Ask for Gods Help (Pray) Seek help from God. Ask him to help you understand his words of instruction. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know Him and love Him.
Say you don’t know how to pray. Just talk to God like you would to a friend or father; he will hear you.
SUMMARY: These steps have become a habit; if I miss a day reading; I can't wait to catch up. Sometimes I keep a verse taped on the wall so that I can see and meditate on it during the day.
You must be intentional about getting God’s Word into your thoughts, and you’ll soon see your relationship with God thrive, and your life transformed.
The Bible was never meant just to inform us; the Bible was meant to transform us. --- Unknown
A Reading Plan – Several reading plans are available to help students of God’s Word complete their reading in a specific time frame—a one-year plan, three-year plan, etc. Often, the method includes a Psalm and Proverb along with each day’s reading. Click Here "Bible Reading Plans" you will find more than enough reading plans to fit your preference.
What about you? Do you read the bible or daily devotions?
Tell us about your reading strategies.