How To Read the Bible

John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." It's saying that before the world was created there was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. Later it says that, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." To paraphrase, the Bible is God. I

God speaks to us in many ways- music, sermons, other people, nature, etc..- but, if the Word is God, it is the primary way that He speaks. If you are only relying on the "other things" for God to speak to you, you are missing out on so much God wants to give. What if we relied on emails, phone calls, pictures, baby books, etc.. to get to know our spouse, but never listened to him talk? It sounds ridiculous, but that's what we do with God. We forget to go Him, though His word, to hear His voice.

You may have the desire to read the Bible, but when you open up it seems confusing and overwhelming. I'd like to share a few tips that have helped me.

-Pray before you read. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding and allow God to speak to you

-Good books to start with are John or 1 John. Before you read through the Old Testament I would recommend you read the whole New Testament through.

-Whatever book you are reading read it straight through. Don't just open the Bible randomly and read a verse here and one there. This allows you to understand what the author is saying and what is going on in context. If you start with John you can continue through the New Testament all the way to Revelation. The next time you can read Matthew and then skip to Acts and read it through again.

-Don't worry about understanding everything. You have your whole life to study and understand, the most important thing is that you are reading. Your spirit is taking in what your mind may not comprehend.

-Have a journal and pen with you. Write down verses that stand out to you, what God is speaking through them, and prayers that are rising up in you.

-Be consistent. A lot of times you won't feel like reading, you'll be too busy, you'll forget, or be tired or have other things going on. Do it anyway. Teach yourself discipline. If you do skip a day or a few days just jump back in. There "is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!"
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

-Remember that every need you have is met in the Word. It is where every problem has it's solution and every question it's answer.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:16-17