QUESTION
How to Start a Daily Reading of the Bible?
The Bible is its own best teacher. The Bible however is not arranged like an encyclopedia. You cannot go to chapter 1 and read everything about God and go to chapter 2 to read everything about Jesus, etc. Some ground rules need to be set up first:
- Pray first before opening God's word. Ask for guidance and to be able to accept what is written and to be able to apply His will to your life.
- Never, never read the Bible trying to proof your belief on any subject. It is only human nature to take ideas out of context.
- When you are reading and come across something that does not make sense, reread the paragraph or chapter again. If you still do not understand, write down the problem area and continue onward. You may discover the answers later in your reading.
- Do not read large amounts of the Bible in one setting. Take breaks often. Some folks read one chapter a day and others are strong readers that can read more than one chapter. The main thing is being open to the Holy Spirit guiding you and letting God's Word talk to you.
- Start with the New Testament, people who start with the Old Testament almost never read the Bible all the way through. The New Testament is what is binding on us today. We need to follow God's will for us today.
- Forget everything you have ever heard about Jesus, God and the Bible before you start reading the Bible. Don't take what you want it to say with you first.
Now with those in mind, let's lay out the way to read the Bible to let it build on itself:
- Read "Book of John." (It contains a lot of the life of Jesus not before read, especially his last two weeks before the crucifixion.)
- Read "Matthew." (It goes into better detail of some events and adds more about Jesus.)
- Read "Mark." (It is written in chronological order.)
- Read "Luke", then "Acts." Both written by Apostle Paul's traveling companion Luke. Acts is a continuation of Luke. It describes the early church and contains the examples of New Testament conversions.
- Read "Galatians." It deals with the reasons why we do not follow the Old Testament Laws in a more simplified way than does Romans or Hebrews.
- Then read the rest of the New Testament starting at Romans and going to Revelation.
Benefits of Reading God's Word
1. God's Word leads us to Salvation.
We are all saved by believing the truth of Scripture whether we read it ourselves or are taught it by someone else. "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,through the living and enduring word of God." (1Peter 1:23).
2. The Scriptures guide our Steps.
If we read and listen to the Lord's instructions, He will show us where to go, what to day and how to make decisions. His Word will also reveal when we are heading the wrong direction and warns us of the consequences of the path we are on. (Psalms 119:105). says "The word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,"
3. It lifts our Burden.
Because the Lord is interested in every aspect of our lives, we can run to His Word in our pain, grief, loneliness, or sickness and receive help in our time of trouble. "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." (Psalm 119:28).
4. God's Word directs us to Wisdom.
"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130). Scripture is our greatest protection. It’s like a shield before us, guarding our way and warning of danger. But if we neglect reading and obeying the Word, we won’t be able to distinguish right from wrong.
5. The Scriptures give Peace.
Perhaps the most desired possession in the world is peace, but it can only be found in the Lord. “Great Peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." (Psalm 119:165). Peace means to be bound to something, and when that something is the Word of God, we are bound to Him and experience the peace Jesus promised to His disciples (John 14:27).
6. The Word of God brings Joy.
If we love the Word, we’ll find great joy and comfort in reading it. When facing tough situations and discouragement, our first response will be to open the Scriptures. Even if we don’t know where to read, the Lord will guide us to a passage which can restore our hope and joy. "Your statues are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." (Psalm 119:111).
God honors and is committed to blessing those who respect and love His precious Word. It is the most valuable possession we own because it is His written message to us. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His mind and heart. Everything else will pass away, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isa. 40:8). The Lord is still on His throne and continues doing what He’s promised in His Word. When we believe and obey it, our lives are transformed.
Your voyage through God's Word will be the best traveling you can ever take. You will laugh and you will cry, and lots more. It can teach you the most important things for this life and the one to come.
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