If this is you, have no fear, this blog is here to help you..... :)
For starters, pick a time to study that you will be focused and receptive to whatever you are reading. DON'T attempt to watch your favorite TV show, or listen to your favorite song while simultaneously studying the Bible. It will not work. These things will be a huge distraction. If you do so, you may finish the verses, but you probably will not retain the knowledge of what you have read. Give God your full attention and I promise that He will speak to you through His word.
If you find yourself struggling to understand the Word, ask the Father to give you wisdom. The Bible says in James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."(NIV). Before you begin to read, ask God to give you wisdom and understanding. Sometimes, the Word can be very deep, so you will need the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you through it so that you are not just reading, but that the words are being absorbed into your spirit. You do not have to be a scholar to understand the Bible, you just have to be open to receiving the message that God has for you.
If you are overwhelmed by the language used in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, try picking up a New International Version Bible (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) Bible. The language used in those versions are easier for our modern society to understand. I personally use a NIV Life Application Study Bible and I must say it is AWESOME! It is a bit pricey (I found it on sale, PRAISE GOD) but it is worth every penny. It gives you knowledge on the history surrounding the Bible stories that you're reading and it also has a part at the bottom that breaks down the verses, so that you can better understand it and relate it to everyday life. I also have a NLT Bible and I like it as well.
***Let me say, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG with using the KJV Bible. It is the closest version of the Bible to the original, which is awesome! If you prefer that version, by all means stick with it. If ever there is something that you may not understand in the KJV, ask of the Father. He will give you understanding.
For those of you who are puzzled on where to start reading, I would suggest for you to start with the very beginning. If you're unfamiliar with the word, or haven't been taught a lot about the things of God, Genesis is definitely a good starting point. Start with Genesis 1:1. In order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been and we all began with creation. Get a thorough understanding of what took place in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve were created, and sin was introduced. Read through Genesis, and you will find very interesting stories such as Cain & Abel, Abraham & Sarah, Joseph and his brothers, Noah's Ark, Sodom & Gomorrah, and countless other stories. It's one thing to be told about these different stories, but when you read them for yourself, they become real to you, and you can apply the principles to your life.
The whole Bible is full of stories, and it states in Ecclesiastes 1:9, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."(NIV) This is absolutely a true statement because the things that took place in the Bible days can be easily related to the things that are happening now. Have you ever noticed how fashion trends continuously repeat? It is the same thing. The Word of God is ALIVE, and it will continue to be relevant to our lives.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
God's Word does not lie and it is imperative that we as people read and allow the word to become LIFE to us, and become ingrained in our spirits. It has to become REAL to us. We have to know what the Word says concerning us so that we can be girded and able to fight the enemy. When he says that you will never be able to do something, you have to know that the scripture says we can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). If the Dr. tells you that you have cancer, you can tell that cancer, "By His stripes I am healed"(Isaiah 53:5). You don't EVER have to accept any negative thing that the enemy says because God says that He has plans to prosper you {Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.(NIV)} and that is the ONLY thing that matters. Use the concordance in the back of the Bible to help you find scriptures to get you through your situation. If you need healing, go to the concordance and look for healing, and find out what God says concerning healing. There is no situation you could be dealing with that can't be helped by the Word of God.
Mediate on this scripture...
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, please give him your life today! It is written in Romans 10:9 (NIV)
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Remember I love you, but God loves you more!!!
~Ximena Sherard
Well said! & practical application for new & old believers! Sometimes we just get stuck. I like how you suggested to start at Genesis--in order to know where we're going, we have to know where we began. Sooooo true. & no matter what we're going through, we can turn to the WORD of God. It's amazing how the Word has the answer to ALL of our needs! PRAISE THE LORD! This helped so much Ximena!
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