Are you confused reading the Bible?
Reading the Bible as a beginner can be difficult and confusing. It contains 66 books, and all these books are as important as the air we breathe. There are so many things that God wants to tell us through His word. Unfortunately, the Bible is the most neglected book, and most believer struggles to read it, but we assure you, you don’t have to be a theologian to get started.
Don’t worry, in this post, we will explore the right translation to read for better understanding, the right book to start with using a simple reading plan, what to do before you begin, and how to reflect on what you’ve read.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).
Choose the Right Translation
There are many different versions available, but as a beginner, we recommend avoiding older translations and opting for easy-to-read and understand translations, such as the NLT, ESV, NIV, AMP, and KJV. All of them are fine to start with, but you should check them thoroughly when buying.
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him ( Psalms 18:30).
Start with the Right Book
You must develop a methodical way of reading the Bible if you don’t know where to start you can start with the book of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John this will introduce you to the Gospel, then Psalms, Proverbs, will impact you with wisdom, the Acts of the Apostles speak more about the Holy spirit, Genesis the beginning of sin which led to the birth and death of Jesus Christ and more.
Avoid difficult books like Leviticus, Ecclesiastes, Ezekiel, and Revelation, which contain laws and rituals, strange visions, apocalypses, and symbolic language, as a beginner, to avoid confusion.
Use a Simple Reading Plan
Having a Bible reading plan is the most effective way to grow and become more familiar with the Bible. By reading three and a quarter chapters a day, one can read through the Bible in a year. Alternatively, reading one chapter a day allows for a three-year and three-month completion of the Bible. You can either read it systematically or topically, whichever way soothes you.
Pray Before You Read
You don’t depend on your intellectual knowledge when reading the scriptures if you want to understand the Bible then you have to read in the light of the Holy Spirit’s guidance pray that the Lord illuminate your heart with His word and meditate on it don’t just read the Bible as a novel but meditate on each chapter or verse carefully and observe to do what was written therein.
Prayer for guidance
- Please open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things in your word.
- Oh Lord, give me the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of your word in the name of Jesus.
Reflect on What You Read
God speaks through His word. The question is, are we always attentive to hear Him speak through it?
If we read the scriptures because we have a sermon to preach, then we are missing it. Maybe God has been trying to tell you something for a long time, but you have been too busy to realise it by not allowing His word to reflect on you.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like (James 1:23-24).
So, when reading the Bible, look to see what God is saying to you in the passage that you are reading, then write down what you have learn and what God is telling you from the passage.
Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you ( Jer 30:2).
Pray After You Read
After you have finished reading a passage in the scriptures and fully meditated on it you don’t just jump up and go about your daily activity try to get to know what the Lord is trying to tell you about it, then worship Him for enlightening you with His word, also pray that He help you to apply it into your life and lastly be silent and still for some minutes to hear Him speak to you.
Stay Consistent, Not Perfect
At first, it might be tough, but don’t give up. Devote yourself to the Holy Spirit and commit to five to ten minutes of daily prayer; it’s better than none. It can also be twice a day, morning before setting out for your day activities and evening time before bed.
During this time, take away anything that might cause distraction, like a mobile phone, TV, social media, friends, etc. Likewise, you may choose a quiet place within the house as your study room.
Encourage grace over guilt, don’t be discouraged when you miss a day. It can happen, but it shouldn’t be often. Make a habit of turning down other things just to read the scripture, and you will find this a lovely thing to do.
The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible. Dwight L Moody
Be Accountable
As a beginner, try as much as possible to be accountable to a spiritual mentor or friend who can check your spiritual progress, ask them questions anytime you read a passage and don’t understand it, and at other times study the scripture together. This allows you to motivate each other and develop your personal Bible study.
The best time to start is now. Don’t procrastinate; open your Bible today and start reading. You will be glad you did.
Be also sure to read:
How to Stop Backsliding as a Christian: Practical Steps to Reconnect with God
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